** Help - Disconnecting Gas Stove/Oven **

[delano]

Hi all,

I'm in the middle of doing some kitchen work and need to move our gas stove out of the kitchen for a bit. It's a new (1.5yrs old) stove with the electric pilots. When we had it installed we had a plumber come out and upgrade the line feeding the stove so I feel confident that it's a secure line. I would just like to know if there's anything I need to do besides shutting the valve before unhooking the stove. I did run each burner to make sure it didn't flame on. They didn't but there may have been just a hint of that natural gas smell (paranoia?) - I imagine just from the small portion in the line. I opened all the windows, let it vent for a bit and went back to check later. No smell. If anyone has any advice I'd certainly appreciate anything they could provide.

It's lunch time so I'm hoping there may be a kind soul who could respond by the time I get back so I can continue.

Thanks!!

Delano

[Danford C Jennings]

Hey, it's a good thing being paranoid about gas...any who, I'd shut off the main valve too....

Dano

[Billy B]

I agree about the main valve. If you were to just disconnect the line to move the stove then immediately re-connect it it shouldn't be a problem, but those valves aren't designed to be shut off for an extended period of time without leakage.

Billy B.

[Super Ry]

If you shut off ht emain valve then BE SURE YOU CHECK ALL PILOT LIGHTS IN THE HOUSE before turinging your gas back on ;)

[Michael P]

Delano

You most likely have a 1/2" supply to the stove. Get a brass/bronze 1/2" cap and some pipe dope. Put the cap on the valve and you won't have to turn the main off.

[delano]

thanks to all for the tips. I really appreciate it - as does my family :-)

Delano

[Danford C Jennings]

Uh Michael, that's not a good idea at all. Besides all the effort required in comparision with a simple flick o' the wrist "pipe dope" as you call it is no guarantee for a perfect seal. SOP for working around gas appliences is to shut the main off first, disconnect the appliance and close valve, ventilate, then proceed with extreme caution...

Dano

[Michael P]

Dano

My sense from his post was the stove was going to be disconnected for a bit.

It is March almost everywhere in the United States and even here in good ol' San Jose we need to turn the heat on and to take showers.

Turning the gas off at the appliance, and capping the ball valve is SOP. What would you do differently if he was going to replace the stove with an electric. Can't leave the main off forever.

I like pipe dope made specicically for gas pipe installs, if you recommend Teflon tape, I have no argument with that.

[Billy B]

Michael,

great thoughts, you mean folks use gas for their water heaters? :7

Once in a while we get caught up with the problem at hand and don't consider the big picture.

Isn't it nice to have balance when you need it?

After thinking about it a person could block that line if necessary even with a cast iron cap, pipe dope or teflon tape.

Cheers,
Billy B.

[TDHofstetter]

There was one caution up there that I'd like to underline.

Do NOT USE any pipe dope unless it's INTENDED FOR GAS USE. The new Teflon dope is probably OK, but don't use any of the older grease-type dopes (like the orange stuff)! BAD JUJU!

-- Tim --


You can always take one more step against the wind.

[Tom D]

The new teflon tapes made for gas are yellow in color.

[PastorPaul]

I guess I picked a good time to get back in town and visit the forum. Today we moved the refrigerator in the new house, in order to get ready to install the dishwasher where the refrigerator had been. I found a gas line and regulator behind it. The coppper line comes up through one hole to the regulator, then back down a second hold.

I went into the basement and tried to trace the lines, but with little success. As near as I can tell, what they did when they moved the stove to a different wall as to leave the regulator where it was, run the tubing down through the floor and to the new stove location.

First thing in the morning, I'm calling the city utilites and let them look things over. If they aren't allowed to relocate the regulator, I'll have to get a plumber in real quick. After having a friend with 15+ years in the gas business blow himself to kindom come, I tend to leave it to someone who know more than I do about gas. Which, of course, is just about anybody who is breathing.

Pastor Paul
http://webpages.charter.net/chalosi/usaC.gif http://webpages.charter.net/chalosi/usaC.gif

"If they don't have woodworking in heaven, I ain't going!!!"

[Mac Attack]

I'm just echoing previous posts. I just ran a new gas line for my clothes dryer. The only pilot i have in the house is a gas water heater. I turned the main off and let the space vent for about 30 minutes before i started the new line.

"There's no way anything can go wrong now."

[randall]

The gas odorant is so powerful it penetraits just about everything. I have done work on my gas lines and can attest that even a pipe removed and laying around for a year or more will STILL have that gas smell, so smelling gas after disconnecting an appliance doesn't always mean a leak but be safe.

Also, when you go to reconnect the appliance with that flexible hose, buy a new coated stainless steel one. The hoses are not meant to be "reused" or moved around much and they are cheap enough (under $15) that it's worth replacing ANY time you disconnect a stove or appliance.

[bob b]

hey. i am a gas fitter by trade. all you havr to do is shut off the inline valve behind the stove,disconnect the stove,then plug the valve.if you are still worried that it is leaking,make a mixture of 50%water and 50% dish soap then apply it to the valve.if it bubbles,it is leaking.you should be in good shape.any other questions let me know

bob b

[randall]

>hey. i am a gas fitter by trade


Oh cool! speaking of gas I'm more familiar with LP since I had an RV I had to put gas lines in, I remember the pressure past the regulator to appliances was supposed to be 12" WC, which is basically a matter of ounces per square inch unlike water pressure in the pipes at maybe 50 or 60 PSI like my house on city water is.

The amazing thing is that gas lines EVER leak at fittings with so little pressure andwith water lines a little teflon tape and a crank with the wrench keeps 50-60 PSI from leaking out so how come with the tape and cranking the fittings good and snug you can STILL have a gas leak??

You can hold 12" WC of pressure in with your finger tip, seems like almost anything- slilcone sealer, even duct tape would be able to hold in so little pressure.

[Kilroy530]

Hey I get to actually post an answer about something I know about!!!! I work for TXU Gas company in WIchita Falls Texas. Im a Service specialist..so enough of the credentials...You can turn off the shut off valve at the stove and disconnect it. If you think you might bump into it while working you can also cap or plug the outlet. Then just reconnect it (might your Rectorseal or teflon tape on threads) then turn valve back on and soap test the fitting to make sure you have it tight. And smelling a little gas is normal.

[TDHofstetter]

Amazing timing, Ricky! Exactly 365 days, 8 hours and nine minutes... :)

Still, better to have heard from ya than not. :) Other readers'll benefit.

-- Tim --


Don't walk in front of me, I will not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I will not lead.
Walk beside me, and be my friend.

[cma0002]

I was blown away reading this thread that Dano had responded and not one person had welcomed him back. Didn't realize it was a year old until Tim pointed it out. LOL.


Chris

[PastorPaul]

Rectalseal? Is that when you mistakenly grab the PoliGrip, instead of the Preparation-H? :P Oh, sorry! I guess you said Rectorseal.

Didn't know Dano was back, and I'm not bright enough to figure out how Tim knew, but WELCOME BACK!!

Pastor Paul
http://webpages.charter.net/chalosi/usaC.gif http://webpages.charter.net/chalosi/usaC.gif

"If they don't have woodworking in heaven, I ain't going!!!"

[TDHofstetter]

Gotcha. :)

That was a year ago - March 7th 2003.

:)

Ricky was just late.

-- Tim --


Some day, I'd like to be a wise man.
Like when I grow up or something.
Maybe it's a fool's wish, but it's mine.
For now, please bear with me,
I've got a lot of learning to do
Before I get there.

[delano]

thanks, Guys. Stove is back in place

(although it didn't take a year to do so - LOL!)

Delano

[Kilroy530]

Well dont I feel stupid...LMAO!!!! Guess I should check the darned date huh? I guess thats what a newbie gets for staying up for hours at a time reading you guy's post's trying to become half as sharp as you guys!!!! I was just so excited I had something to add since Im such a novice at woodworking..HAHA!!!! And I really do love this forum and all the help you guys give to us guys just dying to suck up as much sawdust as some of you guys have. Thanks!!!


I'll try to look like less of a shmuck next time I post something!!!


Ricky