Capping a gas line from an old dryer: help! archived

We now have an electric dryer instead of a gas one, and the gas line needs to be capped (after the hose is removed). Can a plumber do this sort of thing or do I need some other sort of expert? If so, who? Thanks.

Definitely a job for a plumber.

A plumber can do this. But really, whoever removes the hose should be capable of capping the line whether they're a plumber, handyman, appliance installer or homeowner.

I'm hesitant to DIY anything involving gas, so thanks, will get plumber!

By code, there must be a valve to each appliance or outlet. Just shut it off! That will do it.

Pete,

I would advise that even if they just shut off the valve, they take the next step and purchase a valve cap or plug and put a positive closure on that pipe. I have seen too many valves bumped or played with that leak gas into the area to not take this step.

Later,
The UPS Store, George

Agreed George. Yikes!

Yes... but really, if there's a valve also... you can probably save your money on the plumber... buy the right size cap and a jar of pipe dope (thread sealant)... you're already being DOUBLY safe by shutting off the valve AND capping the pipe... just buy a jar of pipe dope that says it's OK for gas and wrench down the cap... (there is a type of pipe tape that's OK for gas, but I'm not sure if that's in our latest code yet - use pipe dope to be safe, it used to be ALL that was ok by code.. definitely don't use regular white teflon tape, that is for sure against code)

Ditto on: -turn off the valve, and absolutely cap the threaded pipe where the hose was connected. -You should also get a small tube of "threaded pipe sealant" to put on the threads first. Valves alone can fail.

Good point George and Plungy.

Hadn't thought of that. In my house, the valves for the stove, dryer, etc are totally out of the way.

jgberkeley said:

Pete,

I would advise that even if they just shut off the valve, they take the next step and purchase a valve cap or plug and put a positive closure on that pipe. I have seen too many valves bumped or played with that leak gas into the area to not take this step.

Later,
The UPS Store, George

Why on earth did you switch from gas to electric?

Another lesson learned AGAIN last summer.

In a room where we removed a laundry, we left the water valves in the wall.

All was OK until I got the call from the painter that water was spraying and he ran. By the time I got to the place we had 4" on the floors, it was spreading and all the walls were wet.

Yes, the painter hit that valve handle somehow with a roller and did not know what to do except run and call.

I purchased and installed these brass caps so we do not have a next time. You can get them for gas valves.

Later, George

Yes, why did you switch?