Copper Gas Line Used for Water
Kathy bought a house in a suburb of St. Louis.
Here's what she sent me:
"I purchased a home and the previous resident used gas line to run water thru the house from the main line. Is this safe for water and does it leach any chemicals? Should I have my water tested?
We plan in the next three years to change all the plumbing lines, but I am worried about safety between now and when we do. Also if testing, is necessary who do you suggest?"
I might add that Kathy sent a photo of this strange circumstance.
The top pipe is a 3/4-inch copper water line. The one below it and brighter, is also copper. That must be the gas line Kathy is talking about. © 2016 Kathy H. but giving Tim Carter a perpetual free license to publish it.
I've been a master plumber for over 35 years and I don't see any issues at all. The gas line was copper and my guess is the previous owner wanted to save some money.
I happen to wonder what new gas line he installed!
If the water tastes fine and there's no odor, then all is well. Copper is an excellent material to use for water supply lines.
Reference: December 9, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.
Is there an issue with using copper water pipe with SOLDERED joints for gas pipe? I was told by a gas fitter they use threaded black iron pipe because if there is a fire the solder could pop apart and compound the fire problem
¡Ay, caramba! Holy camoli! Bad idea, Tim!
Please read to the end...
As a veteran of the natural gas industry now retired, let me immediately tell you without delay of some critically vital info which too many are simply not aware of: Natural gas reacts with copper tubing primarily by disintegrating it from the inside out. Nasty, nasty stuff. This combo go BOOM!
As an emergency leak responder my personal experience, our local codes, as well as company policy all prohibit the use of copper and/or sweated copper tubing as gas lines. I would have to repeatedly disconnect these lines for leaking and write up ones that weren't leaking at the time. The web is rife with commentary and investigations of this.
There were lines found which, when touched, actually fell apart like cigarette ash from the end of a coffin nail. Other lines would clog from the graphite products reactively accrued within the line and you could pour it out of the line when bringing it vertical. The gas would leak through the sponge like disintegrating copper which had reacted with compounds in the gas. These graphited products also clogged equipment.
But the real kicker? PCB's! No kidding! PCB's may occasionally be present in natural gas. You definitely don't want to be drinking this stuff!
It is EPA mandated to perform an internal swipe test when replacing gas mains in order to determine the presence of PCB's deposited by precipitation from the gas moving through the system. Also, who knows what else is in there!
Gas in your home first flows through the mains then your service before entering your house lines enroute to your equipment. This is all after it has been "cleaned" by passing through industrial oils and other filters "scrubbing" it after leaving the well head, usually at multiple points in the supply chain. The gas picks up these cleaning elements similarly to how the air picks up moisture and other elements. Then it precipitates out until it reaches your equipment and combusts.
So, my advice? Rip that copper out and convert it to a little green in your pocket at the local scrap yard.
Keep up your awesome work otherwise, Tim. Love your stuff!
There is a MAJOR problem in the photo - but not with the copper line - rather the two hacks in the bottom of each joist
Edward,
I agree they shoud not be allowed to use copper as gas line, it should be code to only use black threaded steel pipe.
Also in the picture they have cut the bottom of the floor jouces, which is a NO, NO.
I was told by a pipefitter that iron pipe was used for natural gas because an idiot (and they're out there!) could poke a hole in copper tubing, but no one could accidentally poke a hole in an iron pipe.
Hi in response to your querie, My house is all electric and has no gas line at all. I guess he wanted to save money but I have a ton of brass valves some only 4-6 inches apart. and they are all over . Thank you for your quick response. What are your opinions on the new flexible water line they are installing these days.