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How to safely cut into a black steel gas pipe line?

Tripwire's picture

How to safely cut into a black steel gas pipe line? (post #206997)

Tripwire on Fri, 10/26/2012 - 17:11 (updated 10/26/12 - 10:45) 
in

I have an existing pressurized gas line under my house. I want to cut that line to my fireplace, so i can change it from LPG to NPG line which i recently had installed by the utility company.

I need to cut out a three ft section, unscrew the pipe ends and cap and connect to the new source.....

How can i cut the existing line safely?  Of course i will shut off the gas and let the water heater pilot burn off what it can

yes i have a permit for it and the work will be inspected

 

thanks!!!!!!!

 

 

-A +A

Use a pipe cutter instead of (post #206997, reply #1 of 5)

by florida in reply to Tripwire [original] on Sat, 10/27/2012 - 08:00

Use a pipe cutter instead of a saw.

Florida Licensed Building Contractor, 40 years experience in commercial remodeling, new homes, home remodeling and repairs and all types building maintenance.

Ah, yes but that would (post #206997, reply #2 of 5)

by Tripwire in reply to florida [original] on Sat, 10/27/2012 - 16:59

Ah, yes but that would involve buying a tool that i will never need again .....

Any other options?

Thanks

 

Steve

Rent a pipe cutter. (post #206997, reply #3 of 5)

by DanH in reply to Tripwire [original] on Sat, 10/27/2012 - 20:57

Any other options?

Rent a pipe cutter.

But in theory the hazard is that combustable vapors will be released as the pipe is heated.  So you could either heat the pipe and vent off the vapors before cutting or somehow keep the pipe cool while cutting.  Hard to say how much of either is enough, though (or even how serious the hazard is to begin with).

Another option is to fill the pipe with nitrogen or CO2.


Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed.  --Herman Melville

Also note that the hazard is (post #206997, reply #5 of 5)

by DanH in reply to DanH [original] on Sun, 10/28/2012 - 05:46

Also note that the hazard is from an explosion in a "relatively" tightly sealed enclosure.  If there is a way to vent the pipe (eg, uncouple a union or remove a plug) within a few feet and also vent or disconnect (via valve or coupling) the rest of the pipe then the worst you'd get is a "pop".  And, of course, vent the area where you're working -- windows open, fan running.


Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed.  --Herman Melville

Fill the pipe with water and (post #206997, reply #4 of 5)

by junkhound in reply to Tripwire [original] on Sat, 10/27/2012 - 21:34

Fill the pipe with water and cut it any which way you have available.

Was going to suggest about 10 other ways, but since you do not even have a pipe cutter, doubt you have a N2 or CO2 bottle or even an air compressor or shop vac or vacuum pump?

BTW, WHY do you think you would never use a pipe cutter again, that is the easy way to go.  A HF cutter is < $10.