Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - How to cap a fireplace gas line

Hi all,

First post :).

I have already demolished the interior facing of my fireplace and am going to insulate and sheetrock over the whole thing. I have ripped out everything necessary to get everything behind the studs so that the sheetrock can easily cover it all, EXCEPT:

The gas valve sticks out past the face of the studs (so that the fireplace operator can turn the gas on and off with a key).

Everything I've read so far says to get a plumber to do gas line work, but since I'm not installing something [I'm un-installing], I was wondering if I could *safely* do this myself.

I've studied the situation pretty hard and it looks like I'd need to hacksaw one part of the pipe [after turning off the gas of course] and then use a pipe wrench to unscrew a connection to a 90* elbow. Then I could use a male type plug into that elbow (with pipe dope).

This seems so simple. I could probably save $100+. But if I can't do it 100% safely, then I'm more than willing to pay the money. I would say my diy skills are at least average (hopefully above, but who knows).

One reason this decision is so hard is because there is so little information available. Everything is installation oriented. I can't find any de-installation information. And all the installation stuff says to get a pro to do it.

I really appreciate the help. $100+ is a decent chunk of cash that could be saved here.

Myles

smprather, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
The reason we normally recommend hiring out gas work is that it is very dangerous and in some areas it is REQUIRED by code. If not done by a professional, and there is a problem, your insurance would not cover.
Your post is interesting though. I cannot figure what you would have to cut with a hacksaw. Gas lines are usually black iron pipe and unless something was welded on, everything is threaded. If I were doing the job, I would completely get rid of any gas lines inside the house or at least back to a tee that feeds another appliance. Joints sitting unused in a gas line can leak. Not something you really want in a wall.
Call a couple of plumbing companies that do gas work. Tell them all you want is the line cut and plugged at an area out of the wall. Talk to a couple of them and see if you can get it done for less than $100. Then you can remove whatever you need for your remodel. Better safe than sorry. Good luck.

With Dragon here why would you have to cut the pipe. What ever you have, had to be screwed on and out to what you have. Just start there with the last valve or piece and work back to the 90oL. Then plug it. Be sure and test all the fittings after you you turn on the gas with kids bubble stuff or soap.

ED ;)

You guys make a good point. How did they get it on and me not be able to get it off!? Obviously I need to re-examine the situation.

I have to go run an errand, but after that, I'm going to take another look and post back, maybe even with a picture. I'll also try to figure out what the code is here in Austin.

Thanks a lot for your help guys. I'm still on the fence though... :confused:

Hey guys. Just wanted to follow up. I quit thinking about it and just went ahead and did it.

They laid the fireplace bricks around the pipe after they assembled it, so yes, I did have to hacksaw it.

So for anyone else that ever happens to want to do this, this is what I did:

1) Turn off gas outside
2) Run stove until flame goes out (pretty quick)
3) Hacksawed at the proper spot
4) Unscrewed the remaining pipe that I needed to take off to expose the elbow joint that I was going to plug into
5) Two layers of gas-pipe-tape on threads of 1/2" plug
6) Found a socket that would fit the square end of the plug
7) Ratchet'd the plug in nice and tight
8) Turn gas back on
9) Soap/water tested. No bubbles :D
10) AND HERE'S THE PART I FORGOT: Re-light the pilot light in the water heater (and any others you may have).
11) Wife wakes me up in the morning with no hot water :mad:

Thanks guys. It took me about 15 minutes and saved me at least $50.