Here's an interesting one , Gas Main

GW

I've been doing this a long time, never seen this. Tim, what do you think of the standing pressure gauge?

Tim McElwain

Some times when we had problems with pressure in certain areas we would leave a gauge for quick reference. That way we did not have to shut off the gas to put in a gauge.

njtommy

We do the same thing as Tim does especially on the old Preferred burners.

EBEBRATT-Ed

nice bushings!!!!!

GW

Yes looks like 6 of the little buggers

I was digging the old wrench

adambnyc

EBEBRATT-Ed said:

nice bushings!!!!!

Was thinking same thing. Bushings on gas big no no

GW

Shoot, looks like 7. I'm gonna stop counting

JUGHNE

I would assume that both code and common sense require the stop under the valve to be off unless you are observing the gauge?

I don't like bushings on anything, but why are they prohibited on gas piping? I assume a potential leaker? If so why are there 5 included with a replacement gas valve?

adambnyc

My supply house, 2 plumbers and my plumbing inspector all told me "no bushings on gas". I'm sure someone's got a good reason for it. I found this on another site:

The International Fuel Gas code (2006) prohibits gas piping from being made out of cast iron (section 403.4.1) although fittings may be made from cast iron. ("Regular" metal gas pipe is steel or wrought iron). There are are number of exceptions to the fittings with bushings not being allowed (section 403.10.4 note 5.2). The code commentary states that "bushings have been known to split from over tightening." Also section 404.3 prohibits bushings of any material to be used in concealed locations, with the commentary stating the "split after assembly" reason.
The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) has the same restrictions.

ChrisJ

So does that mean steel bushings ARE allowed in non-concealed locations?

Steamhead

In the Baltimore area, no.

ChrisJ

Steamhead said:

In the Baltimore area, no.

What about Gaithersburg?

Tim McElwain

The reference to code about bushings splitting when the pipe is tightened up is correct. The flush steel bushings that come with gas valves are ANSI approved for use on the inlet or outlet of the gas valve. I encourage my students to only carry 3/4 x 3/4 gas valves to reduce stock required on the truck. That will then allow the bushings for smaller pipes.

Usually a VR8300A standing pilot 24 volt valve, a VS820A powerpile valve and a VR8345M universal replacement valve pretty much covers most needs. Or the comparable Robertshaw or White Rodgers valves.

Tim McElwain

The shut off before the gauge is required and back when this piping was done bushings were likely much more durable than what you see today.

By the way I still have a couple of wrenchs in my workshop like the one in the picture.

People used to leave a wrench at the main shut off just in case of an emergency.

EBEBRATT-Ed

In general cast Iron is not allowed on gas. Most bushings are CI although steel is available in the smaller sizes, but no bushings are allowed on gas. Galvanized is also not allowed.

Their are some exceptions where Cast Iron is allowed, flanges I think and screwed fittings in the larger sizes.

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

Bushings aren't allowed out West either, at least in my jurisdiction. But our gas utility uses plastic bushings at the meter to stop electrolysis and I've seen them split and leak.

ChrisJ

I don't know for sure, but I was told when I did all of my piping that our inspector didn't want to see plugs, would only accept a nipple and a cap so that's what I did.

Though my dad's LP piping in PA has plugs.

They also allow street 90's here.

JUGHNE

Our system uses the plastic/nylon bushings for insulators to keep the UG piping from being grounded. It is all plastic coated pipe with cathode protection. Those bushings are always to be outside, every one I have removed for re-piping have been cracked or split, usually not leaking.

I can see Tim's point about the flush bushings not being a problem, unless you want to remove them of course.

Tim McElwain

The flush bushings come with every gas valve re[placement.