Friday, May 24, 2013

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

Seal the dryer gas line pipe threads with gas-rated tape or pipe thread compound.




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. 


by Laurie Reeves, Demand Media

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

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