Question about running a gas pipe under a backyard for a grill: if the pipe will be inside of a larger pvc pipe that was previously run as a chase, do you still need to use the special kind of gas pipe for underground work, or will normal gas pipe suffice since technically the pipe won’t be in the ground, touching soil?


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  1. Selfish Mom, your contractor is not doing you any favors with that PVC being open inside your home.

    He should know better than to install a direct conduit for gas, water, insects, mice, roots and whatever else from the soil to the living space.

    There are several smarter ways to do what you’re trying to accomplish, but they require more thought and planning than a forum post allow.

    Start by asking your contractors and subs to consult the Code.

    Warm regards,
    Master Plvmber
    http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com

  2. Can’t use the flexible tubing in NYC, it’s not approved. If you’re planning on filing the gas line, be careful, DOB is very strict on gas line rules for outside BBQ.

  3. Master Plvmber: Once again you provided important information that most of us would have never thought of. Your contributions to this forum are appreciated.

  4. There’s also a flexible tubing you can use – it’s made specifically for gas & is an inert material. I forget the name but you can find it at specialty plumbing supplies.

  5. Thanks, that’s actually what my husband was worried about (we’re not doing any of this ourselves, just double-checking things our contractor is doing). When I brought that up, the contractor said that since the pvc pipe is open (lets out into our basement hatch area on one end and at the surface where the pipe comes out of the ground on the other end) we’ll know if there’s a gas leak. Although I’m not really comforted by the thought of the gas building up in our basement either. He’s already installed the pvc, is it worth it to ask him to take it out?

  6. Be careful doing that PVC “chase” thing. It’s not a great idea. It’s better and safer to use mill-wrapped pipe and leave it in the dirt. Cover the ends with asphalt paint. If the gas pipe leaks, it’ll escape and dissipate through the dirt rather than build up in greater volume in the PVC enclosure.