Does each gas appliance need a drip leg?
Sediment traps collect dirt, rust, and other debris in the gas line before it gets to the control valve of an appliance. Drips legs are used to collect water droplets. They are located in low areas of a gas line. Drip legs are only needed if the gas is wet. Most gas is dry, therefore drip legs are not often required.
How do I cap a gas pipe?
Wrap Teflon tape around the thread of the cap five times.
- Use Yellow Teflon Tape which is rated for gas.
- You can also use Teflon pipe dope. Apply the dope evenly on the threads on the gas line. Do not use the dope and tape together.
- Use the appropriate cap. If the pipe is brass, use a brass cap. If it is black iron, use a black iron cap.
What is a drip leg or sediment trap?
What is a Drip Leg or Sediment Trap? A sediment trap which is sometimes called a drip leg (although technically different) is a capped off section of gas line which is installed in such a way that any debris or moisture in the gas line will be caught in the trap where it can be cleaned out easily.
Is a drip leg required for propane?
The drip leg serves as an area within the fuel piping system to protect your appliances and regulators from damage. It is a very simple and necessary component of fuel piping installation. The drip leg requirements are the same for both natural gas and propane. There is a right and wrong way to install a drip leg.

Where does a gas drip leg go?
A drip leg can be installed anywhere at the low point in the piping system, if there is moisture in the gas to allow for the removal of the condensation. The outlet of the meter is one such location.
What is a gas drip?
drip gas (plural drip gases) A naturally occurring form of gasoline found near many oil and natural gas wells. It can be used in vehicles, but doing so is illegal and has been reported to cause damage to engines.
Does a gas water heater need a drip leg?
Drip legs and sediment traps are a capped off section of gas line that is designed and installed to catch debris or moisture in the gas line to keep the system clean.
How much does it cost to install a drip leg?
The average cost to install a drip leg is $75 to $150, which is a plumber's minimum charge. For multiple installs, costs range from $33 to $89 per drip leg. Drip legs capture moisture so that it doesn't enter the control unit. Although small pieces of sediment may get through a drip leg.
How does a drip leg work?
1:083:52Steam Systems | What is a Drip Leg? - Weekly Boiler Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe have to have a trap attached to it because the trap removes the condensate that's collected soMoreWe have to have a trap attached to it because the trap removes the condensate that's collected so the drip leg collects. The condensate and the trap allows it to escape.
How long does a drip leg need to be?
For steam mains larger than 4 in., the drip leg should be half the diameter of the main but never less than 4 in.
Does every gas appliance need a sediment trap?
According to the 2016 California Plumbing Code (CPC), sediment traps are required for all gas appliances except: illuminating appliances, ranges, clothes dryers, decorative appliances for installation in vented fireplaces, gas fireplaces, and outdoor grills. Those are quite a few exceptions.
Why do gas lines require sediment traps?
It is actually a very useful component of the gas line known as a sediment trap. Sediment traps installed at gas appliances are used to help catch any sediment or debris that may be present in the gas line and prevent it from entering the appliance and possibly damaging it.
Do gas water heaters need sediment trap?
0:051:23Whats A Sediment Trap? (Drip Leg) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm sure you maybe heard the term. This is what it is all it is is a couple of different fittings.MoreI'm sure you maybe heard the term. This is what it is all it is is a couple of different fittings. And it traps sediment so what happens is sometimes the gas company will be fixing a line and they'll
Do all gas appliances need a drip leg?
The rarely noticed sediment trap, or drip leg, is an important part of any gas appliance. These small pipes that appear to be extensions of the gas line serve the purpose of collecting sediment, debris, and other impurities that come through the gas line, catching them before they enter the appliance.
How hard is it to move a gas line for a stove?
You shouldn't attempt to move a gas line yourself—this job should be handled by a professional. Natural gas is dangerous and highly flammable, plus it can be difficult to detect. With this in mind, it's especially important to work with a professional who can run and install gas lines instead of doing it yourself.
Does a whole house generator need a dedicated gas line?
One thing people sometimes forget is that there's no such thing as a free lunch—the whole house generator runs when your electric power is out, but to power the generator you need an alternative source, in many cases a dedicated natural gas line.
Do all gas appliances need a drip leg?
The rarely noticed sediment trap, or drip leg, is an important part of any gas appliance. These small pipes that appear to be extensions of the gas line serve the purpose of collecting sediment, debris, and other impurities that come through the gas line, catching them before they enter the appliance.
Does a water heater drain need AP Trap?
Plumbing codes require a P-trap be installed anywhere there is an open drain line that expels wastewater into a drain waste-vent system. The P-trap traps solids that can clog the drain. The P-trap stops air or gases from backing into your home through the drain line.
How do you put a sediment trap on a gas line?
0:002:37How to Install Water Heater Sediment Trap EASY! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure when you apply the tape that you wrap it around at least minimally three times around theMoreMake sure when you apply the tape that you wrap it around at least minimally three times around the threading. You don't have to over tighten it you don't over torque you're just nice and snug will.
Are sediment traps required in Arizona?
Gas Drip Leg / Sediment Traps It stops those particles from entering the combustion chamber of the water heater and can help your unit's performance. A gas drip leg/sediment trap is generally required by the water heater manufacturers but is not always enforced by inspectors.
What is a drip leg?
A sediment trap which is sometimes called a drip leg (although technically different) is a capped off section of gas line which is installed in such a way that any debris or moisture in the gas line will be caught in the trap where it can be cleaned out easily. The reason for this is to ensure safe operation of an appliance by keeping debris out ...
Where to install drip leg?
A drip leg can be installed anywhere at the low point in the piping system if there is moisture in the gas to allow for the removal of the condensation. The outlet of the meter is one such location. A sediment trap usually is installed as close to the appliance as possible.
Can a gas water heater have sediment?
Below is a example of a gas water heater without a trap. Sediment can flow into the mechanisms and become a safety hazard. There are other problems with this install but we're only talking sediment traps now.
What is a proper drip leg?
What are they? What is the difference between a proper and improper drip leg? A drip leg, or also commonly called a sediment trap, is used on fuel piping to prevent sediment, debris, and moisture from entering a gas appliance or fuel regulator. Drip legs are required to be installed in a manner ...
Why should a drip leg be installed vertically?
The drip leg should always be installed vertically, so that as the fuel passes through the tee above the drip leg and there is a change of direction for the fuel to flow through. When the drip leg is installed horizontally there is the chance that sediment and debris can be pushed across the tee by the fuel pressure behind it ...
Is a drip leg the same as a propane pipe?
It is a very simple and necessary component of fuel piping installation. The drip leg requirements are the same for both natural gas and propane. There is a right and wrong way to install a drip leg. In the article, the cover photo shows an incorrect installation.
Why use flexible connectors?
In areas prone to earthquake, flexible connectors are more likely to be used on all appliances since they provide some measure of protection against gas piping leakage or rupture during an earthquake. Check your local gas code to determine what is or isn’t allowed in your area. Thread seal tape.
What is the line that runs from the house to the house called?
The piping inside the house is called the gas supply line or building line. Branch lines run to individual appliances. The branch line terminates in a drop line, which is a vertical pipe dropping down to the appliance from an overhead branch line. This drop line is called a riser if it carries gas up to an appliance from a branch line below the appliance.
What is steel piping?
Steel piping typically is black with malleable iron or steel fittings. Galvanized steel is used in some areas as well. Connectors. Flex connectors: Flexible connectors are permitted to connect appliances to the gas piping. There has to be a shut-off valve at the connection to the rigid piping.
What is the most common gas piping?
Steel, copper, brass: The most common gas piping is black steel. Galvanized steel, copper, brass or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) also can be used in some areas, but some utilities specifically prohibit the use of copper. In other areas, the use of copper is widespread. You should know what is acceptable in your area. Steel piping typically is black with malleable iron or steel fittings. Galvanized steel is used in some areas as well.
What is a riser gas line?
This drop line is called a riser if it carries gas up to an appliance from a branch line below the appliance. Sediment trap, dirt pocket or drip leg. At the appliance connection point, there usually is a sediment trap or dirt pocket, sometimes called a drip leg that includes a nipple and a cap.
How far can you connect a gas range?
For these appliances, 6 feet generally is allowed. Splicing or joining connectors with nipples often is prohibited. In some jurisdictions, flexible connectors are allowed only for gas ranges, dryers, outdoor barbecues and other semi-portable appliances.
How long can a flexible connector go?
Three- or six-foot long and accessible: The flexible connectors can’t go through walls, floors or ceilings, nor can they be concealed. The flexible connector length usually is limited to 3 feet except for gas ranges and clothes dryers. For these appliances, 6 feet generally is allowed.
What is a sediment trap?
Sediment traps (sometimes mistakenly referred to as drip legs) are designed to catch sediment, in natural gas, before it enters into the water heater or furnace gas valve. Different areas have different contaminants in the gas, and the traps help catch these. Most water heaters do not have a sediment trap in them.
What is a drip leg?
Drip legs are basically for catching condensate and moisture in a gas line.
Where is a sediment trap not incorporated as part of the gas utilization equipment?
Where a sediment trap is not incorporated as part of the gas utilization equipment, a sediment trap shall be installed downstream of the equipment shutoff valve as close to the inlet of the equipment as practical.
How long does it take to install a sediment trap?
Installing a sediment trap. Plumbers can usually install one very quickly, i.e. 15 minutes to a half an hour. The pipe and fitting are generally only a few dollars.
Where to install drip leg?
A drip leg can be installed anywhere at the low point in the piping system , if there is moisture in the gas to allow for the removal of the condensation. The outlet of the meter is one such location. Sediment traps are usually installed very close to the water heater or furnace valve.
Do water heaters have sediment traps?
Most water heaters do not have a sediment trap in them. When new water heaters are installed, it is generally one of the requirements when a permit is obtained and it is recommended by the water heater manufacturer.
What is a Drip Leg in Steam Piping?from whatispiping.com
Drip Legs are vertical piping pockets installed in steam piping to collect condensate. Installing drip legs in the proper location serves the purpose of a successful, water-hammer free, system start-up.
Why do we need drip legs?from whatispiping.com
Drip Legs are used for removing entrained moisture from the steam transmission and distribution lines to ensure high-quality steam for use in various plant applications, while also preventing damaging and dangerous water hammer. As steam travels at high velocity through piping, moisture forms as the result of piping heat losses and/or improper ...
How to install a drip leg?from whatispiping.com
Drip Leg Installation guidelines 1 Drip legs should be located at Vertical Lifts, Drops, or at the end of the steam line. 2 In the straight run of piping every 30 to 50 meters. 3 Installed directly ahead of the regulating or control valve, Manual Valves Closed for a Long Time. 4 Ahead of expansion joints or elbows. 5 Provide proper supports (no sagging) 6 Provide slope towards Drip legs.
What is steam tracing?from whatispiping.com
Steam tracing refers to using steam to indirectly elevate the temperature of a product using jacketed pipes or tubing filled with steam
What is a riser gas line?from carsondunlop.com
This drop line is called a riser if it carries gas up to an appliance from a branch line below the appliance. Sediment trap, dirt pocket or drip leg. At the appliance connection point, there usually is a sediment trap or dirt pocket, sometimes called a drip leg that includes a nipple and a cap.
Where is the condensate located in a steam line?from whatispiping.com
Due to heat loss and system start up energy consumption, condensate is formed inside the steam pipes. For proper working of the steam system this condensate must be drained by installing drip legs in main lines at appropriate locations. Drip legs should be located at Vertical Lifts, Drops, or at the end of the steam line.
How long can a flexible connector go?from carsondunlop.com
Three- or six-foot long and accessible: The flexible connectors can’t go through walls, floors or ceilings, nor can they be concealed. The flexible connector length usually is limited to 3 feet except for gas ranges and clothes dryers. For these appliances, 6 feet generally is allowed.
