The pipe you choose for gas lines can make or break your project. For site managers, contractors and project leads in commercial and industrial settings, choosing the right pipe can save you money, keep projects on schedule, and enhance safety throughout the entire installation.
So, which pipe is best for gas lines? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to consider, compare the most common piping materials, and break down what makes Ibex’s stainless steel gas tubing the right decision for your project’s long-term success.
Key factors to consider when selecting gas piping
When the pressure’s on to keep a project moving, you need gas piping that complies with relevant standards, performs reliably, installs quickly, and keeps your team on track. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
1. Ensure proper pressure ratings for safety and performance
All gas systems operate under pressure, and depending on the application, some need to handle extremely high pressures. Whether it’s a natural gas line in a multi-storey commercial building,an LPG system or Biogas system in an industrial facility, the pipe you select must be designed to meet the specific pressure demands of your project.
Opting for piping that can’t handle the required pressure is a serious risk. It could lead to system failure or, worse, safety incidents. You can avoid these dangers by ensuring the materials you choose meet strict Australian Standards, such as AS/NZS 5601 for gas installations.
These standards are vital. If your materials fail to meet these standards, it could result in costly rework, project delays or non-compliance fines, putting both the project and your reputation at risk.
2. Choose corrosion-resistant materials for longevity
Gas piping systems need to last, particularly in challenging environments like coastal regions, underground locations or high-moisture zones. These areas expose pipes to accelerated corrosion, higher pressure and the risk of cracking due to environmental stressors.
If your material is susceptible to rust, chemical reactions or pitting, you’re inviting costly maintenance issues, gas leaks or even complete system failures.
That’s a nightmare for any site manager trying to keep things on track. This is why choosing corrosion-resistant materials not only helps avoid these headaches, but also ensures long-term reliability for your project.
Corrosion resistance is also a key factor in determining a pipe’s long-term value. What you save upfront with a cheaper material can end up costing you down the line in repairs, downtime and replacement parts.
3. Select pipes that offer quick and easy installation
When choosing gas piping, it’s essential to consider the installation process. Afterall, the last thing you want is a material that’s overly heavy, difficult to weld or fiddly to fit together. Complicated or slow installations can cause delays and impact your budget.
Ibex’s press-fit stainless steel systems are the perfect solution to this challenge. The reason these systems are becoming the gold standard is their ability to offer fast, simple installation. By eliminating the need for hot works, they reduce installation time and lower risk, especially in tight or tricky spaces. This helps keep your project safe, on schedule and within budget.
4. Consider material compatibility for system integration
Make sure that the gas piping materials you select are compatible with the rest of the system components, such as fittings, valves and regulators. Incompatible materials can lead to corrosion resulting in gas leaks, failures or a need for costly adjustments later on.
This is particularly important in high-performance setups that demand both reliability and precision. Choosing the right material from the start helps everything integrate smoothly and reduces the chances of problems down the road.
Take 316L stainless steel, for example. It’s a great choice because it works seamlessly with a variety of system components.
Not only is 316L stainless steel resistant to corrosion and chemical reactions, but it also holds up well in tough environments. By choosing it, you’re ensuring that all your connections between pipes, fittings and other system components remain secure.
Gas pipe material comparison: Pros and cons
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s take a closer look at how the most common gas piping materials measure up. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision about which pipe is best for your gas line project:
Carbon steel
Pros:
- Excellent mechanical strength: Carbon steel offers strong durability and reliability for many industrial applications. It’s a dependable material when strength is a priority.
- Commonly used in industrial applications: It’s widely used in industrial settings, but its susceptibility to rust and need for frequent maintenance often outweighs its initial affordability.
- Readily available and familiar to many installers: Carbon steel is easy to source, and most installers are familiar with it. However, the extra effort needed for rust prevention can add time and cost to the installation process.
Cons:
- Prone to corrosion unless coated: Unlike stainless steel, which is naturally corrosion-resistant, carbon steel requires regular coating and maintenance to prevent rust.
- Heavier than alternatives: Its weight can make transport and handling more cumbersome, which adds to your project’s labour costs and installation time.
- Requires welding or threading: Installation can be time-consuming and costly due to the need for welding or threading, and it often requires specialised permits.
Weighing the costs: Is carbon steel worth it?
While carbon steel is often used in industrial settings, it’s not the best choice for environments where moisture is a concern. The added need for protective coatings or sleeves can complicate the installation, and once corrosion sets in, replacement becomes a messy, time-consuming task.
Copper
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to cut on-site: Copper’s flexibility in installation is beneficial for smaller, residential projects.
- Smooth internal surfaces: The smooth surface helps with flow, but stainless steel offers the same benefit with far greater longevity and resistance to corrosion.
- Has been used for decades in gas installations: Copper has a long history, which means it’s a trusted material, but newer materials like stainless steel provide superior performance and lower maintenance costs, making copper increasingly obsolete for large-scale applications.
Cons:
- Increasingly expensive due to volatile copper pricing: With copper prices on the rise, it may not be the most cost-effective material for large-scale projects.
- High scrap value makes it a target for theft: Copper’s high resale value can lead to theft, especially on construction sites.
- Vulnerable to pitting and corrosion: Especially in aggressive environments or those exposed to chemicals, copper can degrade faster than other materials.
Weighing the costs: Is copper worth it?
Although copper is still widely used, particularly in residential gas systems, rising costs and security concerns are making it a less attractive choice for larger, more complex commercial and industrial projects.
Plastic (PE/HDPE)
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible: Plastic piping is particularly easy to work with in long runs or trenches, offering flexibility for underground installations.
- High resistance to moisture and chemicals: It excels in areas where moisture or chemicals are present, making it an ideal solution for specific environments.
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-pressure systems or above-ground use: Plastic isn’t built for high-pressure applications or exposed installations, limiting its use in more demanding environments.
- Requires fusion welding: Fusion welding can be more specialised and time-consuming compared to more straightforward installation methods like press-fit systems.
- Can degrade under UV exposure: Plastic needs protection from sunlight, whereas stainless steel doesn’t face this issue, offering greater versatility in installation settings.
Weighing the costs: Is Plastic (PE/HDPE) worth it?
HDPE plastic is great for applications like buried gas lines, but it’s unable to be used above-ground or for high pressure applications.
Aluminium
Pros:
- Very lightweight and corrosion-resistant: Aluminium is lightweight and resists corrosion, making it a good choice in many environments.
Cons:
- Difficult to modify once installed: Modifying aluminium piping after installation can be challenging, whereas other materials, like stainless steel, are often easier to adjust.
- Lacks long-term durability: While aluminium can perform well initially, it doesn’t offer the same longevity and reliability as materials like stainless steel.
- Not widely accepted in major Australian gas projects: Many installers are unfamiliar with aluminium, and it’s not as widely accepted as other materials, which can cause compliance or standardisation issues.
Weighing the costs: Is aluminium worth it?
Aluminium might work in niche applications, but it’s not ideal for large-scale, long-term gas installations. The lack of widespread use means it’s harder to ensure compliance with local regulations, and it’s not a go-to choice for most Australian gas projects.
Stainless steel
Pros:
- High corrosion resistance, especially grades like 316L (contains 2.5% molybdenum): Stainless steel’s natural resistance to corrosion is unmatched. Even in highly corrosive environments, it maintains its strength and integrity, making it the best choice for long-term reliability.
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio: Stainless steel strikes the ideal balance between strength and manageability. It’s strong enough to handle high-pressure systems while remaining lightweight enough to handle with ease during installation.
- Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications: Stainless steel can handle extreme conditions, whether it’s high pressure or high temperature, without losing its integrity or risking failure.
- Can be installed using press-fit systems for fast, clean, and safe assembly: Press-fit technology eliminates the need for welding or threading, speeding up installation and reducing risk—making it the most efficient option for any project.
- Long life span with minimal maintenance: Stainless steel’s durability means fewer repairs, longer-lasting systems and reduced downtime—ensuring a lower lifetime cost. Stainless steel’s long-term value, durability, and low maintenance requirements make it a cost-effective choice over time.
- Wide size range from 15mm to 168mm: Whether it’s a compact install or a large-scale project, stainless steel’s broad size availability—paired with its strength and durability—makes it a versatile solution across the board.
Weighing the costs: Is stainless steel worth it?
Stainless steel stands out for its long-term performance. It offers both strength and corrosion resistance and its value is proved throughout the lifetime of a project, making it a reliable choice for both residential and industrial gas systems.
Why stainless steel is the smart choice for gas systems
Gas line projects are increasingly relying on stainless steel for its unparalleled performance and long-term value. Here’s why it’s becoming the material of choice for professionals in the field:
1. Superior corrosion resistance
Stainless steel stands out for its ability to resist rust and chemical damage. In particular, 316L-grade systems, like those provided by Ibex Australia, offer enhanced corrosion resistance with a molybdenum content of at least 2.5%. This makes them the perfect choice for harsh environments such as chemical plants—places where other materials might fail prematurely.
2. Built for strength
Stainless steel provides exceptional tensile strength, which means it can handle high pressures without needing thick, heavy walls. This makes it easier to transport and install compared to heavier materials like carbon steel. Plus, unlike plastic or copper, stainless steel is built to last under tough conditions, offering the strength and durability you need for demanding gas line projects.
3. Quick, safe installations
Ibex’s press-fit systems, like Impress and Tubepress, use advanced technology that allows for flame-free installations. This means no welding or hot work is required, which speeds up the installation process significantly. It also eliminates the need for hot work permits, reducing fire hazards and making the worksite safer. This not only helps meet project deadlines, but also minimises safety risks for your team.
4. Low maintenance, high reliability
Once installed, stainless steel systems are designed to perform with minimal upkeep. Unlike carbon steel, which requires regular coatings and inspections, stainless steel resists scaling, cracking, and leaks, leading to fewer disruptions and lower long-term maintenance costs.
5. Guaranteed compliance
Ibex’s stainless steel piping systems are independently certified to meet stringent Australian and international gas standards. This ensures full compliance, minimizing the risk of delays or issues during audits or inspections.
Stainless steel in action: Proven results in the field
Stainless steel is more than just a smart option on paper. It’s delivering real advantages on job sites across Australia and beyond. Here’s how stainless steel has helped bring gas line projects to life, safely and efficiently:
Industrial gas systems
When SAACKE Australia needed a reliable solution for gas manifolds on several lithium projects, they turned to Ibex’s VIS-LOK® stainless steel fittings. The clean, secure connections made with VIS-LOK® were ideal for handling gas in demanding industrial settings, where durability and safety were a must. VIS-LOK® made installation simpler and faster, reducing the time and labour typically associated with gas line systems. Its corrosion resistance and long-term durability meant fewer maintenance concerns and greater system integrity—helping SAACKE deliver high-performance gas infrastructure with confidence.
What to look for in a stainless steel gas system
Not all stainless steel is the same, and selecting the right one can impact the success of your project. Here’s what you should keep in mind when specifying your next gas system:
High-grade materials
Start with the right alloy. For gas installations, 316L stainless steel is trusted across industries. This is largely thanks to its added molybdenum, which boosts corrosion resistance in tough environments.
Ibex Australia delivers press-fit solutions and seamless tubes that meet this grade, helping you build a strong, reliable gas system from day one.
Versatile sizing options
Every project is different, and your piping should match. Ibex offers a wide range of diameters—from 15mm up to 168mm—along with varying wall thicknesses. That means you can tailor your system precisely to your flow, pressure and installation needs without compromise.
Certification and testing
Compliance can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. All Ibex stainless steel systems are certified and rigorously tested to meet EN and AS/NZS standards for gas and water systems.
Both our Tubepress and Impress 316L stainless steel press-fit systems meet the required Australian Standards for use in gas installations. Each fitting is supplied with a yellow HNBR O-ring and clearly marked with a yellow GAS sticker, making compliance with state energy regulators simple and stress-free.
With IBEX, you can be confident your installation meets all the right standards—and passes inspections without surprises or setbacks.
Reliable availability and expert support
A great system is only great if it shows up on time. Ibex keeps local stock on hand to avoid supply chain delays and keep your project moving. Plus, their technical support team is on hand to assist with layouts, installation advice and documentation, so you’re never left guessing.
Make gas installations safer and faster with Ibex Australia
At Ibex Australia, we’re more than just a supplier—we work alongside you to make gas installations simpler, safer and more efficient. With over 30 years of experience, we understand the challenges on site and deliver practical solutions that keep things moving.
What makes us different? Quick, dependable delivery from local stock, expert technical guidance, and straightforward advice. With a strong track record in major Australian projects, we’re ready to help you tackle both large installations and complex upgrades, ensuring your gas system is reliable, on schedule and cost effective.
Let’s make your next project easier. Reach out to our friendly team today for knowledgeable advice, top-tier products and dependable support.
