View Full Version : Installing Natural gas post BBQ
cpeters
03-30-2009, 06:59 PM
I'm going to replace the 20 year old gas grill i put in 20+ years ago.
I ran 3/8" copper underground to the grill and have a compression fitting after the gas cock.
1. I heard compression on gas is a no no. So I'll go to a flare fitting.
2. I'm hearing copper isn't any good either. What's an alternative?
jadnashua
03-30-2009, 07:04 PM
Depending on the BTU rating of the grill (newer ones often are (much) higher than the older ones and the distance, that size pipe may not cut it at all. Not sure what the best pipe to use is. Most of the better ones are only sold to pros because you need special training and tools to make the connections.
Gary Swart
03-30-2009, 07:51 PM
I used 1/2" black iron pipe that ties into existing black iron in my basement. I have a set of pipe dies, so I was able to do the pipe work myself, but hardware stores will cut and thread pipe pretty cheap. If you plan your work, you can use precut lengths so extra cutting and threading can be minimized. I put a ball valve where I teed off of the house service pipe and a smaller gas valve one each end just before the quick couplers just for added safety. I put in two outlets, one on the deck for good weather and one in the breezeway for bad weather and winter. My sealant of choice is pipe dope, not Teflon tape, but if you do want to use tape, get the yellow kind that is made for gas. Test your joints carefully with liquid dish soap.
nhmaster
03-31-2009, 05:42 AM
You can not bury black iron for gas anymore.
cwhyu2
03-31-2009, 06:00 AM
You could do Normac,but you have to be trained.
Redwood
03-31-2009, 06:04 AM
Should a homeowner DIY gas piping?
I'd say the risks outweigh any benefit...
cwhyu2
03-31-2009, 06:40 AM
Should a homeowner DIY gas piping?
I'd say the risks outweigh any benefit...
You are quite right.
You could NEVER legally bury black pipe. Even galvanized would have to be wrapped with a protective coating. The 3/8 copper is usually only adequate as the final connection from the larger gas pipe to the BBQ.
Gary Swart
03-31-2009, 10:54 AM
FWIW, my black iron is not buried.
jadnashua
03-31-2009, 10:56 AM
My grill wants a 3/4" supply pipe...3/8" would starve it radically...you really need to check the user manual for the grill, or, using the BTU and distance plus fittings, determine what size is required.
Frog1
03-31-2009, 12:15 PM
Call a pro on this one. Gas isn't a DIY job!
nhmaster
03-31-2009, 02:45 PM
Gentlemen.....Helmet's on :D
Here,if it is a steel pipe, and if it outdoors above ground it has to be galvanized. Indoors, it can be either black or galvanized.
cwhyu2
03-31-2009, 08:37 PM
Our local gas provider will not allow galvainized pipe,do to possible flaking
of the zinc coating could possibly stop up the controls on a fixture.
SewerRatz
03-31-2009, 08:52 PM
Galvanized is a no go for gas here as well.
MaintenanceMan
04-01-2009, 08:22 AM
Copper is a no no, on natural gas, here. Tin lined copper is OK, but you very rarely see that.
xroad
04-01-2009, 08:40 AM
Should a homeowner DIY gas piping?
I'd say the risks outweigh any benefit...
I respectfully disagree. That is a very broad general statement. There are plenty of cases of gas line project is simple and low risk. There was a "T" at one of the gas line and I used that "T" to run another line to the location of my dryer. Nothing more than precut/prethread black pipes, gas valve, teflon tapes and the flexible gas hose to the dryer.
Running the pipe underground I would not do. I agree with that.
MaintenanceMan
04-01-2009, 08:58 AM
I respectfully disagree. That is a very broad general statement. There are plenty of cases of gas line project is simple and low risk. There was a "T" at one of the gas line and I used that "T" to run another line to the location of my dryer. Nothing more than precut/prethread black pipes, gas valve, teflon tapes and the flexible gas hose to the dryer.
Running the pipe underground I would not do. I agree with that.
What color teflon tape? White??? Yellow is supposedly acceptable, but I personally find only teflon tape on gas line unacceptable.
Did you install a drip leg?
I'm certainly not anti DIY, but it's not hard to screw up even an "easy" gas line job sometimes. In some cases what you don't know CAN hurt you.
Use the best and forget the rest...
http://www.rykinpump.com/pump/store/cart/contents/media/t_gasoila.png
Dunbar Plumbing
04-01-2009, 09:34 AM
I respectfully disagree. That is a very broad general statement. There are plenty of cases of gas line project is simple and low risk. There was a "T" at one of the gas line and I used that "T" to run another line to the location of my dryer. Nothing more than precut/prethread black pipes, gas valve, teflon tapes and the flexible gas hose to the dryer.
Running the pipe underground I would not do. I agree with that.
As many DIY hack jobs I've seen where dangerous situations were created as a result of someone taking to task the "thinking" that it's attainable,
I beg to differ. Just because one out of a hundred do it right, there's 99 of them that put not only themselves but others in grave danger.
DIY gas line jobs are why insurance companies have a job.
I'm not sure about your area, but in my area we have "the yellow jackets". It is a soft gas tubing which is allowed to be buried. There are regulations as to how deep they need to be buried. Check to see if your local codes allow the yellow jackets to be installed. It will come in various diametres (1/2", 3/4", 1")
Redwood
04-01-2009, 01:12 PM
I respectfully disagree. That is a very broad general statement. There are plenty of cases of gas line project is simple and low risk. There was a "T" at one of the gas line and I used that "T" to run another line to the location of my dryer. Nothing more than precut/prethread black pipes, gas valve, teflon tapes and the flexible gas hose to the dryer.
Running the pipe underground I would not do. I agree with that.
Disagree all you want...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f2/Redwood39/explosion-at-farm.png
Gas can and will have serious consequences if you make mistakes...
cpeters
04-01-2009, 06:40 PM
When you have a post BBQ grill the line runs underground.
Tin lined sounds like the best bet with a flare (not a compression) fitting.
In my area Galvanized is okay, the gas company even installed a galavanized line.
Sorry to hear the "us" and "them" conflicts.