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Propane supply line extension.

Propane in basement? from what I was told, no propane applinces(sp) in lower level unless vented shall be installed..

Comments

  • Dave Faust
    Dave Faust Member Posts: 51
    Propane supply line extension

    I've done new installations of Naturel Gas, but never worked with the "heavier than air gas". I'm nervous about extending the supply line from an existing furnace to a newly installed tankless water heater. The new unit is ready to go except for the fuel line. I don't want to blow up the house, not to mention myself. The basement has glass blocks in the windows, with only a 4"*10" hopper type opening. In other words the basement dosn't have very good ventilation. There isn't a shut off valve that I can work back to. There are two regulators, but I won't be able to exhaust the line between the secondary regulator and the basement. Is disconecting the primary line at the tank going to be good enough? Is anyone willing to venture a guess? I know the orriginal supply line may be too small to supply the furnace and the new tankless heater, but sizing is a seperate issue.
  • Douglas Hicks
    Douglas Hicks Member Posts: 69


    You cannot disconnect the piping for venting because of the regulators. Can you disconnect the piping at the tank, and fill the pipe w/nitrogen or other inert gas? Would this dilute the gas past the regulators? I do not remember the UEL and LEL for propane, but surely the amount of gas in the piping should be so small the explosion possibility should be minor. Of course "minor" could be considered a relative term if you are in the middle of a "minor" explosion. Have you contacted the propane supplier for suggestions?
    fireguy
  • Plumdog_2
    Plumdog_2 Member Posts: 873
    gas cocks and unions

    are supposed to be just outside at the service entrance and within close proximity (but outside of) each and every appliance. If they are not, you should make the upgrade. LP gas appliances installed in a basement or pit where heavier than air gas may accumulate are conspicuosly not mentioned in the International Code; but a battery backed up gas sniffer/solenoid is usually acceptable (but not in all areas). You may have "a can of worms"; please be careful.
  • singh
    singh Member Posts: 866
    careful

    Propane is common here. There should have been a valve after the secondary regulator.
    If not , just shut it off at the tank.
    Watch your pipe sizes, especially for a tankless.
    I bet it's too small, you may have to re-pipe everything.
    CSST and manifold may be way to go, for all appliances.
    Pressure and leak test all connections, as you would NG.
    If you feel uneasy, then just contact gas supplier, they'll send someone out
    to re-pipe inside house also, unlike a NG utlity company.

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  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    You might have to be certified

    to work on LP in your state or area. We have a state wide certification for all installers and delivery personal.

    Generally the company that supplies or leases the tank has licensed "fitters" on staff.

    If LP makes you nervous, sub that part of the job to someone with the experience, code knowledge,and adequate libility insurance to cover LP work!

    Better safe than sorry.

    hot rod

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