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MrMark52 · 03-16-2023, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

NFPA 54, chapter 5, sub-paragraph 5.5 covers allowed piping materials for LP plumbing. Nowhere does it mention galvanized pipe.
reference: https://link.nfpa.org/free-access/publications/54/2021 2021 is the latest version of NFPA 54.

If you have galvanized LP piping in your house, obtain a written statement from that installer that they have complied with NFPA 54.

Ray,

5.5.2.2 (1)

And I agree with you on the written statement advice - although the issue that will be had won’t be failure, but troublesome if/as internal flaking occurs.

bigb56 · 03-16-2023, 06:06 PM

Back when Chinese fitting first started appearing the 90's were prone to pinhole leaks. Most of the local plumbers began using galvanized for their 90s as the hot dip seals any pinholes.
It was always said that flaking pieces in the galv would plug orifices but I'm not so sure that wasn't just urban legend. Even though black pipe was always used for gas, galv was not prohibited, at least in my county.

Country Road · 03-16-2023, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb56

Back when Chinese fitting first started appearing the 90's were prone to pinhole leaks. Most of the local plumbers began using galvanized for their 90s as the hot dip seals any pinholes.
It was always said that flaking pieces in the galv would plug orifices but I'm not so sure that wasn't just urban legend. Even though black pipe was always used for gas, galv was not prohibited, at least in my county.

Agree. More important things to worry about. 25 years and counting, no flaking here. Only orifices that I ever had clogged was in my dad’s old home and he had black pipe. Clogging was probably due to rust. Lol.

Ray,IN · 03-16-2023, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Country Road

Agree. More important things to worry about. 25 years and counting, no flaking here. Only orifices that I ever had clogged was in my dad’s old home and he had black pipe. Clogging was probably due to rust. Lol.

Rust/dirt was the main reason drip-legs were installed, theyare not required today.

Warrenjo · 03-17-2023, 07:16 AM

I replaced the two pipes where the leak has occurred. Aside from some surface rust the pipes I removed are sound. Not the problem as I still have a leak. Back at it today to find the leak. It may be the hose from the iron pipe to the stove. I do not want to remove the stove to replace the hose but I may need to do that.

Good news is there is no smell of gas inside the Motorhome and leak detectors do not sound inside.

Country Road · 03-17-2023, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrenjo

I replaced the two pipes where the leak has occurred. Aside from some surface rust the pipes I removed are sound. Not the problem as I still have a leak. Back at it today to find the leak. It may be the hose from the iron pipe to the stove. I do not want to remove the stove to replace the hose but I may need to do that.

Good news is there is no smell of gas inside the Motorhome and leak detectors do not sound inside.

Leaks are hard to detect. Are you positive it’s not a regulator leak? I’m sure you ruled that out. Continue to soap everything down with a soap spray. Good luck.

153stars · 03-17-2023, 10:45 AM

The hose after regulator to main pipe known to crack on back side of bend where you can't see. You nose can smell additive in LP at few parts per billion . It can be hard to track down a tiny leak. I found out a gas detector set at close to max sensitivity will pick up solvent in recent pipe dope too.

MrMark52 · 03-17-2023, 11:43 AM

I recently found the reverse thread fitting at the LP valve, while tight, was leaking.

Another 1/8 turn to tighten more, all is well and residual odorant smell is gone!

Also, be certain that when you open the LP tank valve, open it all the way until it backseats. The stem seals leak even when in good shape (the seals can be easily replaced - but the tank has to be empty).

Warrenjo · 03-17-2023, 11:49 AM

I found the leak. It was not in the pipe. I replaced two sections with new black iron pipe. The rust on the pipe I removed was limited to the surface and the pipe is sound. No leak in the pipe.

I did find a leak in the flexible hose from the pipe to the stove (see picture attached). The leak is where the hose penetrates the floor and is necessary for the slide to move.

I will need to remove the stove to get to the end of the hose (bummer).

followingsea · 03-17-2023, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrenjo

I found the leak. It was not in the pipe. .....

Congratulation!

I have the same problem. Last summer I smelled gas and found a leak at the solenoid valve. Took it to a RV shop and they removed it but we still had a leak. The RV tech and I looked everyplace accessible but could not find it.

I replaced the solenoid valve and keep it closed except when using propane which is not very often.

There is no smell of gas inside the MH. My sniffer doe not detect any. It does detect gas where the black goes up between the rails and is not accessible without tearing the bathroom floor.

After your post, I am thinking I need to go back and check the inside piping again.

MrMark52 · 03-17-2023, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrenjo

I found the leak. It was not in the pipe. I replaced two sections with new black iron pipe. The rust on the pipe I removed was limited to the surface and the pipe is sound. No leak in the pipe.

I did find a leak in the flexible hose from the pipe to the stove (see picture attached). The leak is where the hose penetrates the floor and is necessary for the slide to move.

I will need to remove the stove to get to the end of the hose (bummer).

Congrats!

See if there is any way to make the floor penetration with fittings and black pipe nipple, and using 2 shorter hoses (one top, one bottom).
The black pipe can handle the abuse of movement that a hose shouldn’t be subjected to.
Even better if you could find a fuel gas rated, flanged swivel connector.

153stars · 03-17-2023, 05:38 PM

If big enough you can split a hose to over that hose and zip tie it. where it wore through.

glwinger · 03-23-2023, 05:00 PM

CSST (flexible gas line) cannot be used for outside applications unless it is protected from the environment. That would mean sleeving the entire length of the tubing and fittings. More work than running new black pipe.

Warrenjo · 03-24-2023, 05:20 PM

[QUOTE=glwinger;6453801]CSST (flexible gas line) cannot be used for outside applications unless it is protected from the environment. That would mean sleeving the entire length of the tubing and fittings. More work than running new black pipe.

The flexible gas line I replaced is enclosed and the configuration is not modified from the factory design. I did substitute stainless steel braided hose instead of the original neoprene. I am confident I am OK.