My plumber wants to install a new copper pipe gas insulation going to my new gas logs. He says it doesn't matter if copper is used. I say, and not knowing that much about it, that black pipe is best. Please advise as I have gotten too many answers both of which are pro and con.

Can you first try to explain what you meant by "copper pipe gas insulation " My suggestion is to let the plumber use what he is most comfortable with. Is this a complete repiping or just between the gas log and the pipe entering the firebox?

Whether you can use copper pipe for gas in your State or not, but we don’t recommend it black pipe is the best.
It is extremely dangerous to do any type of repair on copper pipe used for gas. It is almost impossible to drain the gas from pipe completely. You cannot approach it with burning torch to do any modification to it, including repairs that will almost certainly come along down the road. This is the main reason why copper is not used for running gas, good luck.

John

Sorry Bob,

We were typing at the same time, Thanks.

John

To ballengerb1,
Thank you for your quick reply. In response to your question- I am having a gas log installed in my fireplace.
My plumber is installing a new gas line to this installation and he said it is OK to use a copper pipe instead of black pipe. I am not sure where he is going to tap off from but the nearest gas line is coming into my old heating furnace which is not used anymore. I would imagine he has to tap into an already black pipe insulation. I think black pipe is the better way to go but would appreciate your opinion. Thank you

Type L or K soft temper Copper tubing is used for hot water heaters, smaller gas heaters and gas logs. The softer tubing allows the installation of flared fitting which are required, not compression fittings. I would not put the copper tubing in the fireplace itself due to the heat but extend black pipe out of the box to a compression fitting.

YOu should answer the thread you created... not create a new one for every answer.

If you forgot what thread it was... its at this link.

Moderator, can you merge these threads...

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbing/iron-pipe-vs-copper-pipe-539016.html#post2649502

>threads Merged<

Hi Scott...

What type of gas are we talking about.. Liquid petroleum (LP) or natural gas (NG)?

Copper tubing is accepted almost everywhere that I know of for use on LP gas systems. As Ma0641 pointed out we use flare fittings and never use compression fittings or anything to do with soldering fittings/flame with copper gas tubing.

Very few states allow copper to be used with natural gas systems, especially if the hydrgen sulfide concentration of the natural gas being used exceeds 0.03% of the gas mixture as it is corrosive to copper tubing.

Anyway, as ballengerb1 pointed out, most likely the plumber knows what he is doing, but if you are still unsure what to do then consult with your local plumbing inspector and see what he says, OK?

Is the plumber pulling a permit for this job? He should be and he should be testing the tubing as per local code requirements.

Questions? Let us know...

Mark

Now you have me wondering. I visited 6 of my neighbors and 3 new under construction homes .Every HW heater is connected to the shut off valve with copper tubing, our church is too, all NG. Metro Atlanta! Brian