Purge my pipe.

[Innumerical]

Hi, I need to move my gas cooker 6 feet. The gas is fed via a 22mm pipe with a 13 mm pipe tee'd up to the cooker, the 22mil then continues on to the boiler - all in a straight line. I want to connect a length of 13mm pipe to the existing piece and route it to the new cooker position. As (i understand it) gas joints must be soldered, so I will need to remove the gas that is already in the pipe. Is there an easy way to do this? or is there another way to extend the 13mm pipe? Thanks very.

[Lobster]

As you're probably aware you're only allowed to mess with gas installations if you are "competent" to do so. The fact that you're asking this question suggests that maybe you aren't?

David

[Innumerical]

David, I'm asking for information on how to purge the pipe of gas, and if someone can tell me how it's done - then I am more than competent to carry out the task.

[Fred]

AFAIU non solder fittings can be used but should remain accessible.

With my limited experience I've never worried about purging gas pipes, methane is very slow burning so there'll be no bang or pop!

In theory you should check the system for leaks after any mods.

[Lobster]

In theory?!!?

[John]

Your insurance company won't consider you competent. Also if you sell the house and there is a subsequent accident you could be found guilty.....

Your question was an admission of non-competence in the field of working on gas installations.

[Innumerical]

John, get a life.

Thankyou to anyone who addressed my question.

[Lurch]

On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:28:28 GMT, "Innumerical" mused:

13mm?

As already mentioned, you need to be competent to work on gas. I don't feel that you are. Feel free to prove me wrong.

[Fred]

Many would just check the modified areas for leaks with fluid rather that a complete system check. On an electrical analogy, if you add a spur do you check the connections of every socket in the house?

[John Rumm]

Cutting through the pipe will usually do this!

I presume you mean 15mm? If so you can extend it in more 15mm copper pipe. You can solder or use compression fittings.

Have a read of this before you go much further:

you are adding six meters to the pipe I would also be inclined to make sure the pipe size will still be up to the job:

[Ed Sirett]

There is a FAQ for this. It's a bit of a Catch-22 if you need to ask you shouldn't be doing it.

Common misnomers about domestic gas pipe work:

1) Gas must be removed before soldering. 2) Only soldered joints are permitted.

See BS 6891 for the exact chapter and verse (linked below).

[Ed Sirett]

Check the whole installation before and after. By analogy with electricity it's common practice to test the entire installation for insulation to earth in one go.