[adogslife]

I have read in previous posts about flex hose. My dryer went out and now removing it I see that there is copper piping coiled behind dryer. Can I just continue to use it this way or do I have to cut off at the shut off and run flexible all the way. My shut off is up on the ceiling. Or, do I have to install another shutoff behind or beside dryer and run flex hose from there?

[labman]

It is possible code my require flex. I am requesting this is moved to plumbing where somebody should know. What you have should work, but every time you move the dryer, you flex the copper. Flexing metal work hardens it, and eventually it could snap. Even vibrations of the dryer running could one day snap the pipe.

Code often protects from the worst case.

[adogslife]

Thank you for the quick answer. I am not sure what you mean "I am requesting this is moved to plumbing where somebody should know." This was plumbed this way 13 years ago by the gas company. My black pipe is in the ceiling and then shutoff then copper over and down to dryer. To do it right, would I have to run black pipe over, elbow down then shutoff and then flex hose? I have read shutoff should be 6 feet from dryer which up and down it is but if you measure line it is about 12 ft (not including coiled). I have never worked with gas, so I want to make sure that I am doing it correctly. I appreciate all the help I can get.

[iamgrowler]

Thank you for the quick answer. I am not sure what you mean "I am requesting this is moved to plumbing where somebody should know." This was plumbed this way 13 years ago by the gas company. My black pipe is in the ceiling and then shutoff then copper over and down to dryer. To do it right, would I have to run black pipe over, elbow down then shutoff and then flex hose? I have read shutoff should be 6 feet from dryer which up and down it is but if you measure line it is about 12 ft (not including coiled). I have never worked with gas, so I want to make sure that I am doing it correctly. I appreciate all the help I can get.

Most plumbing codes disallow flexible connections to be longer than 36".

Unless it's TracPipe or GasTite piping material, of course.

If it were me, I would shut the gas off at the meter, remove the existing shutoff, run black iron pipe down from the ceiling location to just behind the dryer, install a new shutoff and flex from there.

[labman]

Thank you for the quick answer. I am not sure what you mean "I am requesting this is moved to plumbing where somebody should know." snip.....

Although I know a lot about piping, I don't know code. I don't know know if the people that do keep a good eye on appliance questions. As I asked, a moderator moved it and you got an answer you should be able to rely on.

Running that black pipe wouldn't be a big deal. Most hardware stores and home centers will cut and thread black pipe to your measurements. When you are all done, apply soapy water to all the connections. Bubbles show a leak.

[pelle]

Most plumbing codes disallow flexible connections to be longer than 36".

Unless it's TracPipe or GasTite piping material, of course.

If it were me, I would shut the gas off at the meter, remove the existing shutoff, run black iron pipe down from the ceiling location to just behind the dryer, install a new shutoff and flex from there.

Have to agree here copper shuld not be used for gas hookups (too soft and not made for this application)
Make it sturdy and get a flexable gas pipe whip (made specifically for this application) available at home improvement stores.

[doug238]

Flared copper fittings are made specifically for gas piping. There is no danger in this set up. However, you are correct in the 6 foot rule. The code wants the valve easily reachable and in the same room. The coil is so you can move you dryer. Be absolutely sure you leak test the gas connections.

[adogslife]

Thanks so much!! That is what I am going to do today. Wow, this is a great site!