Day: January 26, 2023

Can I disconnect my BBQ, or do I need a gas fitter to complete this for me?

If your BBQ is a freestanding unit and not a built in one, it has a quick disconnect fitting. Unless the quick connect fitting it seized, a homeowner can disconnect their BBQ without the assistance of a gas fitter.  If this mechanism has seized up, it will require a licensed technician to remove it and disconnect it. Call us for service on your BBQ line.

I have a gas shut off valve for my range in the basement should I add one behind the range?

By code, the gas supply line to any appliance should have an isolation valve on it. In the event of an emergency, we require a readily accessible shut off valve. If your pan, food or range, catch fire, you do not want to tamper with pulling it out. Having a shut off valve in the basement or at the source, is the ideal solution. Consequently, there is no harm to have an isolation valve behind the range and at the source.

How long does it take to install a gas line to a range?

There are a few factors that affect installation time of a gas range:

• Accessibility – finished basements are significantly more challenging than unfinished basements.
• Make and model of gas range. Some ranges are higher output than others and subsequently require an upgraded 3/4″ gas supply line.  Often we tap  closer to the gas meter to ensure we obtain a proper supply for your range.
• Distance from the main to the range. Longer runs require larger supply lines resulting in longer install times.

Assuming an unfinished basement, it takes approximately 2 – 4 hours to complete the task. This includes installation of the anti tip bracket, leveling, leak test and startup.

Pipe sizing and reaming – done right!

Sizing a gas system is critical for the performance and safety of your appliances. Undersized gas lines will cause incomplete combustion which has a direct effect on flue gasses emitted. One of the common byproducts of incomplete combustion is Carbon Monoxide or CO.

Larger appliances such as pool heaters, generators and higher output boilers often require dedicated gas supply lines from the meter.

Some gas range manufacturers (KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Wolf, Bertazzoni, Brigade and some BlueStar models) are now requiring their appliances be installed with a 3/4″ IPS supply line. This is less common then the standard 1/2″ which has been the norm for years.

In addition to sizing the supply lines appropriately, iron pipe fittings must be “reamed” as to remove the burr from the inside of the pipe.

Have a look at the 2 pipes in the picture below, both are the same size however the one on the left has been reamed. It is a 10 second process to ream a pipe but many choose to cut corners and skip this step. The right one will significantly reduce flow to the appliance. Even though it may be properly sized, not reaming gas pipes will cause them to be undersized.

Which one do you think is a true 1/2″ supply line?

Hire GasGuys.ca Inc to ensure all your pipes are reamed and installed with proper sizes.

Periodically inspect your home for signs of corroded gas supply lines.

It is a good habit to get into to visually inspect your gas supply lines every once in a while. Iron pipe will accumulate surface rust and require a fresh coat of paint. If left untreated, it will eventually become “pitted”. A quick way to check is, if you run your nail along the gas supply line and it is flaking off or appears to have layers coming off, it is time to have them replaced.

This gas supply line has been exposed to multiple hazards. The first and main one is that it has been strapped directly to the brick. Gas lines should be installed using “pipe stay” spacers or “valley hangers”. This allows you to be able to paint around the entire pipe to protect it from corrosion. The second hazard which we will try to minimize is the run off of water from the above landing. The home owner will later install a flashing to avoid a constant drip from the above deck level.

Whenever possible iron pipe gas supply lines should be run high enough to avoid snow accumulation or the splash of rain hitting the ground. This will ensure that your gas line last as long as they should and remain safe for you and your family.

As you can see this line has now been re-routed and supported to the concrete above. It is stable and will also allow for painting and future brick repair.

Contact us if your gas supply lines are corroding or pitted.

Check your natural gas BBQ hose before every use to prevent a BBQ fire!

It is very important you inspect your BBQ before every use. If you smell natural gas and the burner knobs are off, there is a good chance you have a damaged natural gas hose. Run your fingers along the hose to see if it has been damaged or frayed at any point. The most common point of failure is where the hose enters the BBQ. Often manufacturers provide you with a plastic grommet. It is important to ensure this stays in place and does not pop out. Other manufacturers round this hole to avoid any sharp edges. Another common culprit for BBQ hose damage are rodents. They smell the grease in your grease trap and try to get into the BBQ cavity. Chewing the hose and gnawing away thinking they can cut through the stainless corrugations.

This hose has rodent damage to the rubber sheathing which acts as a seal for the corrugated hose. You can see the clean claw or tooth marks to the left. The metal corrugations are there to prevent kinking.

Gas escaped and eventually caused a mini ‘boom’ the hose caught on fire like a torch. Thankfully no one was hurt at this home. You can see the door magnet melted from the heat.

Even though this BBQ manufacturer has done all they can to round the entry point of the hose into the cabinet, we cannot control nature.

Check your natural gas BBQ hose before every use. Even if it your use the BBQ on a daily basis. You can never be too safe. If you smell gas, turn your shut off valve in the off position.