I'm installing a natural gas heater in a back roomo around 20 metres from the nearest gas source. I need to run the gas through the ceiling and down a wall. It will all be protected from the weather. What guage pipe do i need to use?
You can use type K copper pipe straight run or black iron threaded. Do not use galvanized pipe.you must use swing joints at connection and have no mechanical joints that are inaccessible. Copper reacts with hydrogen. Natural gas is OK. BBQs are connected with copper flex tube as well. The length of run and the BTU output of the heater determine how large the piping needs to be. You must have drip legs on risers and downcomers and dirt pocket before entering Heater. Valves should be Brass plug type. All of this is subject to local bylaw. You need a permit and that must be pulled by a licenced Gasfitter.
Unfortunately this is something only your gas plumber can answer. Only because, the size of your incoming main pipe could be a factor - also your gas meter could be a factor (regulators) - the distance you need to travel from meter to connection point - there are quite a few technical reasons why you can't just add things to a gas line - very similar to electrical in some regards. So I hate to bring the bad news, but this is one for the professionals. And there is a difference between gauge and size - gauge is counted as the thickness of the wall of the pipe - size examples would be 1/2 - 5/8 - There are also hard drawn and annealed coppers - all with varying reasons for use or not then again depending on location - gas fitters these days can use plastic pipe.
Schedule 20 iron pipe, either galvanized or black pipe, or green-coated if it will run underground. Copper is NOT compatible with natural gas and should not be used.
