I previously had a copper piping coonection from our [home exterior] propane heating tank to a grill on our 2nd level deck. I recently removed one of the copper pipse that connects to the grill because it was bent, and would like to replace it. I would like to know if I can replace it with a coated gas connector w/ excess flow valve, [the kind they use with water heaters]. the coated gas connector is more flexible and seems it would be better I just want to make sure its ok to use with existing copper pipe. Any assiatance/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
This certainly isn't the norm, but it should work fine. Copper isn't generally used for natural gas or propane, because of copper sulfide formation and flaking, but unless you want to re-fit the whole thing, you will be ok for a while. Put a flare fitting on the end of the copper line, grab the appropriate brass connector (appropriate sized flare to flare or flare to MIP), and hook it up. Pretty simple stuff. Let me know if you need more detailed directions. --EDIT-- One other quick note, since you have copper line carrying this stuff, be sure there is a conveniently located shut off somewhere. Don't rely on the grill's regulator or manifold valve to stop the gas flow. On top of that, if you ever have a plumbing project, go ahead and re-fit that gas line in the correct material. Call your LP provider for more detailed information. --EDIT 2-- I guess follow what LPG Guy said. I really don't work too much with propane, mostly natural gas. You almost never see copper lines with NG unless some hack got a hold of it. I thought they were more similar than they actually are.
No do not use that type of connector, it is meant for indoor use behind appliances that are only moved occasionally for servicing. Copper tubing is used all the time for propane service. The only problem is that once it is in place for a period of time it doesn't like to be disturbed. The propane odourant, ethyl mercaptan, leaves a residue on the inside of the copper tubing. If you manipulate that tubing, that residue can break loose and go downstream into your appliance controls and cause you grief. Replace the copper tubing with new tubing of the same size. If it runs along concrete or brick in any place, it will need to be coated L copper. Make sure it is at least the same size as what you are removing and no longer than what you are removing. If you undersize this line, you could starve the appliance for fuel. At the appliance end of the line should be a shutoff and a quick disconnect fitting rated for propane. Than use a rubber hose no longer than 10 feet to connect the appliance to the quick disconnect.That's it! Not as easy as you probably thought. If you are not 100% confident in doing this, have a gas-fitter look after it. You, your family and your house are worth far more than the few bucks a qualified technician will charge you.
This certainly isn't the norm, but it should work fine. Copper isn't generally used for natural gas or propane, because of copper sulfide formation and flaking, but unless you want to re-fit the whole thing, you will be ok for a while. Put a flare fitting on the end of the copper line, grab the appropriate brass connector (appropriate sized flare to flare or flare to MIP), and hook it up. Pretty simple stuff. Let me know if you need more detailed directions. --EDIT-- One other quick note, since you have copper line carrying this stuff, be sure there is a conveniently located shut off somewhere. Don't rely on the grill's regulator or manifold valve to stop the gas flow. On top of that, if you ever have a plumbing project, go ahead and re-fit that gas line in the correct material. Call your LP provider for more detailed information. --EDIT 2-- I guess follow what LPG Guy said. I really don't work too much with propane, mostly natural gas. You almost never see copper lines with NG unless some hack got a hold of it. I thought they were more similar than they actually are.
No do not use that type of connector, it is meant for indoor use behind appliances that are only moved occasionally for servicing. Copper tubing is used all the time for propane service. The only problem is that once it is in place for a period of time it doesn't like to be disturbed. The propane odourant, ethyl mercaptan, leaves a residue on the inside of the copper tubing. If you manipulate that tubing, that residue can break loose and go downstream into your appliance controls and cause you grief. Replace the copper tubing with new tubing of the same size. If it runs along concrete or brick in any place, it will need to be coated L copper. Make sure it is at least the same size as what you are removing and no longer than what you are removing. If you undersize this line, you could starve the appliance for fuel. At the appliance end of the line should be a shutoff and a quick disconnect fitting rated for propane. Than use a rubber hose no longer than 10 feet to connect the appliance to the quick disconnect.That's it! Not as easy as you probably thought. If you are not 100% confident in doing this, have a gas-fitter look after it. You, your family and your house are worth far more than the few bucks a qualified technician will charge you.
