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Dave Rose
12-11-2012, 05:22 AM
During an inspection yesterday, I found a soft copper pipe used for gas. I know this MAY be an issue if the copper is not tin-lined. However, on this house, there was a fuel storage tank outside. I therefore have two questions.

1) Is non tin-lined copper pipe unsafe with ALL gases, or is LP/propane ok?

2) When you see such a fuel storage tank, how do you know which type of gas is in it? The homeowners were not there to ask.

Thanks,

Dave
Dave Rose
12-11-2012, 05:28 AM
Just found this post.

http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/attachments/plumbing-system-home-inspection-commercial-inspection/15692d1263816673-copper-natural-gas-lines-scan0001.jpg
Scott Patterson
12-11-2012, 06:38 AM
During an inspection yesterday, I found a soft copper pipe used for gas. I know this MAY be an issue if the copper is not tin-lined. However, on this house, there was a fuel storage tank outside. I therefore have two questions.

1) Is non tin-lined copper pipe unsafe with ALL gases, or is LP/propane ok?

2) When you see such a fuel storage tank, how do you know which type of gas is in it? The homeowners were not there to ask.

Thanks,

Dave

I can't say I have ever heard of copper pipe with a tin liner or coating.
Dave Rose
12-14-2012, 03:49 AM
I can't say I have ever heard of copper pipe with a tin liner or coating.

P&J Tin Lined Copper Coils (http://www.pjtube.com/products/tinned/Default.aspx)
Raymond Wand
12-14-2012, 05:00 AM
There are only two fuel tanks you would typically see.

1. Propane
2. Fuel oil tank
Garry Sorrells
12-14-2012, 06:12 AM
During an inspection yesterday, I found a soft copper pipe used for gas. I know this MAY be an issue if the copper is not tin-lined. However, on this house, there was a fuel storage tank outside. I therefore have two questions.

2) When you see such a fuel storage tank, how do you know which type of gas is in it? The homeowners were not there to ask.

Thanks,

Dave

Made me think about what might be found and if it was not obvious from experience what it was.

What types of gas/fluid you think would be in the storage tanks that are not marked? Made me think for a moment what you might find; #2 Heating oil, diesel, kerosene, hydrological fluid, lubrication oils, jet fuel, petrol (gasoline), propane (LP).

Determining contents; tank design, fluids' appearance, smell, taste, flame, what it is attached to, type of pump connected to tank.