Can you use galvanized pipes for gas
It is not recommended to use galvanized steel pipes for natural gas. Over time, the galvanized coating can flake off and clog the gas lines, leading to potential safety hazards. Instead, it is advisable to use pipes specifically designed and approved for natural gas, such as black steel or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) pipes. Always consult with a professional plumber or gas fitter for the appropriate materials and installation methods for natural gas systems.
In the old days, sometimes after a long time. This was generally due to the poor quality of galvanizing. Today using galvanized pipe generally presents no threat. Plumbers tend to use black pipe with gas for two main reasons. One is that it costs less than galvanized. The other is that if galvanized pipes are used for water then using black for gas distinguishes the two uses. Imagine using galvanized for both gas and water in the same house? That could present a problem in people distinguishing which pipes are carrying what. I like to suggest painting galvanized pipes used for gas yellow. Today there exists flexible stainless steel gas pipe and it always yellow (that I’ve ever seen) so painting piping that is for gas yellow seems like a good idea. If pipe is in the ground it will tend to corrode faster (depends on the soil conditions). Many areas do not allow galvanized pipe underground for gas piping and factory coated steel pipe must be used. In some areas plastic pipe is allowed underground (with electric wire above it to allow for locating of that plastic gas pipe as well as warning tape above that pipe as well).
It's safe. There may be some small reaction between zinc gas that is odorized with H2S but not enough to matter. Gas is mostly odorized with mercaptans these days. Smells like rotten garlic instead of sulfur.
The thing is that you don't need galvanized pipe for gas because there's no water there to cause galvanic corrosion so you don't need an anode coating. Black steel pipe should be cheaper. The price difference should be enough to buy PVC pipe wrap for direct burial gas lines. One thing that black steel should do is if anyone digs it up and finds PVC wrapped black steel and they have a brain they should know it's gas. Same goes for a crawl space or basement. If you use galvanized you lose that extra safety measure. Gas pipes should be labeled also. I see less problem using galvanized fittings with black pipe. If you aren't buying from a plumbing supply it may be harder to find black fittings and imported galvanized may be cheaper than black at a home store. We aren't talking much money. If you can buy black use it.
