Replacing flexible gas lines
My gas water heater has a flexible gas line. I’ve heard these leak and should be replaced with stainless steel flexible lines. Can I do this myself by closing the valve between the gas pipe and flexible line, waiting a while for any gas in the flexible line to dissipate, and removing and replacing it? I know how to relight the pilot, etc. Is there more to it than that or safety concerns I’ve overlooked? Thanks!
01-23-04, 01:22 PM
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Plumber2000
01-23-04, 02:51 PM
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Re: Replacing flexible gas line to water heater
Originally posted by jwolfkill
My gas water heater has a flexible gas line. I’ve heard these leak and should be replaced with stainless steel flexible lines. Can I do this myself by closing the valve between the gas pipe and flexible line, waiting a while for any gas in the flexible line to dissipate, and removing and replacing it? I know how to relight the pilot, etc. Is there more to it than that or safety concerns I’ve overlooked? Thanks!
After you finish, make a soapy water soluton and use it to test both sides of the hose connection to see if you see any bubbles. (Any tiny leak will bubble in the presence of soap.)
Make certain that the soap you use does not contain ammonia or lye (dishwashing soap often contains ammonia, check the bottle.)
Mild hand soap is usually OK.
01-23-04, 04:28 PM
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Be sure to wash off the soap solution when done. You can either wipe off water or let it air dry, but soap does need to be washed off fittings.
01-23-04, 08:19 PM
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In KY and Ohio, those flex lines are illegal for water heater installs.
I would suggest black iron.
I still haven’t figured out why they are legal on dryers, space heaters, and stoves, but I follow the codes to the letter.
CSST is legal too, which is plastic covered stainless steel.
DUNBAR PLUMBER
01-24-04, 10:14 AM
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Originally posted by notuboo
Be sure to wash off the soap solution when done. You can either wipe off water or let it air dry, but soap does need to be washed off fittings.
Is that a local requirement?
01-24-04, 10:27 AM
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Not only is it a local requirement, but there are reported cases where the soapy solution has contributed to deterioration of CSST piping and stainless steel flex tubing.
This is recommended by the makers by Wardflex and other manufacturers of this type of piping due to reported case histories where the piping was tested and not cleaned after testing.
This stainless steel does not have the same physical properties as stainless steel sinks. The piping produced for gas lines, therefore, is vulnerable to these types of chemicals.
As for the reason it is not code for flex supply lines for water heaters I believe would be the fact that it is not concealed by the fixture it serves, behind it and out of harms way.
I believe they enforce black iron for the reason that someone can easily kick a flex line or disturb it and cause a potential leak a lot more easily than a solid, sch40 black iron pipe.
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01-24-04, 01:50 PM
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If existing codes allow flex gas lines, than it is okay to replace the exisiting flex with new flex. Either type sold could be used.
The reason flex is allowed on some appliances and not all appliances is likely only a local code. Mostly because those it is used on are likely to be moved for repairs or cleaning behind, etc.
Soap, of most varieties, is caustic. Some contain lyes and other chemicals or agents. The corrosive actions of these chemicals over time can and do deteriorate the flex metals used in construction.
Washing off the soap used to check for leaks is a good habit for the service agents and should also be done by everyone else. Not an often relayed bit of info but important to know and remember to do.
Some clothing washing soaps, when they come into contact with flex connectors and tiny bits of moisture, over time cause leaks in flex lines made of spun brass or bronze.
Tiny fizzer leaks are often found on flex connectors as a result of soap corrosions which cause customers to call in odor complaints.
Therefore, regardless of the material used to make flex lines, the connectors should be washed clean of any soap used to check for leaks per company policies.
No connector should be allowed to remain in contact with cement floors or metal surfaces. Which means must not lay on the floor as a final support. Excess line should be rolled up and supported off any flooring of almost any type or leaks can develope.
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01-24-04, 02:28 PM
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Additional Issues
Electrolysis is yet another factor of concern.
All electical appliances have the potential to have tiny amounts of electrical currents. This condition is known as “Electrolysis.” The tiny currents can be transmitted through any metal connectors.
Appliance grounding is not assured through many gas supply lines. Steel and or galvanized gas supply underground pipes installed by natural gas utility companies, are insulated to prevent electrolysis to protect there piping systems.
Electrical wall outlets do not totally ensure complete grounding. Not all 3 prong plugs can ensure grounding either. Some appliances come with seperate grounding wire kits. Especially washing machines or machines which water is used in.
Thus one reason for not allowing connectors to remain in contact with cement flooring. Another is moistures which can seep through cement floors or anyplace where water may come into contact with the connectors.
An example is: A washer flooding and or over flowing, broken or leaking water inlet hose lines or any other type of water leak.
Flex lines are required in some parts of the world where earth quakes can happen or do happen. In these cases, some movement of the appliance is likely.
Flex lines allow those movements to happen without line damage and or pipe thread damages, which can result from solid piping being used.
In some parts of the country, water heaters are required to be raised above the floor level for fire safety. Usually 18 inches above floor levles.
Some codes require water heaters (and other appliances) to be strapped to the wall beams, as an earth quake movement pervention.
Always check with local codes. Codes vary widely and can be required in any mix of requirements based on areas. Many codes change often and are upgraded based upon several factors specific to local areas.
https://www.doityourself.com/forum/plumbing-piping/156617-replacing-flexible-gas-lines.html
