East Bay Gas Lines - How to Seal a Gas Line on a Dryer

Once you get your new gas dryer home, you must safely connect it to the gas line. A dryer isn't hard to connect to a gas line, but if you don't do it correctly, it could be dangerous for your family and your home. Improperly connected gas lines to dryers, for instance, allow gas to leak inside the home. Gas buildup can result in an explosion when ignited, and the fumes are not safe to breathe. After connecting your gas line to your dryer, conduct an easy test to ensure it has a good seal and does not leak.

1 Measure the distance from the gas line to where the dryer will be installed. Use the measurement to size the flexible gas hose connection.

2 Match the flexible hose connection to the gas fitting in the house. Gas lines in newer homes are typically made from steel or black iron. Choose the flexible gas hose to match the gas line. For instance, for a steel or iron pipe, use a steel flexible gas line.

3 Clean the threads on the gas pipe that extends from the wall. Gently run the wire brush around the end of the pipe to remove any burrs or debris on the pipe threads. Wipe the threads with a clean soft rag.

4 Apply the gas-rated Teflon tape or pipe thread compound to the threaded end of the gas line in a clockwise direction.

5 Thread the flexible gas hose fitting onto the threads. Then tighten the fitting using the pipe wrench, but don't over tighten.

6 Repeat the thread-sealing procedure for the gas line that comes from the dryer.

7 Fill the water bottle halfway with a 1-to-1 mixture of detergent and water.

8 Turn the gas valve on. The gas valve is on the gas line that extends from the wall. When it is on, the handle is in line with the gas line. When it is off, it is perpendicular to the line.

9 Spray the connection on the gas line that extends from the wall where the flexible gas hose connects to it with the detergent and water mixture. Watch for bubbles to form. If no bubbles form, there are no leaks.

10 Move to the gas connection on the dryer side and repeat the procedure for checking for leaks. If no bubbles form, the gas dryer line is sealed between the gas line and the gas dryer.

Tip

Double-check the pipe tape or pipe thread compound package to ensure each is rated to seal gas lines.

Avoid purchasing a flexible hose that is too short or too long. You don't want the line to kink, twist or compress itself.

Use a soft rag that doesn't leave any fibers on the pipe threads, as these fibers could compromise the seal.

Avoid over tightening the fittings, as you don't want to break them. For homes fitted with copper flare fittings, use the detergent mixture to check all the connections for leaks before using your dryer.

Warning

If you don't have experience or are concerned with doing this project yourself, contact East Bay Gas Lines to hook up your dryer for you. 

source: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/seal-gas-line-dryer-41449.html

by Laurie Reeves, Demand Media

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

Unreliable Pilot Light - East Bay Gas Lines Danville

Question: Last winter, the pilot light on my gas furnace went out while I was traveling and my water pipes froze, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage. Can I replace the pilot with an electronic model that ignites automatically? And would this solve the problem?



Answer:  Many manufacturers have kits that will allow an HVAC contractor to convert a standing pilot light to an electronic spark-ignition system. The chief advantage of electronic ignition is lower fuel consumption and greater safety because there's no gas to leak if the pilot flame accidentally goes out.

But if your problem is low gas pressure, something I'm hearing more and more about lately, changing to a spark ignition wouldn't much matter. It will try to light the gas up to three times, depending on the type. But if there's not enough pressure, it won't operate.

All you can do is notify your gas utility so they can check on the problem. If inadequate pressure is indeed the culprit, then the company will have to fix its distribution network, and that could be a long time in coming.

source: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/asktoh/question/0,,1075606,00.html
by Richard Threthewey


http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

East Bay Gas Lines - How to Convert Your Generator to Run on Propane - Danville

One might ask "Why would I want to have my portable generator running on Propane"? Generators spend much of their life idling away, racking up hour after hour of time. Usually these small engines require oil changes every 100 hrs or so, an amount that can be racked up in pretty short order for a van dweller or any other type of traveler that is relying on a portable generator to supply their electrical power.

Propane operated internal combustion engines run much cleaner allowing service intervals to be extended much longer. With this cleaner running engine you also greatly reduce wear increasing the longevity of your generator by leaps and bounds.

With the sizable investment required just to buy most portable generators, getting twice the life our of generator means your money went twice as far.

So the idea of having a generator running on propane makes sense, now you ask "How do I convert my generator". It's not all that difficult. There are conversion kits available that will make your generator a bi-fuel generator running on either natural gas or propane. Some models can even retain their ability to run on gasoline make them a tri-fuel generator.

The method used to allow your gasoline generator to operate on propane is to install in some instances an adapter between the carburetor that will supply the propane. Some generators require that the carburetor be removed or modified itself.

Beyond extended life and longer service intervals what benefits are there to switching to propane? If your Stealth Van Dwelling is set up with any other propane devices as most RV's are you can setup a quick disconnect propane line that can quickly be coupled to your generator removing the need to mess with gas cans. Danger of fire or explosion is much greater when refueling for transporting gasoline in cans. All this fuss can be eliminated with propane.

Most towable RV's carry at least two propane tanks. You can keep operating on one tank while you remove the second to get it refilled. When you return you can hook the second tank back into the system all without interrupting the flow of fuel to the generator or other propane appliances. Of course this is assuming you have a regulator that allows you to switch from one tank to the other.

Converting your generator to run on propane will eliminate the possibility of flooding the carburetor as it is impossible. Propane is a vapor right from the start. It's impossible to create the situation where you have gasoline running down the side of the generator because excess has also contaminated the oil in the engine and the plugs are wet and fouled. A common occurrence with gasoline, but an impossibility with propane.

Some have even engineered their own propane conversions as shown in this video of a Home Made Propane Conversion. Something not recommended as there are dangers involved with propane too.

I'm convinced already, where can I get a kit for my generator? Small Engine & Generator Conversion Kits is one source, U.S. Carburetor Kits is another source of kits and information. They also are an official factory authorized Yamaha Generator dealer and can sell direct to you portable generators of various sizes that come complete with factory warranties that will operate as tri-fuel generators. They can operate on either gasoline, propane, or natural gas with no modification necessary.

For a modest investment you can make this conversion knowing it will make your life a whole lot more convenient and practical.

source: http://voices.yahoo.com/how-convert-generator-run-propane-2633892.html
by Curtis Carper


http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

East Bay Gas Lines - Home Inspections that Failed

This potato is being used as a cap for an active gas line. Note that it did try to sprout.

Dan Howard

Photo  Dan Howard

This homeowner decided he would fix his dripping temperature pressure relief valve one way or another. A simple replacement would have probably taken as long as it took to get this rigged solution to work.

Brian Mishler

photo - Brian Mishler

This is an interesting example of someone who does not think gas combined with electric can hurt you.

Michael Legatt

photo - Michael Legatt






source: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20206857_20470632,00.html

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com