How deep should I bury it? Is it possible to buy pre weatherized pipe so I dont have to wrap it? Are the unions all wrapped or is some other solution better?
Can I use that flexible stuff in the ground or just under the house in the crawl space?
Any thoughts would be much appreciated! Thanx!
2006-09-24 10:41:13 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
This is not something you can do by yourself (legally) in the US. You must use a licenced and bonded gas contractor. This is because back in the day when folks piped up thier own houses, there were a lot of leaks and explosions. Do yourself a favor and call your local gas company and they will direct you to a list of quality contractors.
2006-09-24 10:50:21 · answer #1 · answered by Star G 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
There are too many unknowns to answer your question accurately.
Such as, how far are you running this line, and to what are you running it? You would need the distance and the total BTU load to size the line properly. Is this system propane or natural gas? Is this in a high or low pressure system?
I know people have good intentions but I don’t agree with some of the pipe suggestions in some of the answers here. Polyethylene tubing is the product of choice for underground lines, and yes you must be certified to install it, and yes it requires specialized tools to install.
Black pipe underground without cathodic protection, will eventually rust and leak regardless of how well it is wrapped. In some areas it is now illegal to install steal pipe underground without true catodic protection through induced current, or self sacrificing anode.
The only way I could suggest that this would be a do it yourself type job would be if you were using copper tube on a propane installation, and you were running a line across a yard to a garage for a small heater or something similar. You could then consult with your propane company regarding the proper tubing size, and trench in the line yourself to the legal depth in your area. Then you could have the propane company come out and pressure, and flow test the system.
In any case consult your gas company, in many cases there are things that you can do yourself to save some labor charges, even if it’s just having the trench prepared.
2006-09-25 10:42:03 · answer #2 · answered by lpgnh3 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends upon your local state and county requirements. Generally gas pipe is buried at least 18 inches to insure it is not damaged by normal digging tools. A uniform 18 inch trench is really deep when you're using a shovel.
As to the materials, again this is a local code question. Most everywhere I've seen gas pipe they use galvanized steel pipe....at least 1" diameter due to the low pressure nature of gas systems. You will need to buy the pipe threaded, or rent a pipe threading machine.
Having said that, I have seen some thick walled plastic pipe used in Texas. I know, because I accidently put a shovel through it, upstream of my gas meter. This stuff has a thick wall, and requires a special hydraulic tool to make connections.
It's not adviseable to put any plastic gas pipe inside your house. You can set a trap for the future where you or someone puts a nail through the pipe accidently.
As to wrapping gas pipe. I can only think this necessary in very cold climates, and the amount of insulation needed would be excessive. So I wouldn't worry about that.
2006-09-24 16:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by richard Alvarado 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pro Flex Gas Line
2016-12-17 04:27:55 · answer #4 · answered by degraffenreid 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flexible Propane Gas Line
2016-11-01 11:12:13 · answer #5 · answered by santolucito 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
I want to put in a new underground gas line, how do I do that?
How deep should I bury it? Is it possible to buy pre weatherized pipe so I dont have to wrap it? Are the unions all wrapped or is some other solution better?
Can I use that flexible stuff in the ground or just under the house in the crawl space?
Any thoughts would be much appreciated! Thanx!
2015-08-18 21:34:05 · answer #6 · answered by Leeland 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I put miles of natural gasline in as a contractor. Today, the poly pipe is generally used and you have to have a fussion machine to install it. That would require the local utility company or a private contractor for the required installation equipment. It also has to be inspected for leaks in most communities I'm aware of. The code depth where I used to install was 39" of cover. However, that may vary by community and state regulations. If you are referring to propane, the line is 24" I believe (check with your utility provider) and all the fittings are readily available at any home center or hardware store.
2006-09-28 02:50:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all before I forget it.. I am much in favor of black pipe for gas lines.. they must withstand a PSI pressure of 10 whereas plastic has to withstand a pressure of 60.. I have NO faith in anything other than black pipe...AND.. that includes all the fittings.. no zinc or stuff like that but black pipe or TREATED PIPE FITTINGS.....s'nuff on that !!!
Now.. as far as the depth.. each State(and maybe City) has their own restrictions on that.. some, I know are 18" deep so you would have to check with your own City Department to find out
2006-09-24 11:01:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-01-25 05:34:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off all states, cities, and counties have different codes. I suggest you pay a visit to your gas company and get the correct specifications from them.
2006-09-24 10:55:44 · answer #10 · answered by cwsmith 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋