Gas line union coupling

The plumber just finished up the rough plumbing for my bathroom remodel. When he was doing the rough in he mentioned that the gas line under my house had a union coupling. He said it wasn't allowed by code. I didn't ask any questions and he didn't make a big deal out of it. Now I'm wondering if he should correct it. Is this dangerous? I'm ready to put the sub floor down and once it is this area will be very hard to get to.

Thanks

Matt

mattt19 said:

Is this dangerous? I'm ready to put the sub floor down and once it is this area will be very hard to get to.

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The only time it could be dangerous , is if someone works on the gas line in the future and moves the union pipe. They would have cracked the seal (loosened it) and as you stated, you will have little access to repair it in the future. You won't be able to tell if its leaking after work has been done to your gas line.

I would recommend to replace it with a rigid coupling. Unions were designed to be in an area with easy access

union

Technically, a union is supposed to be in an accessible area. They usually do not loosen when work is done elsewhere, but it could happen. The problem is that the only proper replacement is a left/right coupling and nipple and that has its own ideosyncrasies as to proper installation, and is not an easy first time fitting to use.

hj said:

The problem is that the only proper replacement is a left/right coupling and nipple .

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Oh really?

The gas codes in the US are a little bit laxed. LxR couplings or nipples are NEVER allowed in Canadian gas piping or installation. Only on hot water radiation/hydronic systems have they ever been allowed