How To Install Black Iron Pipe

by Alden Smith

Chances are, if you live in a home that is over 30 years old, you have black iron pipe installed for different applications.  It is used primarily in older homes for natural or propane gas runs.  Although the choice today is PVC or copper pipe, it is essential that both the professional plumber and average do-it-yourself-er know how to deal with black iron pipe. This article will discuss black iron pipe, its installation and uses.

What Is Black Iron Pipe?

Black iron pipe is a steel pipe that is cut to length, threaded, and used in applications such as gas lines and water supply.  Working with black iron pipe is demanding, and it can be expensive due to the variety of fittings and equipment needed to install it.

How To Install Black Iron Pipe

Installation is work intensive.  Here is what is needed:

• Pipe cutter with rotary blades.
• Pipe vise and stand.
• Pipe threader.
• Pipe wrenches.
• Suitable lengths for installation.
• A pipe burring tool.
• Teflon tape and pipe dope.
  

Installation is straightforward.  The BIP (black iron pipe) is first cut to length after the run has been measured.  You will use a pipe vise on a stand to hold the pipe.  A pipe cutter with rotary cutting blades is used for the actual cutting.  It is recommended that you use a high-quality cutting oil to help protect the pipe cutter.

Once the pipe is cut to length, the pipe must be burred to remove the sharp ridge that will be present when the pipe is finished being cut.

BIP must be threaded to make the proper connection. If you're lucky, you may find pipe in the required length at a plumbing outlet or hardware. Threading is accomplished with a pipe threader.  Use the proper die for the size of the pipe.  Fit the die over the end of the pipe, and turn the handle a half turn at a time to cut the thread.  Use a good quality cutting oil to protect the die.  After a full turn, back the die off the thread to release any chips from the cutting process.  Continue threading until the thread is the thickness of the die. The thread will be cut on a taper when finished, providing a better seal.  Stand the pipe on end when done to dislodge any pipe cuttings.  Wipe the threads with a rag.  Be careful here -- the pipe threads are very sharp.

Attaching The Connectors

Pipe is joined by using fittings and connectors.  In the typical gas line installation, Teflon tape should always be used on the threads to insure there are no leaks. Wrap the Teflon tape around the threads, and insert into the fitting.  Hand tighten the pipe and then use two pipe wrenches - one on the pipe and the other on the fitting, to tighten the connector, going one and one half turns beyond hand tight.

Installation and Support

Once everything is in place, it is a good idea to test the pipes for leaks before hanging supports and hangers.  Turn on the gas at the main supply, and using water mixed with common dish soap, brush water on the joints.  If there are any bubbles, tighten the connection further.  BIP is very heavy, and requires a good deal of support, especially in a long run.  Secure the pipe at every join and connector to floor joists or other structure members with pipe strapping.

Repairing Existing BIP

There may come a time when you need to repair BIP.  Often this occurs at joins and connectors.  Shut off the line at the source. Using two pipe wrenches, turn off the damaged pipe.  This can be a struggle -- BIP tends to rust and freeze the joints.  You may need to use a compound such as WD-40 to free the rust.  Reinstall in reverse order, using pipe joint compound or Teflon tape.

If the pipe has a leak in the middle of a section, use a reciprocating saw to cut the pipe in two.  Remove these two pieces with pipe wrenches. Measure the length and allow one inch to compensate for threading. Get threaded pipe at your local hardware, and using a union, reinstall the two pipes.  Use Teflon tape or pipe joint compound in the installation.  Turn on the supply and check for leaks.

Although BIP is no longer used in typical builds, it is best to know how it is installed.  Having these facts and following these suggestions will go a long way in helping you deal with black iron pipe.


Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.