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-   -   Danger of methane gas explosion while cutting metal vent pipe (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=317116)

  • Feb 13, 2009, 10:17 PM
    jshivers
    Danger of methane gas explosion while cutting metal vent pipe
    I need to cut into a metal vent pipe in order to insert a tee and create a drain for a washing machine hoop-up. I am wondering if there is a danger in using a reciprocating saw (sawsall) to cut the pipe, a danger as in "explosion"! Are there alternatives to cutting the pip in a very limited space environment? This is a 1 1/2 inch vent. Thanks
  • Feb 14, 2009, 06:56 AM
    massplumber2008
    Hi Jshivers...

    Always good to ask first... so good for you, but fact is that there is no danger cutting into the pipe.

    I have cut out stacks/pipes using every tool in the business including grinders that spark like crazy... only danger there is NOT wearing safety goggles... ;)

    Now...what fixture is that vent you are about to cut into serving now? If you cut a washing machine into this vent then the fixture below this vent could be a problem in the future, i.e. the ptrap could siphon and allow sewer gasses into the home... *YUCK*.

    Any chance you could find a 2" waste pipe to connect into? Then connect the vent pipe from the washing machine into the vent you want to cut into now?

    Let me know more... ok?

    MARK
  • Feb 14, 2009, 09:51 AM
    jshivers
    [Qas far as I can tell the only fixture served by this vent is the existing washing machine drain. I am simply moving the washer drain to another location about the same distance from the vent as it is now, only a different direction. There is a full bath nearby but there is a larger vent on the roof serving it. And thanks much for the quick reply!! Glad I found this place!

    Hi Jshivers...

    Always good to ask first... so good for you, but fact is that there is no danger cutting into the pipe.

    I have cut out stacks/pipes using every tool in the business including grinders that spark like crazy... only danger there is NOT wearing safety goggles... ;)

    Now...what fixture is that vent you are about to cut into serving now? If you cut a washing machine into this vent then the fixture below this vent could be a problem in the future, i.e. the ptrap could siphon and allow sewer gasses into the home... *YUCK*.

    Any chance you could find a 2" waste pipe to connect into? Then connect the vent pipe from the washing machine into the vent you want to cut into now?

    Let me know more... ok?

    MARK[/QUOTE]
  • Feb 14, 2009, 10:11 AM
    massplumber2008
    Glad if we helped! Pop back anytime.

    MARK

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