aluminum tubing for gas line to a water heater ?

[stukelman]

What are the recommendations or requirement for the "type" of material used for the gas line to a water heater? (understand that a drip leg is included)

[Les]

alum, stainless steel, galv, pex, copper, black iron, etc. Need to know what the fuel gas is, commercial or residential and type of fittings.

[stukelman]

sorry, the fuel supply is natural gas. (city supply)

[Les]

flared alum tubing, black iron, csst, galv pipe are the most common in Mid-Michigan. Alum has not been used for past 25yrs 'tho.

[Bill Kibbel]

Aluminum tubing is permitted by national code, as long as the gas is not considered corrosive to the material.

There are many municipalities that have an amendment to the national fuel gas code prohibiting aluminum tubing for gas distribution. Some allow it for NG, but not for LP.

Some local gas utility companies prohibit aluminum tubing. Here's an excerpt of an installers manual I have that is distributed by a gas co.:

"When installing house piping refer to the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 except for the following modifications.

1. The Company does not accept wrought iron pipe, ductile iron pipe, brass pipe, brass tubing, aluminum pipe, or aluminum tubing."