View Full Version : can't disconnect old gas stove connection
AKRBT
09-13-2008, 01:35 AM
I recently tried to move my gas stove out of the kithchen so I could tile. Could not unscrew the the flex hose from the gas connection- the iron pipe coming out of the floor has a shut off valve screwed to it, then an adapter, then the flex hose. I ended up cutting the flex pipe so I could move forward with the tiling. Now it is time to move the stove back in- I bought a new flex hose but still cannot disconnect the half of the flex hose attached to the valve/adapter. I am trying not to unscrew the valve, so as to not leak gas. I am using two cresent wrenches that fit well around the adapter flange and the flex hose flange. Maybe I am not tugging hard enough but it will not budge- I am assuming it is the old pipe thread compound locking the connection.. Any suggestions, and can I still reuse the valve and adapter flange if they remian in place- using new piepp thread compound to connect the new flex hose off course? I hate to pay a plumber $130 min. charge to come out and turn a wrench once, although of course then I have peace of mind.
Redwood
09-13-2008, 05:49 AM
I would consider the money spent on a plumber to be a wise investment with huge dividends in peace of mind...
It's not fun to have a vacant lot filled with a pile of smoldering toothpicks....
jimbo
09-13-2008, 06:52 AM
Those were know to seize up like that. If your flex line was gray color, probably made by the now-defunct US Brass, the line and the nuts were plated steel. You need bigger wrenches, and try a pre-soak in PB Blaster or other penetrating oil.
nhmaster
09-13-2008, 07:44 AM
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS......Boom!
There should not be ANY sealant on the threads. You need bigger wrenches. BUT, the new connector, if it is the right size may not fit the old adapter(s) because they have changed the line size requirements.
zenn068
09-13-2008, 11:16 AM
Some of the adapters at the stove end may be left hand thread. You may be tightening while trying to remove it.
When have you EVER seen a left hand thread at that location? I have never seen or heard of one in 55+ years.
zenn068
09-13-2008, 05:11 PM
I have one on my stove. the 1/2" TO 1/4" fitting at the stove end is left handed
kingsotall
09-14-2008, 06:41 PM
Well, that's the stove manufacturers weird fitting. I have not seen a left hand thread on any gas fittings that are part of the house plumbing.
I'd say that the plumber will have to replace the valve too once he/she starts turning the connections,the easier one will probably be at the valve body. There is one neighborhood that is manufactured houses and every flex line takes wrenches with cheater bars to loosen.
AKRBT
09-15-2008, 03:11 AM
thank you- I think I have decided that the best bet on this one is to have a plumber do it- piece of mind with gas is certainly key.. maybe the priority order for DIYs getting help is really main-electrical/panels, home main water connection, gas, 220v, heating, supply, 110V, DWV..
I am going to post a probably controversial post about people like me who do laundry lists for plumbers so we get our money's worth when we have to call them out, and how plumbers feel about that (versus makiing good money on a big job)..
I have no problem with people saving up their tasks AS LONG AS they do not wait until all the tools are put away and the bill is filled out, to say, "Oh, by the way, I also need (fill in the blank) done."
Make sure that your "piece of mind" isn't unfounded make sure that the plumber leak checks the joints after the work is done.
GrumpyPlumber
09-15-2008, 12:07 PM
thank you- I think I have decided that the best bet on this one is to have a plumber do it- piece of mind with gas is certainly key.. maybe the priority order for DIYs getting help is really main-electrical/panels, home main water connection, gas, 220v, heating, supply, 110V, DWV..
I am going to post a probably controversial post about people like me who do laundry lists for plumbers so we get our money's worth when we have to call them out, and how plumbers feel about that (versus makiing good money on a big job)..
I suggest this to my customers whenever possible.
We charge more for the first hour than anything after, if you compile a list of things, the cost per job is much less.
I'm also happy to have more work with less travel.
Nothing at all controversial about that...it's a great idea.