ARC 1419: Plumbing and

Sanitary System

MODULE 3 GAS PIPING SYSTEM

Arc 1419 CLUSTER

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ARC 1419: PLUMBING AND SANITARY

What is the difference between LPG (Liquefied Petroleum

Gas) and Natural Gas?
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What are Gas Pipeline?

The gas pipeline is used to
transport the gas, which is
needed for daily cooking and
bathing
Some homes are only equipped
with gas lines that are 3/4 inch
in diameter, as this is a
standard size for supporting
major appliances. Other homes
may have a combination of 1-
inch, 1/2-inch, and 3/4-inch gas
lines
A branch line is a pipe off the
main line that feeds a group of
appliances. In our example, we
have two branch lines. The pipe
size of the main pipe on the
branch must be sized based on
the total BTU of all the appliances
on that branch line and pipe
length.

The trunk line pipe is the main

pipe from the meter/regulator that
feeds the different branches. The
trunk line must be sized based on
the total BTU from each branch-
line system or the sum of the total
BTU of all the appliances on the
system and pipe length.
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GAS PIPING TERMINOLOGY

Supply, branch and drop lines or
risers
The piping inside the house is called
the GAS SUPPLY LINE

BRANCH LINES run to individual

appliances. The branch line terminates
in a drop line, which is a vertical pipe
dropping down to the appliance from
an overhead branch line.
This DROP LINE is called a RISER if it
carries gas up to an appliance from a
branch line below the appliance.
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The piping downstream of the gas meter usually is the responsibility of the homeowner. The piping
upstream of the gas meter and the meter itself usually are the responsibility of the gas company.
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Connectors
Flexible CONNECTORS are
permitted to connect appliances to
the gas piping.

There has to be a SHUT-OFF VALVE

at the connection to the rigid piping.
This valve has to be in the same
room as the appliance. In some
jurisdictions, flexible connectors are
allowed only for gas ranges, dryers,
outdoor barbecues and other semi-
portable appliances. Check your local
gas code to determine what is or isn’t
allowed in your area.
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GAS SHUT OFF VALVE is

designed to safely stop or
continue the flow of hazardous
fluids or external gases.

The basic purpose of a gas shut

off valve is to cut the flow of gas
to your house in the event of an
earthquake (or, depending on
the type of valve, a potentially
dangerous leak due to other
causes.) Each device has a
simple mechanism inside which
activates and blocks the flow of
gas.
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Excess Flow Shut-Off Valves Seismic or Earthquake Valves

Excess Flow Shut-Off Valves are
Earthquake valves, or seismic
designed to automatically shut-
shut-off valves, are used as a
off the delivery of gas in a line if
safety device to shut off
the flow exceeds a preset limit.
natural gas lines in the
It's installed on the service line that
event of an earthquake.
runs underground between natural
They generally are installed
gas main and the meter on your
on the exterior of a residence
property.
or business in order to stop
gas flow when an earthquake
of significant magnitude
transpires.
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Piping materials
Steel, copper, brass: The most common
gas piping is black steel. Galvanized
steel, copper, brass or CSST
(Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing)
also can be used in some areas, but
some utilities specifically prohibit the
use of copper. In other areas, the use of
copper is widespread.
You should know what is acceptable in
your area. Steel piping typically is black
with malleable iron or steel fittings.
Galvanized steel is used in some areas
as well.
There are several types of materials approved for gas
work. The codes for the local jurisdiction should always be
checked but in general

Steel Pipes
Steel pipes can be used above ground as long as
corrosion due to the environment and the conveying gas
is of no problem. Steel pipes and copper pipes are the
most common materials used inside buildings.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes used in gas systems should be of type L or
K and approved for gas.
Yellow Brass Pipes
Yellow brass pipes may be approved for inside
installations.
Aluminum Pipes
Aluminum pipes should not be used in the ground.
Aluminum is not approved in all jurisdictions. The difference is the wall
thickness of the copper pipe
sizes and the pressure it can
handle.
Ductile Iron
Ductile iron pipes may be approved in some
jurisdiction for underground work.

PVC Pipes MDPE (Medium-density polyethylene)

PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride - pipes may be used in pipe actually used exclusively for gas
pipelines buried outside a building. installations and should never be used to
carry water.

PE Pipes
PE - Polyethylene - pipes may be used in pipelines
buried outside a building.

Flexible Connectors
Flexible connectors are used to connect appliances Flexible connectors
to gas sources. Flexible connectors must be
approved
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GAS FITTING CONNECTIONS

Common styles for gas fittings
include adapter, coupling, cross or 4-way,
45° or 90° elbow fittings, and quick
couplers. When choosing gas fittings,
connection selection is an important
consideration that should be made based on
the application.
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CSST is a flexible, corrugated

stainless steel tubing used to
supply natural gas and
propane in residential,
commercial, and industrial
buildings.

It should not be confused with

appliance connectors, the
similar flexible piping that
connects directly to moveable
appliances—like ranges or
dryers—from the wall or floor.
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If you ever need to hook up a stove or dryer then you’ll have to

work with gas pipe and some fittings.

Whenever you screw any two plumbing pipes or fittings together

you should use some sort of sealant on the threads. This goes for
both water and gas piping. If you don’t then you’ll get leaks right
through the threading. Connecting a fitting to a gas pipe requires
some Teflon tape to make a tight seal. Teflon tape comes in a
variety of colors based on what you’ll be using it for.
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Teflon Plumbers Tape

The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) dictates that all threaded pipe joints
should use a pipe sealant. Teflon tape is the most common pipe sealants. It’s used on all types
of threaded pipe connections and comes in a variety of colors each meant for a different
purpose.

Teflon tape is known generically as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tape , or simply “plumbing

tape.” Teflon is a brand name, not the actual name of the tape. Plumbing tape is easy to use and
has a few key benefits.
It lubricates threaded joints as they’re being connected which makes it a little easier to thread
pipes and fittings together.
Plumbing tape creates a tight seal which prevents leaks.

Plumbers tape comes in various grades which are also color coded. Your choice of tape will
depend on the function, size, type and composition of the pipe fittings you’re using.

Residential gas pipe and fittings use the yellow tape. It’s easy to remember because
yellow is only used for gas pipe. White and red are both multi purpose
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SIGNS OF A GAS LEAK

1. Rotten Egg Smell
Natural gas is colorles but has a harmless
additive to make it easy for users to identify. If
you notice a terrible rotten egg smell in your
home, your gas pipes might be leaking. It is
crucial to have an expert inspect your pipes to
find the problem immediately you notice it.
2. Dying Grass or Plants
Outdoors, it may be harder to notice a gas
leak because it dissipates quickly in the wind.
However, if you find that grass is dying
around your pipes, they might be leaking.
Natural gas is not good for plants, and when
they come into contact with it, they wilt and
die.
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Safety Tips for Gas Pipe Installation

Here are some safety tips for gas pipe installation in house. Please
be cautious that the gas pipe must be operated by professionals.
Shut off all mains
Make sure that you turn off all gas mains before you begin the
work. If there is gas flowing, you could easily hurt yourself or other
people on the project.
Have the right safety equipment
If you are working on an underground pipe, make sure that your
harness is working, and you can quickly get out when you need to.
Have gloves, a hard hat, boots, and reflective clothing on during
gas pipe installation. Remember, if you notice the smell of gas
while working in an enclosed place, get out immediately.
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Mark Excavations
If you are working underground, installing gas pipes ensure
that you barricade the excavations. That is to ensure other
people do not accidentally fall in.
Use the Right Equipment
Have the correct tools and safety equipment for the job. Using
incorrect tools could cause an accident or damage the pipes
that you are installing.
Appropriate signage and Warnings
Ensure that you have signs to ensure other workers and
people living in the building stay away from excavations and
do not smoke on the worksite. In addition, place a sign on the
mains to ensure that your gas
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References:

https://www.carsondunlop.com/training/resources/everything-you-need-to-know-
about-gas-piping/

https://en.lesso.com/blogs/gas-piping-knowledge/