Should horizontal gas piping be pitched? If so, how much?

In gas piping installations, it's important for horizontal lines to have a slight pitch to ensure proper drainage and to prevent potential accumulation of condensation or any debris that could cause blockages. The correct practice is to pitch horizontal gas piping at a rate of 1/4 inch for every 15 feet. This slight incline helps gravity direct any liquid back towards the gas source, maintaining system efficiency and safety by reducing the risk of gas being interrupted by blockage caused by condensation.

A level configuration, while it may seem logical, does not provide this essential drainage functionality, and excessive pitch could lead to other issues, such as undue stress on the piping. Therefore, maintaining the correct pitch is vital for reliability and safety in gas piping systems.