Kitchen Gas Appliances - gas heater

Hi, I am going to run a line for a small gas heater. I thought about just using black pipe. The whole run will be inside, so no weather worries. I also thought about copper-tubing, but I don,t have access to a flaring tool, and I didn,t think compression fittings were recommended for gas. As far as running line through brick wall, should I insulate the pipe? Also, Is it that dangerous not to vent the heater? When I was a kid growing-up most heaters weren,t vented. Today they recommend you vent everything, that would mean another large hole through the brick-wall. I just hate to put another hole through there. But I wouldn,t want to see anyone get aphyiated I don,t know how to spell it, but you get the meaning. Also will lumber-yards thread pipe for their customers? thanks

jd123,
The black pipe is the proper supply line to use, and no, it doesn't need to be insulated. I installed my own line, lp tank, and gas log insert nd still had to invst a few dollars in the flaring tool - one flare where the short copper line connects from tank to my black pipe. Lowes and HD will thread pipe to your length.
More on the 'to vent or not to vent' discussion:
There are many, many, non-vented heaters and gas logs installed. And all tose that cook with gas are unvented.
I simply have one window slightly cracked open from the topand have a CO detector for insurance. I'm probably safer now than when I used to burn wood all winter.
Also read Tom_Bartco's reply in the Gas Range post for add'l info.
good luck,
fred

Hello: jd123

You never mentioned which type of gas? Copper used with propane is fine but NOT natural gas. Nat gas contains traces of sulfur which corrode copper.

Black pipe is fine for both types of gas but I suggest youcall or visit your local building and safety department and find out what the code requirements are in your area.

What was exceptable code wise, years ago pertaining to venting, may not be in your area these days either. Again, for your own health and safety, follow all codes and vent the heater.

Do not put your life in dependency on a CO detector. Failure to adhere to codes, CO detector or not, you could wind-up DEAD.

Thanks for the info, everybody.

Tom,
I would like you to please explain your insistence that that a gas heater should be vented.
How about gas logs or even gas stoves??
I did a considerable amount of research before converting my wood burning insert to a gas log insert and with the newer gas appliances I fail to see a greater danger than what I had before in burning wood all winter.
let me know,
fred

In reply to the question asked of me, why I insist that every natural or propane gas heater be vented, there are....

Several Reasons:

I do not profess to know all the rules and codes for every city, county, state or country in the world.

I do not and can not determine that every person asking a question in this forum and to whom I reply has the same knowledge and or abilities to correctly install, adjust, etc. a gas appliance, as I do or any licensed and practicing professional.

As a professional myself, it would be negligent on my part to presume otherwise on any of the above and to advise anyone to install any AUTOMATICALLY operated and or REMOTELY operated appliance not to be installed to code and vented.

And there in lies the legal and technical differences between gas logs, stoves and dryers. These appliances are NOT classified as AUTOMATICALLY operated nor remotely operated.

Such appliances that fit the description above would, could and have become KILLERS, if they produce CARBON MONOXIDES. Especially appliance that operate at night while sleeping.
Examples are heaters, boilers, water heaters, etc.

I DO NOT suggest nor recommend to anyone to depend solely upon any electric and or battery operated CARBON MONOXIDE for their LIFE! nor HEALTH!

No questions should now arise regarding my position or opinion on the subject of CO detectors. Use or dependence on a CO detector is done by our own choice and at your own risk.

Case and Topic Closed:

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