A black iron pipe securely encloses natural gas within a durable, thick-walled metal pipe. Since black iron pipe does not have the zinc coating, it corrodes very quickly if exposed to water. For this reason, it cannot be used for water or waste pipes. However, it is very popular for gas pipelines.
One reason is because it is less expensive than galvanized pipe for gas. Another is that it is easier to differentiate it from water pipes when it is crawled under a house. Black iron pipe used to be found in water lines, but it has been much more popular for gas since the advent of copper, CPVC and PEX. It is an excellent choice for gas for two reasons.
It's strong and relatively easy to put together. Like PVC, black malleable iron uses a system of pipes and fittings that are joined together with compounds rather than welded. Despite its name, black iron pipe is made of a low-quality mild steel composite. This gives it much better corrosion resistance than traditional cast iron pipes.
Black Pipe Black steel pipe is different from galvanized pipe because it is not coated. The dark color comes from iron oxide that forms on its surface during manufacturing. The main purpose of black steel pipe is to bring natural gas to homes and businesses. The pipe is manufactured seamless, making it a stronger and safer pipe for transporting gas.
Black steel pipe is also used for fire sprinkler systems because it is more fire resistant than galvanized pipe. The black gas pipe can be buried underground. But it needs a protective layer to keep it away from rust. Black iron tubes do not contain any protective coating.
Therefore, before burying it, paint must be applied to them to protect it from moisture. An electric arc between the steel gas service pipe and the iron sewer pipe created the hole in the gas service pipe. The gas leaked through an eighth-inch diameter hole in the pipe, which was located where the gas pipe crossed the sewer pipe that served the house.
