Most of us take our gas appliances for granted until the stove won’t light or the house feels a bit chilly on a winter morning. We rely on gas lines to carry fuel for bathing, cooking, and warmth but rarely think about the material that makes up these pipes. Gas lines wear out over time. Knowing how long you can expect yours to last can save you a lot of worry and help you plan for future maintenance.
The Strength and Weakness of Traditional Steel
If your home was built several decades ago, you likely have black steel pipes running through your basement or crawl space. These lines are strong and can often last for 70 to 80 years in optimal condition. Although steel is strong, it is susceptible to rust and corrosion if it stays in a damp environment for too long. For example, a steel pipe near a leaky water line might start to flake and thin out much faster than a pipe in a dry attic. Keep an eye out for reddish-brown stains or a strange smell. These are the first clues that the metal is starting to break down.
Modern Flexibility With CSST and Copper
In newer homes, many builders use corrugated stainless-steel tubing known as CSST. This material is highly favored because it is flexible and can be snaked through walls much like electrical wiring. These lines are durable and can easily last for several decades as long as they are installed correctly and bonded for lightning safety. Some older systems use copper, which is a cause for concern because certain types of natural gas can cause copper to flake from the inside out. When those tiny flakes break off, they can clog the valves in your furnace or water heater. This leads to an annoying and expensive repair job.
The Longevity of Underground Plastic
The lines buried in your yard that connect your house to the main street supply consist of high-density polyethylene. This tough plastic does not rust or rot in wet soil. Pipes made from this material can function for over 50 years without much trouble at all. Unlike metal, plastic does not react to the chemicals in the soil. So, it stays smooth and solid for a long time. However, a shovel or backhoe could accidentally cut these pipes. To prevent this, always call 811 a few days ahead to have your site surveyed to locate utilities before you start a backyard digging project.
Even if your pipes are new, you must stay alert for signs of trouble so that you can act quickly if something goes wrong. If you notice your gas bills increasing even though your habits have not changed, or you see dead grass right above the gas lines in your yard, chances are high that you have a slow leak. A rotten egg smell is a dead giveaway that trouble is brewing. Get help straight away. If you have concerns or require gas line services, contact Assurance Power Systems in Delray Beach, FL.
