I need to add a hook-up for our gas dryer in the basement. After surveying what is already there I have noticed that all of the gas lines run (hang actually) about 10” below the floor joists.

I’m wondering is this code (I live in Maryland)? Why did they not run them along the bottom of the joists?

Thanks
Scott

I've never heard of gas lines installed like that. Here's a link to MD's codes:
http://lhi5.umbc.edu/dhcd2/

It's all their various codes... I'd start with the Building Code and Plumbing Code

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Originally Posted by frohme

I need to add a hook-up for our gas dryer in the basement. After surveying what is already there I have noticed that all of the gas lines run (hang actually) about 10” below the floor joists.

I’m wondering is this code (I live in Maryland)? Why did they not run them along the bottom of the joists?

Thanks
Scott

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Just from observation: all the big pipes are hang onto the building I beam; the make them more flexible

Hi Scott,

"I" beam? You don't have wood joists? If all you have to hang the pipes from is a "I" beam then that explains it. And you don't want your pipes "flexible". This causes leaks at the joints. Regards, tom

No, everything is wood. When the main gas line goes from the front of the house to the back, parallel to the floor joists, the pipe is up in between the joists. But when the pipe turns, and is running perpendicular to the joists, they dropped them down about 10" and used metel strap hangers to support them from the joists.

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Originally Posted by frohme

No, everything is wood. When the main gas line goes from the front of the house to the back, parallel to the floor joists, the pipe is up in between the joists. But when the pipe turns, and is running perpendicular to the joists, they dropped them down about 10" and used metel strap hangers to support them from the joists.

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How old is your house? Years ago we hung our lines from joists with wire pipe hangers and pipe straps. If you have galvanized water pipes and black iron gas lines that would explain it. Regards, tom

The house was built in 1969. The water lines are copper. Funny thing with the Gas lines. Most of them are black iron, but it appears that the gas line to the kitchen range was apparently added later and is galvanized (original range was electric). Home inspector when we bought the house said that was odd, and would not be done today.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by frohme

The house was built in 1969. The water lines are copper. Funny thing with the Gas lines. Most of them are black iron, but it appears that the gas line to the kitchen range was apparently added later and is galvanized (original range was electric). Home inspector when we bought the house said that was odd, and would not be done today.

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There's a reason that black iron is used on gas lines. Sooner or later the galvanized flakes off the inside of the pipe and clogs the orifices of a gas burner. The accepted pipes for gas are copper and black iron. I don't know why your gas lines were hung under the joists but flexibility has nothing to do with it. Regards. Tom