Propane piping

[John in herndon]

Since there is no gas piping forum, I hope this one is OK.

I know that natural gas is normally piped with Black Iron pipe (not sure why).

Is it permissible to use soft copper tube to pipe Propane for a gas cooktop?

Thanks

[hj]

Some natural gas is corrosive to copper tubing. Copper is often used for propane piping, as long as the size is correct and the proper fittings are used.

[Doherty Plumbing]

Black Iron pipe is used in natural gas and propane piping because it is readily available and does a great job.

I have never seen gas piping erroded because of the gas itself. You must have some VERY nasty gas where you are at.... There shouldn't be anything in the natural gas that is corroding copper.

Anyway on the the question...

Where I am from you are allowed to use soft copper for propane. But check with local codes and regulations because usually the copper has to be a min of type K from the 1st stage regulator to the line pressure regulator. And then probably minimum type L copper after the line pressure regulator. But again every area is different.

Each area also usually has it's own codes about what types of joints are allowed to be used and where etc etc. If you plan on "soldering" the copper for joints you should know that you'll likely have to either braze or sil-fos the joints.

You are probably allowed to use flared joints where you are from for your connections. Just make sure you use a flexible gas connector about 4' long going from the wall outlet of the gas line to the stove. So when you pull the stove out you have 4' of play on the gas line.

Good luck!

[nhmaster]

Helmet's on boys.

[seaofnames]

Duct tape party!!!

[kingsotall]

There is a definite reason (cue duct tape boy) there is not a gas piping forum. Working with gas is inhernetly dangerous and this type of work is not only best suited for a licensed, bonded and insured plumber but is well worth the peace of mind in hiring one to do the job for you.

[hj]

Corrode might have been too strong a word. Oxidize, which is the same thing, can occur with natural gas, and the oxidation particles can flow to the unit and plug the pilot and burner orifices.