From: patter@dasher.uucp (24224-guthrie)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Gas piping question
Date: 2 Oct 92 22:09:56 GMT
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ

In article <2090014@hpkslx.mayfield.HP.COM> russ@hpkslx.mayfield.HP.COM (Russ Lown) writes:

>Ok, 
>
>All legalities aside,  I think the real question i would like to 
>see answered is, 
>
> "where could i get some DIY information on doing a job like this?"
>
>In particular, what are some good books on gas fitting.  Then, I can
>decide if it's worth my time, and if it's legal for me to get the
>permit and DIM (DoItMyself).

This has been running quite some time and no books have been mentioned.
Fine. All legalities aside, here's the procedure for running a line to
a stove or dryer. First, locate a gas line close to the desired location.
Try to find a tee joint that has one hole plugged; there will usually be
one close to the end of the system. Then carefully measure and map on
paper the length of the pipes you'll need and go to the hardware store
and have them cut.

The appliance supply line must be at least 1/2" pipe. In some cases,
copper tubing is allowed (I've only seen this used for heaters). If you
use copper, all fittings must be compression fittings - *no* solder joints.

You must tap into a supply line which is larger than 1/2" (1/2" pipe can
only supply one appliance). Come off the line with a length of pipe the
same size as the supply line (usually 3/4") and put a Tee on the end of
this. Plug one hole in the Tee and run 1/2" pipe to the vicinity of the
appliance. Put on a shutoff valve designed for gas and finish the line
with the final length of pipe and a brass nipple the correct size for the
appliance flexible supply line.

1. All piping and fittings must be "black"; no galvanized stuff allowed.
2. All pipe joints must be sealed with thread compound.
3. Every gas appliance in the house must have it's own shut-off valve.
4. Cut off the gas at the main supply valve before doing any work. Leave
   pilot lights on to help vent the line.
5. Provide ventilation in the work area.
6. If you smoke, don't. There will be some gas leakage from the line. It
   will disipate fairly rapidly.
7. Once the job is completed, turn all pilot lights in the house off. Then
   turn the main gas valve back on.
8. Test every new joint by applying soapy water. Kid's bubble compound works
   well for this. Fix any leaks.
9. Turn on and light all the pilots.

As others have said, it's wise to get a permit and have an inspector check
things out. In every area in which I've lived which had gas service, a
permit was required and the job had to be inspected by either a government
agency or the utility company (usually the former). In every area in which
I've lived, homeowners were allowed to perform any work on their own home
if the proper permits were filed and inspections performed.

patter@dasher.cc.bellcore.com
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                    |
George Patterson -  | If you always tell the truth, you never
                    | have to remember what you said.
                    |                        Samuel Clemens
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