Rusty gas pipe connection. should I paint?

Question

I live in a two year old house. 1-2 feet long section of pipe that extends from gas meter to inside the house look badly rusted.

(although I am sure metal pipe itself is in no doubt good condition since it's only 2 yrs old)

Should I call gas company to ask about it (would this be their responsibility?) or should I just sand and paint this? If so, what kind of paint should I use?

Answer 1

the gas line from the meter into your house is your responsibility. you are best off sanding the pipe to remove the rust and old paint. give the pipe a good coat or two of primer and then paint it with a good quality of oil based paint.

Answer 2

If you want to check the pipe for leaks use soap-in-water solution, which will make bubbles at the point of a leak.  The gas company will just tell you to find a qualified contractor to repair it, but if there are no leaks, you can sand lightly to remove loose rust, prime and paint with a good exterior grade paint, water- (latex/acrylic) or oil-based (I prefer oil-based paint).

Answer 3

A pipe no older than that should not be a problem.

Use a wire brush on it to remove any surface rust. If it appears that there are any pits in it, use a soapy solution around it to be sure it is not leaking. You paint job will last longer if you prime it with a good primer and then your cover coat. Otherwise in a few months to a year your paint will be flaking off.

Answer 4

Hand sand it and use rustoleum paint