Existing iron gas pipe question

[Snikwah]

I am wanting to install a short gas line to the patio for a new natural gas grill. The existing gas line goes from the meter at the back of the property in the alley and is buried in the backyard up to the house. Then it comes up and into the home. Where the grill sits is about 10 feet from this existing pipe. What I want to do is remove the existing elbow and replace it with a Tee to come over to the grill.

My question is, how exactly is the best way to get this existing pip apart, remove the elbow and replace it with the Tee? The reason for my confusion is when looking at the direction of the threads, there just doesn't appear to be any way to remove it easily. the part going into the home is not able to be turned and I'm assuming the part going into the ground would be the same way. So I'm not sure how this can be done. At first look, it seemed like a pretty straight forward job but now I'm not so sure. I will also post some pictures of the pipe.

 

[Snikwah]

pics attached.. first pic is the entire pipe section. second is the top detail and third is the bottom with thread direction. the top of the elbow goes into the house and coated pipe on the bottom goes into the ground.

 

[havasu]

I'd like to see one more pic of the horizontal pipe leading to the brick. That is your best bet, because it would allow the new pipe to hug the wall for safety and easy securing. As far as the union, that will allow you to remove the entire piping configuration easily. Don't forget to also install a shut off as close as possible to the old work.

 

[frodo]

another way..

 

[Snikwah]

I'd like to see one more pic of the horizontal pipe leading to the brick. That is your best bet, because it would allow the new pipe to hug the wall for safety and easy securing. As far as the union, that will allow you to remove the entire piping configuration easily. Don't forget to also install a shut off as close as possible to the old work.

The horizontal pipe on the existing elbow actually goes into the side of the house and does not appear to be easily moved. Which is what I was assuming that the pipe going into the ground and the pipe going into the house were not going to be able to be moved. I'm just not clear on how exactly to get these pipes apart...looking at the thread direction. On the union, if I turn it right, it will loosen away from the pipe going into the ground, but it will at the same time tighten up to the 10" long nipple going up to the elbow. That is what I'm trying to wrap my head around. It's hard to convey in typing what exactly I'm struggling with.

I have attached a picture of the parts I have gotten for the run to the grill. I want to replace that elbow with that Tee pictured, then up and over. The 1/2" pipe will be attached to the brick and the side of the patio with brackets and tapcon screws. The grill is just 10' from where the existing pipe is and the shut off will be at the end behind the grill.

 

[Snikwah]

another way..

So in your drawing, I'm still not clear on how I would remove that 10" long nipple in the first place to replace it how you're describing. Check out the picture I just posted to see the parts that I have already bought. Your way might actually be better/easier because I would not have to mess with the existing elbow. I would just need to replace that single 10" nipple with 2 shorter ones. hmmm....although I'm still not sure how I can remove the existing pipe. Perhaps I just need to shut the gas off and start turning the pipes and maybe it will make sense to me. I'm a very visual person and I have to really get a picture of how something it going to work.

 

[havasu]

Directly above the green plastic coated pipe is your union. Twist that knuckle counter clockwise and it will separate. This is where you will add your Tee fitting, then run out to your BBQ. Since there is a bunch of rust, expect some resistance. It may be necessary to use a pipe extension for better leverage. If you don't have the necessary tools, a plumber will make quick work of what is needed to make it work, and ensure everything is safe. When all is done, and as mentioned previously, clean off that rust with some Rust Jelly then apply a nice coat of paint.

 

[Snikwah]

Directly above the green plastic coated pipe is your union. Twist that knuckle counter clockwise and it will separate. This is where you will add your Tee fitting, then run out to your BBQ. Since there is a bunch of rust, expect some resistance. It may be necessary to use a pipe extension for better leverage. If you don't have the necessary tools, a plumber will make quick work of what is needed to make it work, and ensure everything is safe. When all is done, and as mentioned previously, clean off that rust with some Rust Jelly then apply a nice coat of paint.

I just looked up some videos showing removal of a "union"... it makes sense to me now. I was not aware that it was actually 2 pieces. I thought it was just one piece, like a coupling. I'm good to go now...I'll be cooking on my new grill in no time now. Thanks!

 

[frodo]

yhavasu, was telling you, you need 2 pipe wrench's.. 2 18'' wrenchs...

put one on the union body the other on the cuff and give it a yank........it sounds like you need to call a plumber.

easy job...

 

[havasu]

What frodo and I have been hinting at is the fact that when someone posts on this forum, we have no idea whom we are addressing. We don't know if you are a frail 90 year old lady, a 40 year old welder, or a 13 year old kid. We don't know your capabilities. When you are dealing with piping in a home, if it is not done correctly, you could end up having serious problems. Dealing with natural gas, these problems can even become dangerous not only for yourself, but your entire family. Although we enjoy giving folks some knowledge on many "Do It Yourself" projects, we often will advise to seek the opinion of a professional on site. It may cost you a few bucks, but not nearly how much it could cost you if this project is not done correctly.

With this all being said, please let us know how you tackled this project and don't forget pictures!

 

[Snikwah]

So I finally got time to run the line for the grill. Was not too bad, really. Only cost my time and about 40 bucks in materials. I think it turned out pretty good and best of all, no leaks.

 

[frodo]

GOOD JOB!!!!

code says...PAINT that pipe,

what time are the steaks going on ? should i bring wine?

 

[havasu]

Nice job. When I did my BBQ, I installed a quick release connection at the end of the solid gas pipe, so I could easily coil up the hose and put the BBQ away and easily clean the area. Just something to think about.

 

[Snikwah]

GOOD JOB!!!!

code says...PAINT that pipe,

what time are the steaks going on ? should i bring wine?

steaks were gooood. already done and eaten... =)

 

[Snikwah]

Nice job. When I did my BBQ, I installed a quick release connection at the end of the solid gas pipe, so I could easily coil up the hose and put the BBQ away and easily clean the area. Just something to think about.

take a look at the second to the last pic i posted. the quick release is there at the end right after the shut off.

 

[havasu]

OK, I got ya. I didn't recognize it.

With mine, I placed a white 2" PVC foot long piece with a glued on cap to keep the quick release clean, as well as to stop kids from tripping over it. Food for thought, if you haven't thought of it already.

 

[frodo]

next project...screen in the porch, stop the skeeters from biting

 

[havasu]

I didn't notice that was a Weber grill. NICE!

 

[Snikwah]

OK, I got ya. I didn't recognize it.

With mine, I placed a white 2" PVC foot long piece with a glued on cap to keep the quick release clean, as well as to stop kids from tripping over it. Food for thought, if you haven't thought of it already.

right on

 

[Snikwah]

View attachment 8113 next project...screen in the porch, stop the skeeters from biting

not a bad idea....they are pretty bad this year.