How to shut off gas?

[Wade Lippman]

I want to install a ventless gas heater. When I had my latest furnace put in they replumbed the gas and I had them put in a T for this purpose; so it shouldn't be any harder than replacing my gas water heater. (should it?!) But, I have two questions.

1) There is no valve between the T and the meter. There is a valve before the meter. Is that alright to use? I don't see why it shouldn't be, but I like to be certain. I should have had them put a valve on the T, but didn't think of it.

2) K copper is approved for gas here; and it seems like it would be a lot easier to work with than iron since I have don't have threading tools. It will be run in a well protected place; is there any reason not to use copper; other than trying to find a source for it.

Thanks

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Yes, shut off at the meter. Be sure to light any piolots after it is back on. Check the code as a valve must be placed before the connection to the appliance, then the union is after the valve. That way the valve can be shut off if the appliance has to be removed or disconnected.

Don't know so I won't comment Ed

[CBHvac]

Use that main before the meter, and be sure that you put a service valve before your new heater, just before the secondary regulator that is now code in any are that is using the new Gas Code.

Yup...all it takes is a little sulpher, and you got a mess....if you do use it, inspect it yearly, BEFORE you use it.

[Wade Lippman]

I did a search on "secondary regulator", but nothing relavent came up. What is that?' If I have a valve right after the T, I would need another one just before the heater?

I plan on using it only if my furnace goes out; hopefully never. So, if I have a valve at the T, the pipe might never see gas. I know some areas forbid copper, but our utility does not. Does that mean they are just not as rigorous, or that their gas is okay with copper?

[Joe Bobst]

The odorants in gas are sulfur compounds, and these can cause problems with copper. I recall removing an old copper gas line some time ago that had turned extremely brittle. It was not subject to any stress, so it had not failed, but IMHO it was an accident that could have happened. HTH

Joe

[CBHvac]

Its a smaller regulator that is required by the International Gas Code, to be installed just before any gas appliance. Nothing more than a secondary backup. I keep about 4 on the vans at all times....if you need one, they are not that expensive.

As far as the valves go, they are required before the heater. I tend to put them BEFORE the regulator, so that if the reg ever starts to leak, I can shut it off right there, and pull the reg off and replace it. Anytiime you have an applicance like that, codes state that you MUST have a service shutoff within reach.

Means that the gas they use is : Either low enough in content that its ok, or they just are not up to codes yet..:)

If they allow it, use it, but I prefer not to take the chance.