Advice needed on piping run to gas drop-in cooktop

14 years ago

I am doing an appliance change in my kitchen. I've removed a gas range and am going to replace it with a wall oven in a different location and a drop-in cooktop where the range was. The gas flex hookup on the old range was at the bottom of the appliance, and the hookup location on the new cooktop is about 2' higher. Naturally, the existing flex line won't reach. I'd normally get a longer line and connect it at the shutoff valve, but that valve is in a closet wall about 3' away and -- while the shutoff is readily accessible -- the flex connected to it is really not. To get at the flex connection would probably require me to tear out cabinetry. So... is it code permissible to get, say, a 2' extension of flex that I can screw on to the existing flex so I can hookup the cooktop without a major demo?

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Comments (3)

brickeyee
14 years ago
You are not allowed to re-use a flex gas line.

Purchase a new line the length needed, or extend the pipe and than hook up a new flex.
lazypup
14 years ago
There are a number of code issues to be considered here.

As Brickeye has already stated, in most jurisdictions you are not permitted to re-use a flex line.

Flex lines may only be installed immediately after the appliance shutoff valve to the appliance input. (I.E. One end of the flex line MUST connect to the appliance service valve, and the opposite end MUST connect directly to the appliance valve input. You may not join two or more flex lines). Ref: IRC 2422,1,2 & UPC1212.0X2

Flex lines may not be concealed or pass through any floor, wall partition, Ceiling or appliance housing. Ref:IRC 2422.1.2 & UPC 1212.0X2

Maximum length 3' except 6' for a freestanding Range or a Laundry Dryer. Ref: IRC2422.1.2 & UPC 1212.0X1

Check your local code. In some jurisdictions you are required to run hard pipe all the way and you may not use any flex lines.
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kudzu9
Original Author
14 years ago
lazypup and brickeyee-
I value your input because you guys seem to consistently offer reliable advice. However, let me share a little more info and see if it affects your thinking at all.

This house is just 7 years old and apparently passed inspection with the installation as I described it: accessible shutoff valve, but with the connector hose starting immediately off a 6" stub from the valve in an inaccessible spot near the floor in a 3" high space under the cabinets. Now that the range is out of the way, I can see the connection with a flashlight if I'm lying on the floor, but I'd never be able to get a wrench in there. It's a 5' hose that runs for about 3-1/2' under the cabinets and then has about 1-1/2' free where it emerges. When I unhooked the old range, this 5' flex line was not hooked directly to the appliance even though it could have reached: there was an 18" chrome-plated flex connector of smaller diameter that ran from the end of the 5' flex connector to the stove inlet. I know for a fact that this was the original range and installation.

I also was aware that you are generally not supposed to re-use gas hose fittings, but I came upon a posting in another forum [see link below] and was wondering what you thought about the comment from Sharp Advice that: "A natural gas flex connector can be reused providing it is the new style. New style is the chrome coated type. Not the brass or bronze types or any like them." My 5' connector is this newer type as it ends in a very heavy-duty chrome fitting with male threads.

I also just realized that the threads on my new gas cooktop inlet are male also, so is the problem I'm dealilng with solved by a short length of flex adaptor hose with two female ends, and would be permitted by code?

Here is a link that might be useful: Gas shut off valve

Advice needed on piping run to gas drop-in cooktop

Comments (3)

brickeyee

lazypup

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Advice needed on piping run to gas drop-in cooktop

Comments (3)

brickeyee

lazypup

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