My gas pipes are corroded
Rust on gas pipes isn't something to leave. Many older homes still have their original galvanised steel gas pipe, and after decades in damp soil, under timber floors or in salty coastal air, it corrodes from the outside in. Eventually that becomes a leak. If you've noticed rusty gas pipes, or a technician has pointed them out, here's what's involved in checking and replacing them.
Signs of a problem
Visible rust
Flaking, bubbling or pitted rust on gas pipes, especially near the ground, at the meter or under the house.
Gas smell
A faint smell near pipes or the meter can be a small leak at a corroded joint.
Failed pressure test
A gasfitter or the network may find the system won't hold pressure.
Old galvanised pipe
Grey threaded steel pipe in an older home is worth checking even without visible problems.
How we replace corroded gas pipes
- Pressure test the system to see if it's leaking and how badly.
- Trace the pipework from the meter to each appliance and identify the corroded sections.
- Replace them with new pipe, usually copper, sized correctly for your appliances.
- Retest the whole system, relight appliances and provide the compliance paperwork.
Sometimes only a section needs replacing; sometimes it's better to run a new line to all appliances. We'll explain the options with a fixed price for each before any work starts.
Why not just patch it?
When one part of an old steel gas pipe has corroded, the rest is usually not far behind. Replacing the worst section can be fine, but if the pipe is old throughout, a new run avoids paying to come back for the next leak.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Coastal homes in Maroubra, Malabar and Little Bay, and older homes with suspended timber floors in Matraville and Botany, are where we find the most corroded gas pipe. Salt air and damp sub-floors are hard on steel.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Are rusty gas pipes dangerous?
They can be. Corrosion eventually causes leaks. Have them checked and pressure tested by a licensed gasfitter.
What are gas pipes replaced with?
Usually copper, sized for your appliances, though other approved materials are used in some situations.
Do I need to replace all my gas pipes?
Not always. It depends on how much of the pipe is corroded. We'll show you and give you options.
Can corroded gas pipes be painted?
Painting can slow surface rust on sound pipe, but it won't fix pipe that's already pitted or leaking.
Related help: gas fitting, gas turned off after a leak, gas safety guide and galvanised pipes guide. Local pages: gas fitting Maroubra, Malabar, Matraville and Botany.