[Bob_from_VA]

This is the only full flow 1" ball valve I could find at the local Home Depot or Lowes. My intended use is on an extension to a 1" black pipe indoors and the red label on the valve says it's good for LP gas. As usual this time of year, no one could answer my question. I'd rather not go w/o a valve, and this unit looks good, passes a pressure test, but is it good enough for an inspector? Thanks.

[massplumber2008]

Happy Thanksgiving, Bob!

Where is the 1" ball valve going? You are not supposed to install a gas shut off inline as much as you are supposed to install a gas shut off at each appliance.

Let me know...

Mark

[Bob_from_VA]

Mark,

Happy Thanksgiving to you. That was a fast response! I had planned to start my 35', 1", addition at the top of the drop line that feeds the furnace and hot water heater. The 35' run would get me outside, where the 3 appliances would be located. Once outside I'd go 1/2" through a valve and union to each appliance. The only reason I wanted an inline valve inside was to prevent vandalism, or accidents, while on travel. I be curious as to what drives the requirement for no inline valves. Does it have something to do with accidentally stifling downstream pilots?

P.S. I had attached 2 pictures to the previous post this morning. I didn't see that they made it, but they appeared to upload okay . Could you see them?

[massplumber2008]

Hi Bob...

Nope... couldn't see the pictures. If the valve only says for LP I'd have to tell you to wait and chat with the inpector on Monday... I would hate to be wrong and cause you any extra work!

Otherwise, code is quite specific on location of shutoffs... drives us crazy sometimes. For example, I can't install a shut off downstairs under a stove because the shutoff must be as close to the appliance as possible. Here, I've been arguing for years, if there was ever really a gas fire at a stove, the shutoff behind the stove won't do anyone any good, but the shut off downstairs would. All inspectors shrug their shoulders and agree with me, but they still want the shut off behind the stove.

Finally, I think the reason they don't want additional inline shut offs is because they don't want MOST people getting in the habit of shutting gas off 35 feet away from the appliances and then starting the work only to find they shut off the wrong piping and then all kinds of problems can occur... that make sense?

Hope that helps somewhat!

Mark

[Bob_from_VA]

Mark,

It's been a pleasure talking to you. You've been a big help and thanks for the meaning behind the answer! I too may not agree with all the bureaucratic regulations, and most anyone knows that the main gas shutoff is outside where any vandal could easily test all your pilot safety shutoffs any time they want. All I want to do now is pass an inspection without too many suprises... and you've saved me at least a few already. Thanks again.

[massplumber2008]

Pop back anytime! Good luck!

[ma0641]

I agree with the stove comment. I asked the inspector if he would climb over a burning stove to shut off the valve. He said no. Then he said, why not put 1 behind the stove and hide another one in the basement. HMMMM!! Happy Thansgiving, Brian