What type of copper tubing is used for propane gas?

Category: home and garden indoor environmental quality
4.1/5 (5,126 Views . 36 Votes)
Types K and L copper tube (ASTM B 88) and ACR tube (ASTM B 280), up to and including 1-inch outside diameter, have been used in fuel gas systems for many years. Usually, Type L is used for interior distribution systems and Type K for any underground lines.



In this regard, is copper tubing OK for propane?

Copper tubing should only be used for propane (LPG) gas, and NOT natural gas. FLARE or solder fittings only, NO compression (ferrule) fittings.

Similarly, what is the difference between L and M copper pipe? When to use Type L and Type M copper pipe sizes But for normal “in the wall” household plumbing, Type M copper pipe is just fine. The difference is the wall thickness of the copper pipe sizes and therefore the pressure it can handle. The exterior dimensions are identical, meaning you use the same copper fittings.

Additionally, what type of pipe is used for propane?

The propane yard line generally consists of copper tubing or plastic polyethylene piping. The service piping needs to be installed correctly and legally in conjunction with the propane tank for the entire outside portion of the installation to be safe and serviceable.

Can PEX be used for propane?

For propane, you can use Type L copper with plastic sheath to protect from contact with lime in cement. Type L can also be direct buried or penetrate through walls, ceilings and floors. No refridgeration tubing can be buried, but it can be used for LP supply where accessible only.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How deep are propane lines buried?

Underground piping and tubing is required to be buried a minimum of 15” below ground or 24” below a commercial driveway or parking lot, except when it rises above ground at the point of connection to a building.

Can copper tubing be used for gas line?

A. Copper pipe, or tubing is NEVER ALLOWED BY CODE IN THE US FOR NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION! Bottom line is copper is NEVER ALLOWED BY CODE IN THE US FOR NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION! It is very common to see copper tubing used in rural areas for propane gas distribution.

What can I use for propane gas line?

Propane gas lines are manufactured using a wide variety of piping raw materials such as copper and plastic. Interior gas lines can be installed in homes and businesses which utilize durable, long-lasting piping materials.

What type of copper is used for gas lines?

Type L is considered the most common type of copper piping, as it can be used in many more applications than Type K. Flexible Type L copper can be used to repair or replace old water lines, although rigid tubing is more durable.

How far can you run a propane line from the tank?


500-gallon propane tanks
The minimum distance from any source of ignition is 10 feet. The minimum distance from a property line is 10 feet.

Can I use compression fittings for propane?

WARNING - Use compression fittings at your own risk.
From what I've seen, the average Home Depot compression fitting will not be approved for use in any LP or natural gas, as the approvals I've run across are very specific to testing that manufacture has performed on their "Approved Connection System".

Can you use brass pipe for propane?

Steel, copper, brass: The most common gas piping is black steel. Galvanized steel, copper, brass or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) also can be used in some areas, but some utilities specifically prohibit the use of copper. Galvanized steel is used in some areas as well.

Why can't you use galvanized pipe for propane?

Re: Galvanized pipe OK with propane? The original reason was that the gas composition caused the galvanizing to flake off and plug the orifices. Most gas no longer has that problem. Here, galvanized is required outdoors above ground.

Can SharkBite fittings be used for propane?

Do not use sharp instruments to open the SharkBite® PEX packaging, you may damage the pipe. Do not use with natural gas, propane, fuel oil or any other fluid, chemical or product. SharkBite® PEX tubing (non oxygen barrier) is for use with potable water only and is not approved or intended for any other use.

Can I use a natural gas hose for propane?


Propane and natural gas
Gates LP350X hose is designed to convey propane, butane, or a combination of the two. LPG Gas and Natural Gas hose are for outdoor use only, never use Propane or Natural Gas hose indoors or in confined spaces or on vehicles or RVs.

Can I use black iron pipe for propane?

Black iron pipes are steel pipes that are cut to length, threaded, and used in applications such as gas lines and water supply lines. They are primarily used for natural or propane gas lines, so when you have to work on your gas line, it's essential that you know how to deal with black iron piping.

Are all propane regulators the same?

Are All Gas Grill Regulators the Same? Every propane gas grill uses an LP regulator, but not all regulators are created equal. Though the purpose is the same, different types of setups require different types of regulators. The type of regulator a grill needs is based on the specific propane application requirements.

Can Teflon tape be used on propane fittings?

Teflon tape for gas fittings, also known as gas-rated Teflon tape, is yellow in color and clearly states it is for gas lines and connections. The tape works on all gas line types, including butane, propane and natural gas lines. The tape cuts easily with a utility knife or scissors.

Can you use galvanized pipe for propane gas?

Galvanized pipe is OK of natural gas - if you run out of black pipe but galvanized pipe should never be used for propane service.

Why is black pipe used for gas lines?


Black pipes are also called steel pipes and are used to carry water and gas from their sources to the end users. It is the pipe that is used by businesses and homes to convey their supply of natural or propane gas. It is also used for fire sprinkler systems because of its strong resistance to heat.

Can you use compression fittings on copper gas lines?

Copper Fuel Gas Fittings. For copper natural gas systems joined with flared tube connections, flared brass fittings of a single 45 o flare type are used, Figure 15. Compression fittings in a gas piping system are not permitted unless allowed by the authority having jurisdiction.

Why do you flare copper tubing?

During assembly, the flared end of the copper pipe is secured to the tapered fitting by the flare nut. It allows for leak-tight and pressure resistant seal. The two parts of flare fitting, the flare nut and the actual flare fitting, should fit easily together.