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    jshivers's Avatar
    jshivers Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 13, 2009, 10:17 PM
    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
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Feb 14, 2009, 06:56 AM
    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
    jshivers's Avatar
    jshivers Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Feb 14, 2009, 09:51 AM
    [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]
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Feb 14, 2009, 10:11 AM
    Glad if we helped! Pop back anytime.

    MARK
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