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Gas line pool heater gas pipe sized wrong?

heathead
heathead Member Posts: 234
edited May 2015 in Gas Heating
Pool heater gas line installed by licensed contractor. 400,000 btu natural gas heater. All 1/2 psi lines no regulators before or after gas line, only one that steps down gas line street pressure to 1/2 psi before meter. The meter was used to run pool heater before it was moved, so I know it's big enough for the pool heater. They ran about 35 feet 3/4 black threaded steel pipe with a qty of 5 90's. How can this work ? What am I missing that makes this work. The heater needs min 6 inches wc. In the process they went through brick wall no sleeve. Doesn't black pipe need to be sleeved when going through brick work. Then it goes under ground with what looks like regular 3/4 copper type L with 2 90's soldered not brazed. I guess that under ground the joint won't get hot and melt in fire. How does this happen with a reputable contractor. Doesn't a person with master gas license have to look at what their workers do. Shut off gas to pool heater pilot was drafting out the side when running with very yellow flame from pilot when running. How can the fuzzy math work to get 400,000 btu through 3/4.

Comments

  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    it can not. Soldered copper for gas? A gas inspector is required for work done in Massachusetts where is this done, perhaps someone local to there can give some input.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    How many inches water column is the regulator at the meter set for ? Max TDL for 3/4 with an 8" wc regulator and 1/2 pd through the meter would be 24 feet . If this line was 1" he could've gone a TDL of 78.9 ' . This is assuming similar conditions to what my local utility provides .
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,452
    Very doubtful that it is done right. Did this get inspected I never herd of gas lines being soldered for obvious reasons? Permit?
  • 4Johnpipe
    4Johnpipe Member Posts: 480
    Can you call the building department now or was this done a while ago? Post some pictures...
    LANGAN'S PLUMBING & HEATING LLC
    Considerate People, Considerate Service, Consider It Done!
    732-751-1560
    email: langansph@yahoo.com
    www.langansplumbing.com
  • heathead
    heathead Member Posts: 234
    Thanks for all the thoughts. The owner Is trying to get them to come back. The work was just done. The copper is painted now with gray paint. Tells you that a little matching gray paint makes people think it was done right. I know it was soldered and not brazed, I saw it before it was painted and you can tell by the solder drip. They used a threader for the 3/4 black pipe and the rest looks good ie shut offs and unions and no flex connector into cabinets. Still think it needs a sleeve through brick work. If the meter is set up for 1/2 psi and 6 inch min wc operation for the pool heater any way that changes pressure drops to make the 3/4 pipe work. The meter couldn't be set higher than 1/2 because the other appliances don't have a separate step down regulator. I Don't think it should be discussed here but some day I want to learn how one chooses what pressure drop charts one could use. I use the .5 drop it is a chart that i know I am safe with. Does one choose the pressure drop of a chart based on the supply wc vs min operating wc of the load and that being the acceptable drop difference. I will let you know when they come back hopefully it is taking a long time for them to call back because the person with the gas fitters license is going to have to come out. Thanks.
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    edited May 2015
    Grab yourself a copy of the IFGC if that pertains to your area . See section 402.5 . Read and understand ALLOWABLE PRESSURE DROP . If you use the IRC for gas , that is all excerpted from the IFGC book , word for word .
    Depending on the reliability of the utilities' equipment and delivery system to deliver a steady pressure one can never be bitten in the **** by a properly sized system based on all segments of piping being sized as if there was full load .
    remember the INTENT of the code is to minimize the hazards associated with the storage and distribution within the built environment .
    That being said , is allowing more potentially hazardous fuel than is needed to operate the equipment at full load as designed to be inside the building keeping in line with the intent and spirit of the code ? I think not but am interested in other's view as well .

    There is also a commentary book published by ICC that interprets in plain english what they meant when they wrote it . Pretty cool tool for those who have inspectors who'd like to think they are able to interpret . This interpretation is binding also as it comes right from ICC and if your state has adopted it , it is law .
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,452
    And yes, the pipe running through the brick wall should be sleeved, no contact with masonary. Most would probably use polypropolyne for this
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
    I would get involved here and give some answers but choose to not do so as some who post on this subject does not agree with how I size pipe. I do not want to get into a debate. If the poster wants some help call me at 401-437-0557 or e-mail me at gastc@cox.net and I can answer all your concerns and also help you with some free material on pipe sizing and gas pressures.
    RobG
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    Tim do you size using the long hand method?
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,452
    Either way 3/4" looks to small to me. 1" would be minimum and then is only good for about 25'
  • j a_2
    j a_2 Member Posts: 1,801
    The good book,being your local code book will have a very simple chart to tell you the minimum size line you need…we in Mass use nfpa54 2012….plus any additional requirements in our state code book….My area has low pressure and dirty gas…house gas filters are commonly installed by the grid around here...
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    Tim ,

    If you were speaking about me , don't fret . There would be no debate . I size using an approved engineering method recognized by the IFGC . If folks can use that method and have a reliable pressure from the utility they may . Or they may choose to size by any approved sizing method in their approved model code .
    I know , being who you are and doing what you do would not argue that delivering above the minimum supply pressure while insuring all fixtures have adequate supply when all are calling is improper .
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    edited May 2015
    Tim ,


    Do you work for a utility ? No debate to follow , just curious . It is an interesting theory though .
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    I didn't know copper could be brazed for a gas line.
    I thought it had to be flared.

    This could come in handy at one point.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Gordy
    Gordy Member Posts: 9,546
    edited May 2015
    ChrisJ said:

    I didn't know copper could be brazed for a gas line.
    I thought it had to be flared.

    This could come in handy at one point.

    Do you know why it has to be brazed,or flared, and not soldered?
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Gordy said:

    ChrisJ said:

    I didn't know copper could be brazed for a gas line.
    I thought it had to be flared.

    This could come in handy at one point.

    Do you know why it has to be brazed,or flared, and not soldered?
    A guess would be the soft solder gets attacked by something in the gas?
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    Strength of the joints would be my guess.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583

    Strength of the joints would be my guess.

    Have you ever tried to tear apart a soft soldered joint? You'll crack the copper first.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    edited May 2015
    After seeing this I change my answer.

    " they should be made using a brazing alloy with a melting point above 1,000 F. The brazing alloy must contain less than 0.05% phosphorus."

    I think it's to keep the solder from melting and letting go if the building is on fire. However, I guess I can't use my Stay-silv 15 rod for it because it contains something like 5% phosphor. Guess you need to use flux and a different rod.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    Pulled many soft solder joints apart without breaking pipe or fitting. Especially threaded adapters.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
    RobG
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583

    Pulled many soft solder joints apart without breaking pipe or fitting. Especially threaded adapters.

    Did you solder those?
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    No. But the solder fully covered the joint inside.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
  • RobG
    RobG Member Posts: 1,850

    No. But the solder fully covered the joint inside.

    Probably 50/50 solder. I stockpiled a case of it years ago and have used maybe a roll of it so far. I will cheat if I am in a tight, flammable situation.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
    Answer for Rich - I worked for a public utility (gas company) for 28 years 1966 to 1994. For ten of those years I was a service technician. The last eighteen I was the training director and instructor for 106 service techs.

    My piping direction is built upon many years of dealing with pressure problems and seeing some caused by poor pressure from the utility and many more due to undersized piping. That was especially the case in the inner city which has only low pressure mains less the 14" W.C. pressure.

    Since 1994 when I was downsized out of the utility along with 29 others over 50 making over $50,000 a year I have been all over the country doing training. From 1994 to 1999 I worked for Honeywell traveling all over the country conducting training with their "Source" Program.

    In 1999 I opened the Gas Training Institute and have had the opportunity to train many techs since then from all over the country.

    Hope that answers the question sorry to be long winded.
    ChrisJ4JohnpipeGordyZman
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    You are the final word on Gas in my book Tim.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
    RobGjonny88
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    If Tim doesn't know it, we don't need to. He's the best!
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Charlie from wmassChrisJ
  • 4Johnpipe
    4Johnpipe Member Posts: 480
    Nice resume Tim! That must have been quite a job dealing with 14"WC in the gas mains...That sounds like it kinda sucked. I just had to break the news to a potential customer they could not get a Rinnai when I noticed no regulator on the gas main. They have 7" only.
    LANGAN'S PLUMBING & HEATING LLC
    Considerate People, Considerate Service, Consider It Done!
    732-751-1560
    email: langansph@yahoo.com
    www.langansplumbing.com
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,612
    Here in the North East in major cities it is not unusual for the pressure in the street to drop down to less than 6" W.C. pressure and at times as low as 4 inches. Mod/Cons can be a real problem in those kind of conditions. We have a moratorium in Cape Cod as no gas can be put in for now due to lack of pressure and supply due to poor pressure and pipe size.

    I am well aware of hybrid systems using 2 and 5 pound pressure to a manifold (homerun) and dropping down from a pounds to inches regulator for feeding inches water column to appliances.

    I teach all of the methods which are shown in NFPA 54 and also the International Fuel Gas Code plus CSST applications. It is just that not all are applicable when questions arise here on HeatingHelp you have to know what the inquiring party has for a location because of the differences in pressure provided by local utilities..
  • 4Johnpipe
    4Johnpipe Member Posts: 480
    I hear you...We have a great natural gas supplier in this area of New Jersey NJNG. We can get high pressure almost on request. I am still amazed though how many plumbing contractors do not even test pressure at the meter before adding to an existing gas system nor do they check the CFH of the meter. It causes headaches when a generator gets added then the heat doesn't work when a 500K whole house generator kicks on or a pool heater for that matter. The customer I spoke of above is not in NJNG territory.
    LANGAN'S PLUMBING & HEATING LLC
    Considerate People, Considerate Service, Consider It Done!
    732-751-1560
    email: langansph@yahoo.com
    www.langansplumbing.com