Gas pipes in the kitchen: is it possible to redo the supply to the stove?

Michel July 26, 2016Specialization: plumber with 10 years of experience, computer repair specialist, powerlifting coach. I have extensive experience in construction, interior decoration, and making homemade furniture. Hobbies: sports

This article is an attempt to clearly explain what a resident of an apartment building can do with his own hands with the internal gas pipeline in his apartment. I will pay attention to the restrictions set out in the regulatory documentation and talk about my own practical experience regarding how and with what you can move the gas pipe in the kitchen. So, let's go.

The gas distribution makes it difficult to move the stove and hang cabinets. The desire to remake it is quite natural.

Hands off!

First, about the prohibitions. Yes, dear reader, I have no doubt that you are full of enthusiasm and are eager to carry out the transfer of the gas pipe in the kitchen yourself. However, please take the restrictions I have listed as seriously as possible:

• You cannot move the gas riser in the kitchen. All you can do is change where the tap attaches to it or the length of that tap;

Relocation of the riser requires mandatory calculation and approval. Usually it is refused.

• You cannot use polyethylene or plastic pipes indoors . SNiP 2.04.08-87 in paragraph 4.85 directly states that polyethylene is prohibited for laying in residential buildings, and in paragraph 6.2 it states what materials should be used;

Excerpt from SNiP: gas pipelines made of steel pipes should be installed inside buildings and structures. To connect gas appliances, it is permissible to use rubber or rubber-fabric hoses (read: reinforced gas hoses). However, it is still recommended to use hard eyeliners.

• Do not close general plug valves, ball valves and valves on gas supply inlets and risers . If at the time you turn off the gas, someone is cooking food, the fire will go out, and after starting it will continue to flow into the kitchen. The result of such a development of events is usually described in TV reports by random witnesses: there is no one among the residents to tell about it;

Captain Obviousness suggests: for any work related to disconnecting the riser and carried out by gas service specialists, it is necessary that the residents of all apartments be at home. When launched, all residents are notified about it personally.

The gas taps in the entrance must not be touched. Categorically.

• Finally, the main thing: PB (safety rules) 12-368-00 prohibit any gas-hazardous work carried out by persons who have not undergone instructions and exams on safe work methods .

Simply put: only a representative of Gorgaz or a licensed gas equipment servicing company should connect any gas appliances.

What will happen

If you are incredibly lucky and, without the necessary knowledge and practical experience, prevent a gas leak, your amateurishness will be revealed during the first scheduled inspection of gas equipment by representatives of the gas service.

The consequences are unpredictable: they can either turn a blind eye to the work you have done or draw up a report on an administrative offense that endangered the life and health of people.

Worst case scenario... Comrades, I won’t spoil your mood. Everyone knows what a gas explosion in a residential building is.

Coordination of work on moving a gas pipe

The owner contacts the gas service employees, explains the situation and receives advice. The application is drawn up and submitted in person when visiting the organization’s office. Based on this document, the company sends a specialist to discuss the details.

The specialist examines the system, correlates the client’s wishes with the actual situation, and answers questions.

Sometimes the customer’s plans are violated because his wishes go against safety regulations.

The organization draws up an estimate for the work and a plan for re-equipping the gas pipeline in the kitchen. The customer pays for the service, and the company approves the start of work.

Just shhh

My further recommendations are somewhat akin to the “bad advice” of Grigory Oster: I am going to talk about what, strictly speaking, should not be done. However, alas, we live in a real and far from perfect world.

So, what to do if you still really can’t wait to move the gas stove or shorten the gas pipe outlet?

Theory

No, no, mon ami, don’t rush to pick up the keys and hacksaw. First, a little tedious, but necessary to familiarize yourself with the regulatory requirements.

Yes, yes, I know it's ugly. Let's not rush.

The standards for gas pipes in the kitchen are set out in the document I have already mentioned - SNiP 2.04.08-87.

• Gas distribution in a residential building should be carried out mainly by welding. Threaded and other detachable connections are permissible only at connections to shut-off valves, gas meters and consumer devices;

From a practical point of view, this means for us that the internal gas pipeline in the apartment cannot be assembled from pieces. It’s really not worth climbing to a gas pipeline with welding without being able to completely turn it off. One more nuance: this paragraph of SNiP does not completely prohibit the use of dismountable connections, but only recommends refraining from them.

• All detachable connections must be made in places accessible for inspection and repair. There is no need to hide them in non-dismountable kitchen furniture;
• The gas pipe must be laid, as a rule, openly;
• If there are several gas consumers, shut-off valves must be installed in front of each of them;
• In places where people pass (for example, above a door or in a hallway), the gas pipe must pass at a height of at least 220 centimeters. What the instructions are related to - I think there is no need to explain;
• It is recommended to paint steel internal gas pipelines to protect against corrosion. At the same time, the decor of the gas pipe in the kitchen or hallway must be waterproof.

The paint must protect the gas pipeline from contact with water.

Practice

After the tap

First and foremost: in the vast majority of cases, there is no need to saw or cut anything. To move the slab, it is enough to extend the line between it and the shut-off valve. To hide an untidy steel liner, you can simply build a cabinet around it (of course, collapsible or with wide-opening doors).

How can you connect a stove or other gas appliance without violating the requirements of SNiP?

Corrugated stainless pipe. In this case, the key requirements will be met:

• The supply to the device will be rigid (a corrugated stainless pipe clearly has nothing to do with flexible hoses);
• The wiring will be done with a steel pipe. Who will say that stainless steel is not steel?

Corrugated stainless steel on the connection to the stove.

When corrugated stainless pipe had not yet appeared on the Russian market, I successfully transferred gas stoves with an oxygen or acetylene hose on steel or brass fittings. An aluminum clamp for a screwdriver was used to secure the hose to the fitting.

To transfer the slab, an oxygen hose with fittings was used.

Stainless steel connections are mounted on compression fittings: the pipe is inserted into the fitting with a loosened union nut, after which it is tightened and compresses the pipe with a silicone seal.

The threads on the connections of the fittings with the stove pipe and the tap are wound with FUM tape.

When starting up, all detachable connections must be checked for gas leaks: soap foam is applied to each of them with a shaving brush. If it bubbles, the connection needs to be rechecked.

Checking the connection with soap foam.

Do not check connections with a lit match. It's not a matter of safety: for a gas to explode, it needs to be mixed with air in sufficient concentration. The fact is that in low concentrations, with minor leaks, it simply will not ignite.

Replacing the faucet

Soviet-style gas plug valves are not particularly easy to use and require regular maintenance. In particular, the plug must be generously lubricated. The lubricant fills the grooves, preventing gas leaks, and reduces the force required to turn the plug.

Is it possible to change the faucet yourself?

Let's just say: I don't recommend doing this. But while working as a plumber, he changed gas taps, without turning off the riser. The fact is that the excess gas pressure in the pipes of a residential building is minimal:

It is easy to plug a gas pipe in a residential building with your finger.

If so, the rate of gas flow from the pipe will be minimal, and the pressure will not interfere with installing a new valve instead of the old one.

The replacement algorithm looks like this:

Replacement of gas tap.

All work is carried out only with the circuit breakers in the electrical panel turned off and the windows wide open. Violation of this simple and clear rule can lead to a gas explosion.

What should I replace the gas tap with? On a modern cork. Its purpose specifically for gas is indicated by the yellow markings on the handle.

Reliable, cork, gas.

Thread cutting

How to cut and thread a gas pipe in the kitchen?

If safety rules are properly observed, this work is no more dangerous than the previous one:

1. We prepare the tool - a hacksaw for metal, a coarse file and a die according to the diameter of the pipe (as a rule, the connection to the plate has a size of DN 15). In addition to the tool, you will need FUM tape and any lubricant - up to motor oil or diesel fuel;
2. We make a wooden or rubber chopper according to the size of the pipe. Its dimensions should not prevent you from cutting a thread on the outer surface of the cut liner;
3. We cut off power to the entire apartment. Precisely with automatic machines, and not with switches and cords pulled out of the socket. Any accidental spark can lead to fatal consequences;
4. We open all the windows in the apartment wide;
5. We disassemble the squeegee, remove the tap and insert the chopper in its place;
6. Using a file, remove the outer chamfer on the pipe at an angle of 15 - 20 degrees to its longitudinal axis. This will be the approach for the die;
7. Lubricate the approach and the first few centimeters of the eyeliner;
8. Place the die with a guide frame onto the eyeliner;

The chamfer has been removed, everything is correct here. But it’s better not to use a die without a frame: the thread may turn out to be oblique.

1. Pressing it to the pipe, we make an entry and cut five threads;
2. We wrap the thread with FUM tape;
3. We take out the cap and immediately screw the tap onto the thread.

Checking the entire system for leaks and operability

Leaks are checked using a soap solution.
The test is done after installation is completed, leaks and operability are diagnosed. First, the general appearance of the system is inspected, the connections are checked, the fittings are tightened, and compliance with the design diagram is checked. Gas emissions are detected at connections and assemblies.

A soap solution is used to coat the joints of pipes with a hose, the interface between a flexible hose and a stove or oven. If bubbles form, the node requires revision and re-diagnosis. The master draws up a report of completed work describing the features, changes are entered into the technical passport.

Video description

How to hide pipes on a kitchen apron in the following video:

Plasterboard box

A metal frame box lined with plasterboard sheets is a good idea as long as it allows air circulation and access to the riser. The first is possible if you use sheets with perforations, the second - if you provide a removable panel or a hinged door.

The easiest way to organize the box is in the corner; The option will be budget-friendly, since two walls will be enough. Experts advise making a decorative box for a gas pipe from sheets of fire-resistant plasterboard (GKLO). Drywall can be replaced with plastic, plywood, fiberboard or chipboard.

Box with additional function Source folksland.ne

No. 4. Another trick, or hiding pipes above furniture

If the pipe is located at a sufficient height, then a wide shelf can be installed under it . When it is filled with kitchen utensils, the pipe will not be visible at all. Naturally, installation must be carried out very carefully so as not to snag the gas pipeline. In this case, it is best to paint the pipe in the color of the wall.

The pipe will be even less noticeable if you install a system of cabinets . They are deeper than the shelves, which means that the gas pipeline will not be visible from below at all. At the same time, all requirements are met: if necessary, access to the pipe is free, and nothing interferes with ventilation. Naturally, this method is suitable for masking horizontal sections of the pipe.

Eventually

You can hide gas pipes only using legal methods that will not threaten your safety. If you have time and money, then it is better to immediately worry about moving the gas pipeline. If you want to do everything quickly and on a budget, you can simply paint the pipe in the desired color. If you want to use your space as efficiently as possible, then install wall cabinets.

How did you solve the problem of masking pipes in your kitchen? What obstacles have you encountered? Ask questions, add photos of your projects and share useful recommendations.

Why do the pipes look so intricate?

This is exactly the question that arises in your head when you once again see the strange arrangement of gas lines in the kitchen. The explanation is simple: pipes are laid exclusively according to standards, observing the height from the floor, the distance to gas appliances and many other factors. Therefore, an amazing gas pipeline design in your kitchen is not the desire of gas workers, but sometimes the only right solution to comply with standards.

SNIP, project formation, final documentation

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For apartment buildings there are strict standards for installing gas equipment:

• gas pipeline systems should not intersect with door, window openings, ventilation lines and shafts;
• pipes are laid at a height of no lower than 2 m from the field level;
• ceiling height in rooms with gas equipment is more than 2.2 m;
• the length of flexible pipeline sections is limited;
• the distance between gas and electrical equipment of any type is regulated by the rules for installing electrical equipment;
• access not only to individual components, but to the entire system must be free for repair and maintenance work;
• between the room with gas-powered appliances and other rooms there must be a barrier in the form of a door or any partition;
• the room has a window with a ventilator or ventilation mode, operating supply and exhaust ventilation;
• the type of pipe fastening (hook, bracket, clamp, hanger) and the distance between the fastening points is determined by SNIP.

Kitchen project diagram
Pay attention! If the system is installed under liquefied gas, a slope of 3 degrees is provided.

The design organization begins work if a package of documents is provided. It's forming

• from a notarized copy of the technical passport for the apartment;
• an expert opinion, documented in an act, on a chimney pipe made of gas;
• permission to connect from the architectural and planning organization; all technical documentation for gas appliances (certificates of conformity, technical data sheets).

But you can not collect documents yourself, but from the very beginning provide the opportunity for a special bureau to do this. Then the customer receives a finished project with all approvals, as well as estimates and costs. Additionally, it is necessary to draw up an agreement for technical supervision.

After receiving the project, installation work is carried out. The last stage of commissioning a new gas pipeline consists of the following steps:

1. Compile a package of executive and technical documentation.
2. Conduct an inspection of the correctness and quality of the work performed by a commission consisting of the customer, the contractor, and representatives of the city gas company.
3. Seal the gas meter.

Gorgaz representatives have the right to constantly monitor the operation of gas equipment.

Sealing of the meter by a representative of Gorgaz