Installing Natural gas post BBQ

Cpeters · Mar 30, 2009

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 · Mar 30, 2009

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.

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

Gary Swart · Mar 30, 2009

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 · Mar 31, 2009

You can not bury black iron for gas anymore.

Cwhyu2 · Mar 31, 2009

You could do Normac,but you have to be trained.

Redwood · Mar 31, 2009

Should a homeowner DIY gas piping?
I'd say the risks outweigh any benefit...

Cwhyu2 · Mar 31, 2009

Redwood said:
Should a homeowner DIY gas piping?
I'd say the risks outweigh any benefit...

You are quite right.

hj · Mar 31, 2009

gas

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 · Mar 31, 2009

FWIW, my black iron is not buried.

Jadnashua · Mar 31, 2009

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 · Mar 31, 2009

Call a pro on this one. Gas isn't a DIY job!

NHmaster · Mar 31, 2009

Gentlemen.....Helmet's on

hj · Mar 31, 2009

gas

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 · Mar 31, 2009

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 · Mar 31, 2009

Galvanized is a no go for gas here as well.

MaintenanceMan · Apr 1, 2009

Copper is a no no, on natural gas, here. Tin lined copper is OK, but you very rarely see that.

Xroad · Apr 1, 2009

Redwood said:
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 · Apr 1, 2009

xroad said:
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.

Cass · Apr 1, 2009

Use the best and forget the rest...

Dunbar Plumbing · Apr 1, 2009

xroad said:
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.

Installing Natural gas post BBQ

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