Installing a gas line in your home is essential to avoid fire or explosion hazards and ensure the safety of both you and your family members. Make sure everything is done correctly for optimal efficiency and protection.
Before you can begin, you’ll need some essential tools and materials. The type of line used is also essential.
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Materials
Gas piping is an integral component of any home that uses natural gas. When installed correctly, it can protect your residence and family from potentially deadly leaks. To install a new gas line, you’ll need the appropriate materials and tools.
Gas pipe can be made out of a variety of materials, such as steel, black iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and copper. Each material has its own advantages and drawbacks so you should research all your options before selecting one for installation.
Galvanized steel piping is an ideal option for indoor and outdoor gas lines due to its energy-efficiency, durability, and noncorroding nature. Unfortunately, it’s more costly than other types of piping materials.
Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is often employed for indoor gas lines because it bends around corners to minimize the number of joints and fittings required to connect pipes together. Additionally, CSST is much easier to work with than steel pipe and weighs much less.
When installing a gas line, be sure to select materials that meet local safety codes. In some areas, additional certifications or restrictions may apply for certain pipes.
Your choice of piping depends on your location and what appliances need to be connected to it. For instance, natural gas lines might be needed if there’s a fireplace or furnace inside, while propane pipes could be ideal if you have outdoor grills or hot tubs.
When running a large pipeline that must withstand high pressure, you’ll need strong yet flexible pipes that can withstand the strain.
Plastic piping, commonly referred to as PE pipe, is an ideal choice for many applications and it comes in various types. Compared to metal pipes, PE costs less and won’t rust or corrode over time.
Other types of gas piping include PVC and fiberglass, which tend to be more costly but more resistant to damage. You could also opt for aluminum which is lightweight yet not as strong or flexible as other options.
Tools
When installing gas pipe in your home, it’s essential to use a qualified professional. A qualified plumber can guarantee your piping is installed correctly and that you adhere to local and state laws.
If you’re installing your own gas line or having it done by a professional, the first step is to prepare the area for piping and use suitable tools. Make sure the area is ventilated properly with plenty of air circulation for efficient ventilation.
Additionally, you’ll require a gas hose and shutoff valves to keep your new pipes secure. These can be found at most home improvement stores or ordered online. Before beginning construction, determine the size of your gas line and where it should run.
Once you’ve identified the location of your pipeline, it’s time to lay it out and connect it together. Depending on how your home is constructed, this may necessitate running the pipes through walls or siding.
For difficult-to-reach places, you may require specialized piping that’s pre-cut to specific sizes. CSST tubing, for instance, is often sold in lengths designed to fit into corners and tight spaces.
Installing gas piping on your own requires the use of a pipe wrench, an universal tool which can be used with both hex nuts and bolts as well as round pipes. A pipe wrench ensures all connections are tightened securely.
A high-quality pipe wrench should have a smooth surface free from pits or cracks, with sharpened prongs on the jaws. They’re also made out of strong and corrosion-resistant metal like brass.
These tools not only keep your work safe, but they’re incredibly useful in the field. Waterworks engineers and construction workers often overlook them, yet they can come in handy when holes need filling or maintenance is necessary.
The Safe-T-Stopper was developed to eliminate worker exposure to hazardous natural gas releases when working on service tees. This tool allows for service line alterations, dresser style compression fitting removals, and other operations without the release of gas.
Layout
When installing natural gas piping, it is essential to get the layout correct. You need to know the precise size of the pipe, where it will go and how many appliances it will supply. Furthermore, make sure it is buried safely so as to prevent damage or fire hazards.
To accurately measure your gas piping system, create a detailed plan that includes all of the pipes, tees and branch lines in your residence or commercial building. This will enable you to determine the right length of pipe and fitting type.
Gas piping layouts can be drawn either digitally or manually. A sophisticated computer program will automatically generate the most suitable pipe sizes based on your design, plus it may suggest materials needed and provide an estimated material cost estimate.
To make the task simpler, Gastite’s Size-It software is a great option. This free program will automatically create a diagram of your gas piping system and suggest appropriate pipe sizes based on the information entered.
If you don’t have the time or desire to do it yourself, a gas sizing calculator can be used instead. These programs are typically found at most hardware stores.
To maximize efficiency, size your gas pipe according to the largest diameter that will deliver sufficient pressure for each appliance to generate heat. This is often the case with single cylinder furnaces or hot water heaters. In general, this depends on the flow rate and inlet pressure of each appliance.
Connections
When installing a gas system, it is essential that all connections are made correctly. Doing so will guarantee secure and dependable use of your new device.
When selecting pipe connections, the initial step is taking measurements of each section. This will enable you to decide on the right fittings and their size.
To do this, you will need a manometer. This device allows you to check the pressure in pipes without turning on the gas. If there is any loss of pressure, it should be repaired promptly.
Next, you must determine the size of your gas piping. This can be done by calculating the total volumetric flow rate needed to power all appliances in your home.
For instance, if you need both a log lighter and gas furnace running simultaneously, your pipe must be capable of handling 110,000 cubic feet per hour at 190 psi.
Once you know the size of your piping, you must determine how many supply connections are necessary for the appliance you plan on installing. These must be placed 6 feet (1.8 meters) away from the appliance and 4 feet (1.2 meters) from its closest shutoff valve.
If you have a dryer and log lighter, two separate lines must be installed. These must be spaced 6 feet (1.8 m) apart so they cannot be blocked by walls or any obstruction.
Another requirement for a gas line is that it be properly sized and supported. Doing this helps guarantee the pipe doesn’t break or become damaged during transport.
When selecting a pipe, the length is an important factor to consider. The longer the piping, the better it can resist cracking or breaking.
Additionally, ensure the pipe is properly buried or covered to avoid contact with any surfaces. Doing this will protect the pipes from damage and ensure your safety as well.