I need to run (actually have the plumber run) a gas line from the source to the furnace/water heater and to the kitchen range which is in a separate area. Can this be run as one line to the furnace/water heater with a branch to the range, or should there be two separate lines from the source?
Thanks,
Paul
Replies
The plumber will figure that out. It has to do with the length of pipe, the diameter, and the BTU consumption of the appliances. He will probably run a larger diameter pipe to the point where the split occurs, and then smaller from there to each appliance.
As David mentioned, the lines may have to be resized for the bigger load. You might also need a new gas meter. I ran into this when we replaced our tank water heater with a tankless unit that had higher BTU output. When the heater kicked in, the regulator in the 20-year old meter couldn't maintain the proper pressure in the main gas line and it limited the water heater output.
Hi,
Table for gas line capacity in BTU:
http://www.tanklesswaterheaters.com/sizingtable.html
Gary
Unless they're in opposite directions, it'll probably be one line with a branch. While you're at it, think through any other gas uses you may want in the future. If you size your lines for them, and put in tees with plugs for them, a little extra money spent now will save you loads for re-working things later.
-- J.S.