Submitted by yokashi-monta t3_11dl4ys in DIY
I had a plumber run a flexible natural gas line in my basement to a shut off valve that then feeds my gas cooktop. I'm thinking about adding a splitter, a run of about 15 feet with the same flexible line and then installing a connection on the exterior wall of my house (for a generator). Assuming it is done properly, are there generally any code or functionality issues with this?
I've only seen generators tied in directly after the meter. You should probably check your local code to verify any regulations.
Fortunately I'm not much of a chef so I can pretty easily live without burners if I need to run the generator.
The pressure drop when both appliances are running can be dangerous. For a worst case example, your stovetop might be starved enough for the flame to go out, flooding your basement with gas.
You might be fine with not running both at once but the next owner of your house might go ahead and do just that, and blow up the house.
The pressure at your meter, the pipe size, distance and any bends are all factors which can come into play there.
15 feet of flex is a lot of flex and, I think, against code.
What you should do is measure about 15 times, then 10 or so more times to verify, then go up to the orange box, they'll cut and thread for you. Rent a pair of 18" pipe wrenches while you're there.
Or hire it out, I know it sucks, but they'll do a better job than you and you won't run into problems with legality or blown up houses later.
Thank you.
...why would their basement fill with gas because the stove went out?
The gas being on but there being no flame. I've assumed the stove is in the basement just off what OP wrote, but it doesn't matter. Wherever the stove is would probably be leaking gas, unless it has an automatic shut off.
More risk than it's worth - better having a plumber calculate the safe pipe size/whether a new pipe run is required.
>15 feet of flex is a lot of flex and, I think, against code.
Oh so I just looked it up, it's CSST flexible hose. My state allows 75 feet for a single run.
Fair enough, I just know we were allowed up to 3 feet for appliance hook up.
As long as the flex can provide the amount of gas the generator needs, seems like you're good to go.
There are a lot of things that you can be frugal and cheap with. Gas connections are not one of them. If you have to come on Reddit and ask if there are any code violations that you should be worried about. How are you going to handle the transfer switch from the electrical panel to the generator? Do you even know how to do that without coming to Reddit? If you are using the generator, it is going to be a lot more gas than any stove would require. This is not a DIY unless you are in the trades and know exactly what you are doing.
No. The generator requires a separate line.
You need to hire a professional to hook your generator into your home anyways. May as well have them do the gas line as well.
Check your local code. The gas fired gen I have seen are hard piped.
This may be a good way of invalidating your home insurance, if there were any issues. If it's visible, it may also get picked up by a Home Inspector, impacting resale.
I'll DIY lots of things, but gas isn't something I DIY.
If the line is too small it could basically shut down every other gas fixture in the house when it kicks in, and may starve the generator for fuel at the same time.
A major add on to your gas line needs someone to measure your total run lengths and total btu's all into account before you even start.
I am a plumber that's very familiar with gas, but for insurance and liability purposes I would hire a licensed and insured company to do the work instead of doing it myself.
That way if something goes wrong you have some way to be made whole without coming out of pocket or being unable financially to repair the house when your insurance declines because you DIY'd it
Yeah, that's not how things work. Do it right or don't do it at all.
Do not do it alone gas is very dangerous also don't work over 180 volts it takes a professional
Correct you need code and licenses
Even if code allows for a long flex line where you are, I doubt it allows for a flex going through a floor or a wall, nor having the cooktop shut off in the basement. Has to be in same room.
https://codes.iccsafe.org/s/IRC2015/part-vi-fuel-gas/IRC2015-Pt06-Ch24-SecG2420.5
hijinks t1_ja999g1 wrote
no but it could be an issue if the line isn't big enough to support the generator running and the burners being on at the same time.