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csereno · Oct 15, 2006, 05:59 PM

I just recently bought a new/used gas dryer, but to my knowledge my mobile home does not have a line to connect the dryer what should I do? Return it? Is it going to be expensive to connect or what needs to be done?

labman · Oct 15, 2006, 07:05 PM

If you have gas service it shouldn't be that big of a deal. Just locate the gas line nearest the dryer and cut into it for a tee. Add a ball valve as a shut off. Make sure it is rated for gas. Often a valve will say WOG, water, oil, gas. Black iron is acceptable everywhere for gas. Some places allow copper or plastic. Do not use galvanized iron, the silvery stuff. The silver zinc can flake off and block small gas passages. Gas dryers must be vented outside. You will need a standard 120 V outlet often sharing a duplex outlet with the washer.

Most places will cut and thread pipe for you. With pipe you must start at one end or a union. Measure the pipe between 2 fittings and add an inch. Go to a hardware or home center. Pick out a nipple, T, another nipple, and a union and assemble them. Measure them, and subtract the total from the above measurement. Have them cut and thread a piece to fit. Buy a third nipple and the ball valve. Back home, shut off the gas, and cut out the section of pipe you measured and replace it with what you bought. Screw the third nipple and the ball valve into the T and close the valve. You can now turn the gas back on and start measuring what you will need to run from the valve to the dryer. Finish up with a piece of flex meant for use with gas.

Post back with any details you need help on.

csereno · Oct 15, 2006, 07:22 PM

Thank you so much I will do that. Let me ask you are gas dryers safe? I have a son that is 6 months cause there are a lot people saying that its dangerous I have alwas used electric this is my first time using gas.

andrewcocke · Oct 15, 2006, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by csereno

Thank you so much I will do that. Let me ask you are gas dryers safe? I have a son that is 6 months cause there are a lot people saying that its dangerous I have alwas used electric this is my first time using gas.

Depends on the condition of the dryer. (you said it was used). If it was in safe working condition when you purchased it, and you purchased it from a reputable source, then your probobly okay.

Make sure you note whether the dryer is designed to run on natural gas or propane.
The data plate should explain this.

A general rule of thumb for determining your serivce is:
If there is a tank somewhere in your yard for this type of gas, then you most likley have propane. If your gas comes from a pipe in the ground, and you get a bill from a "gas company", and you do not have a tank, then you most likley have natural gas.

Using the improper gas can cause a very potential fire hazard.

Also, if you do this instalation yourself, and find yourself running gas lines, make sure you leak check all of the connections. I normally use some soapy water. If in doubt, never take chances, and call a professional.

csereno · Oct 15, 2006, 08:05 PM

Thanks. I am going to go ahead an just call someone cause I am not to sure about any of it, and I don't really want to make it unsafe for my family. Thanks for your advise.

labman · Oct 15, 2006, 09:19 PM

Can't imagine a problem with a gas dryer if it is vented outside and never been repaired improperly.

andrewcocke · Oct 16, 2006, 02:16 PM

I was thinking more of the instalation, she said she didn't have any gas connections. I know sometimes the gas lines in a house can be threaded. I remember not knowing what I was doing once, and trying to repair a threaded water line. I remember tightening everything down and turning on the water, only to watch water spray out of every joint. :)

But I will also say that natural gas doesn't carry but a tiny fraction of pressure that the average water line carries, still doesn't hurt to leak check.

DeRhonda · Dec 9, 2011, 03:10 PM

Do we need to special vent a natural gas dryer? Instructions are not very clear, just states the dryer should be vented.

drtom4444 · Dec 10, 2011, 07:05 AM

The dryer should be cleaned before installing it if it has been used over six months. That means disassembling it and totally cleaning all air ducts, otherwise you will have problems later. You will still need to clean it at least every two years. One thing no one mentioned about the gas dryer is that you are required to have a combustion gas fresh air supply for safety. That means have a 4 inch pipe bring in fresh air from the outside that is away from the exhaust vent. Also, the dryer motor can use too much current to be on the same circuit with the washing machine. Just convert the 240 volt outlet to a 120 volt outlet. Gas dryers do a good job, but all dryers should be kept clean, and all are a fire hazard if not clean. Look at these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMP7BW1lLs4 to see how to clean the dryer. Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBiRw-KElC4
; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTZGgVisCI
http://www.electrical-forensics.com/Dryer/ElectricClothesDryers.html
http://fixitnow.com/wp/2010/10/09/whirlpool-dryer-model-le5800xsw3-wiring-diagram/
When you do any work on a dryer use some white lithium grease on all bearings.