Paint for gas pipes: rules and regulations for painting inside the apartment and outside

Communications in apartments and houses are a common occurrence. Some of them can be hidden behind gypsum boards.But special requirements are put forward for the maintenance of gas pipes, since the well-being and lives of people depend on their condition.

Agree that the operation of gas communications should be treated as responsibly as possible. Paint for gas pipes must be selected with special care, since its task is to protect the steel alloy from corrosion. However, gas pipes painted according to generally accepted standards can spoil the interior.

We will tell you when following the regulations is mandatory, and in which cases they can be neglected. You will learn how to choose paint for gas communications and carry out the main stages of painting. As a bonus, we will reveal the secret of how to accurately calculate the required amount of paint.

Reasons for painting a gas pipeline

Painting of pipes transporting gas to consumers is carried out not only with the aim of giving an aesthetic appearance to communications.

Reasons for painting gas pipelines include:

• highlighting the gas pipeline with color and distinguishing it from other communications;
• protection of metal from corrosion, which significantly increases service life of gas pipes.

The Gas Supply and Gasification Department has every right to turn off the gas if the communications are not in order.

Paint is the only anti-corrosion protection, so you should not skimp on it; you need to paint it in at least two layers with the consumption specified by the manufacturer

According to the standards adopted at the state level, all highways of multi-storey buildings (up to the valve) are on the balance sheet of the housing and communal services department. In apartments and private houses, the owners must monitor the condition of gas pipes.

What is written in the regulatory documentation?

Regulatory documents regulate only the color in which gas pipes must be painted. According to the card file of color standards, the gas pipeline must be painted yellow N 205-206 (GOST 14202-69).

On the facades of houses and on routes passing along the street, gas pipes are painted a single yellow color. Gas pipes can be painted in the color of the facade in exceptional cases after obtaining permission from the operating organization. The color of communications inside private houses and apartments is not regulated.

Color marking of gas pipes is mandatory for industrial enterprises, as well as if the pipe is laid above ground. There are no color requirements inside or outside residential premises

Requirements for the color of pipes are not just a whim of the gas service. This is a signal coloring, which indicates the substance located inside the pipeline being transported. Thanks to painting, in the event of a gas leak, emergency service personnel will be able to quickly detect the problem and eliminate it.

If the pipes are painted a different color, then in an emergency situation, if the owner of the house is not present, the repair team may not be able to find their bearings and may not turn off the gas in time, which can lead to serious consequences.

Also, the regulation “Safety Rules for the Gas Distribution and Gas Consumption System”, clause 2.3.9 PB 12-529-03 states that the paint must be applied in two layers.It is necessary to carry out priming and preparatory work first.

Gas pipeline painting contractors

The responsible person is regulated for each specific case. It is recommended to use the contract concluded for the maintenance and inspection of the gas pipeline as a guide.

In apartment buildings, the procedure for painting the gas pipe is the responsibility of the apartment owners. The pipeline running along facades, streets and entrances is painted by representatives of the gas service or local utility organization.

Maintenance and repair of the gas pipeline in residential premises and outside apartments is carried out exclusively by representatives of the company with which a maintenance agreement has been concluded

In private houses, the pipeline located within the site and private buildings is painted by the owner of the house. Pipes located in areas with public status are painted by representatives of the gas service.

Choosing paint for painting gas pipes

Alkyd paint is most often used to paint gas pipelines, as well as other metal surfaces. Name according to GOST - PF-115. Since it is made from resin, the paint is viscosity and thickness.

It should be noted that it has an unpleasant, pungent odor that takes a long time to dissipate. Another disadvantage is that paint is flammable, and gas is a flammable element.

Among the main advantages of alkyd paint: high strength and resistance to precipitation. It can also be applied to hot surfaces. Another advantage is low cost.

It is not recommended to use alkyd paint in cold weather, since there is a high probability that it will not dry on the surface, but will freeze

When choosing which paint is best to paint the surface of a gas pipe within an apartment, it is not necessary to purchase only the recommended options.

You can use other coloring compounds:

• polyurethane paint - has an elastic structure, good adhesion and durability;
• epoxy - characterized by durability, but not elastic;
• electrically conductive substance - recognized as the most reliable coating due to its high anti-corrosion properties and durability.

Although there are paints that can be applied over rust, it is recommended to pre-treat gas pipes: clean the surface from old coating and rust, degrease the prepared surface, then coat it with a primer.

To paint pipes indoors, it is allowed to use interior paints. The only thing is that the coating should not be vapor-permeable, because the main task of the paint is to insulate the surface of the pipes from oxygen compounds and moisture

Modern dyes intended for gas pipes have specific names. Most often, the word “paint” itself is not on the label, so the average person faces difficulties at this stage.

To apply a protective and decorative coating to a metal pipe, special compounds modified with anti-corrosion additives are used.

The most popular paints for gas pipes today:

• Epostat — epoxy primer-enamel for metal, which has anti-corrosion properties, is heat- and frost-resistant, and quick-drying;
• Zinconol — protects the metal in any climatic conditions, has excellent adhesion and protects against corrosion;
• Nerzhakhim — protects metal, can be applied to rust, protects against corrosion, dries quickly;
• Polyurethol — does not require preliminary priming, is resistant to acids, water, and oil products.

The technology for applying paint to a gas pipe is no different from painting any other metal material. The only caveat is that when removing old paint, it is prohibited to use heating devices.

Dyeing technology: features

Before you begin painting gas pipes, you need to carry out preparatory work.

Before cleaning the pipes, you need to dry them. Otherwise, the new paint will last no more than two years. You also need to shut off the gas supply in the pipeline by turning the valve. When cleaning pipes, static voltage can build up, which can cause a fire.

Pipe cleaning is carried out with a metal brush, which will remove traces of rust and corrosion. Using solvents will make the job easier. For safety reasons, it is recommended to use a respirator to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

After cleaning, you need to degrease the surface. Degreaser consumption rates per 1 sq. m are indicated on its label. The next step is to coat the surface with two layers of primer. The mixture is applied with a brush.

The second layer of primer mixture is applied so that the surface of the pipes becomes smooth and all roughness disappears

The primer dries within 24 hours. If the temperature is below 15C, the drying time increases. You need to wait the same amount of time before painting. The paint is applied in an even layer. Avoid drips.

It is necessary to apply the coating in a thick layer. After the paint has dried, you can begin applying the second coat.This ensures maximum protection of the metal surface.

The gas service recommends painting communications yellow. However, this requirement is not regulated for apartments and residential premises of private houses. The color of the gas pipe in the apartment can be selected in accordance with the interior.

Since gas pipes are painted to protect them from corrosion, it is advisable to purchase paint in excess

It is recommended to paint with a small brush, applying in small portions to avoid smudges. The brush must be held perpendicular to the pipe. To paint the back, bend the brush. It is advisable to coat the pipe with paint before finishing the walls.

When using alkyd paint, a second coat is applied after 4-6 hours. Modern types of paint dry much faster. The exact time is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Formula for calculating the amount of paint

Having figured out how to paint gas pipes, you need to calculate the amount of paint. There are no standards for paint consumption for coating gas pipes. On each can, the manufacturer indicates how much material is required to paint 1 square meter. m. surface.

It must be taken into account that application must be done in two layers. Formula for calculation:

S=π×D×L

D—pipe diameter;

π—constant (3.14);

L is the length of the pipe.

This method is used when painting most pipelines.

Will familiarize you with the selection criteria and the best heat-resistant coloring compositions for coating metal next article, in which all aspects of the issue are examined in detail.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Painting a gas pipe in the private sector

GOST 14202-69 clearly regulates what color gas communications should be painted. This way, the repair team can quickly identify the source of the problem and fix it without putting people in danger. In addition to signal properties, the paint protects metal pipes from corrosion.

If you have had to paint gas communications in an apartment or private house, share your experience with site visitors. Did you have a precedent with the gas service? Tell your story in the comments. Write reviews, ask questions to experts and take part in discussions.