I need to add about 10 ft to an existing LP gas line for a new stove.?

Question

I plan to cut the pipe and put in a "T". Will I need to reduce the pipe before it goes throug the floor? Anything else you can think of.

Answer 1

This is a question that cannot be answered here accurately without much more information about your gas system. Probably not the answer you wanted to hear, so I will try to provide some insight.

Properly installed gas piping, which has been installed by a professional, will be sized in accordance with the total BTU load of the home, as well as room for the addition of one or more gas appliance in the future. Any particular size pipe for example ¾ black iron pipe has the ability to carry a particular gas load x number of feet. Naturally the larger the pipe the higher the BTU load that the pipe can carry. So, in essence the BTU load capability of the pipe is reduced every foot you travel downstream from the gas inlet. With all this being said, you would need to provide the following information to have your question answered correctly.

1.The total BTU load of all your appliances.
2.The total length of pipe that currently exists in your home as well as it’s size
3.The BTU load of each appliance.
4.The distance in piping between each appliance.
With the above information one could use a pipe sizing table to calculate the appropriate size piping for your installation.

As far as after the job has been completed, a professional would pressure test the entire installation, not just the newly installed piping using a water manometer rather than any leak detector solution, or soapy water. A professional would also perform a flow test of the system using the same instrument to ensure that the gas flow to the appliances is adequate.

Answer 2

There may be a question as to whether the pipe you are cutting to add the stove load is a large enough diameter to support both the old and new loads. Are you going to pressure test the line for leaks, spray with soapy water to look for bubbles, check with local code requirements?
How are you going to seal the joints...pipe dope for gas? Remember once you finish it all up it is out of mind out of sight. When the pipe goes through the floor is it a ventilated area? Just some things to think about.

Answer 3

If you cut the pipe, you will need to rethread it to install the T. It may be easier to just go back to the next joint and start from there.

We can't answer if you will need to reduce the pipe size because you didn't say what size the pipe is now. Typically, stoves are supplied with 1/2" lines inside the living space.

Do NOT use soapy water, use the liquid made for testing for leaks. Soapy water has been proven to deteriate joints and piping.
Use pipe dope for the joints and get them good and tight.

Answer 4

Keep the size at the present size(flow requirements). Mix up a 50/50 mixture of dish detergent and water to pressure test ALL joints! Do NOT use the stove until you've tested EVERY NEW connection!! Better safe than sorry! :-)=

Answer 5

You can keep the pipe all the same size