The most common materials used to make gas pipes are steel, black iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and copper. Some utilities prohibit some of these materials, so be sure to check with your local utility company to determine what is allowed in your area before installing any. A very durable option for transporting natural gas is a black pipe. These pipes are usually made of steel and iron.
They are malleable, making them a perfect opportunity for homes. Both natural gas and propane can be transferred through black pipes. Black steel is the most commonly used gas pipe. Some utilities prohibit the use of copper in certain areas, but galvanized steel, copper, brass, or CSST may be used.
Steel pipes can be used on the ground as long as corrosion due to the environment and transport gas is not a problem. Steel and copper tubes are the most commonly used materials in the interior of buildings. Copper pipes used in gas systems must be L or K type and approved for gas. Yellow brass pipes may be approved for indoor installations.
Aluminum tubes should not be used on the ground. Aluminum is not approved in all jurisdictions. Ductile iron pipes may be approved in some jurisdictions for underground work. The pipes upstream of the gas meter and the meter itself are usually the responsibility of the gas company.
But natural gas is much cleaner than it was 40 years ago, and almost all fuel gas goes through a sulfur recovery unit before entering the distribution system today. In my experience, both types of pipes work well, and the IRC and the National Combustible Gas Code allow both, along with stainless steel corrugated tubing (CSST) and copper tubing (with some limitations) to be used for natural gas distribution pipelines.
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