Turning on Gas to Shop

[atvkid4eva]

I purchased a home in April of this year and it has a detached 30x40 shop. The shop has two large overhead Dayton infrared heaters with natural gas ran to them. The previous owner was an older gentleman who had health problems for a while before he sold the home, so im assuming that he didn't use the shop much. The gas line for the shop comes off the main gas meter and the valve is currently closed and it looks like it probably has been shut off for a little while, simply because im sure the guy didn't want the gas on when he knew he wouldn't be out there much at all.

The gas pipe runs underground of course and into the shop, it then runs to each Dayton heater with their own gas shut off before the heater.

With the winter months coming up, I want to make sure the heaters are operating properly.

I have attached a picture of the valve that needs turned on at the house,you can see it has been painted over. Are these valves pretty heavy duty, should I be worried that if I simply turn it on the valve will leak? I'm not worried about any other connections in-line. I would just worry that if the valve leaks i will not have anyway to replace it immediately therefore I will have a gas leak off the main. Let me know your thoughts on how robust these valves are and if they can remain shut for some time and then be turned back on without problem.

 

[JackDiddly]

If there wasn't a leak prior to shutting it off you should be ok. I wouldn't worry about the valve leaking and even if it did having a union on the line right there would make it a fairly easy repair. My gas line is set up similar and I shut off my valve at the end of the season also. If you are truly concerned about it you could have the line pressure tested.

 

[atvkid4eva]

If there wasn't a leak prior to shutting it off you should be ok. I wouldn't worry about the valve leaking and even if it did having a union on the line right there would make it a fairly easy repair. My gas line is set up similar and I shut off my valve at the end of the season also. If you are truly concerned about it you could have the line pressure tested.

The gas line looks to be in good shape, I was more concerned about the valve leaking than there being a leak in the system. the gas was likely shut off at the end of a season like you said and just never turned back on since his health decreased. I'm assuming these valves are built to be turned on and off for long periods of times without wearing them out.

 

[ljhhontx]

I work as a gas tech and yes that valve is ok, they sometimes require a lot of force to move, just soap valve after moving it, if it leaks loosen nut on bottom and exercise it back and forth then retighten and recheck, if it still leaks tap the top to seat it and know that next time you move it you will have to do the same or replace. They are just a tapered brass on brass valve and will get dry and cruddy but should hold 100% on house pressure. If you want you can take apart in place and grease but probably won't have to.

 

[atvkid4eva]

I work as a gas tech and yes that valve is ok, they sometimes require a lot of force to move, just soap valve after moving it, if it leaks loosen nut on bottom and exercise it back and forth then retighten and recheck, if it still leaks tap the top to seat it and know that next time you move it you will have to do the same or replace. They are just a tapered brass on brass valve and will get dry and cruddy but should hold 100% on house pressure. If you want you can take apart in place and grease but probably won't have to.

Awesome, thanks for the advice. Good to know! I will check all connections for leaks after opening the valve.

 

[TractorJeff]

I work as a gas tech and yes that valve is ok, they sometimes require a lot of force to move, just soap valve after moving it, if it leaks loosen nut on bottom and exercise it back and forth then retighten and recheck, if it still leaks tap the top to seat it and know that next time you move it you will have to do the same or replace. They are just a tapered brass on brass valve and will get dry and cruddy but should hold 100% on house pressure. If you want you can take apart in place and grease but probably won't have to.

YEP! This is all correct, but I will add that if you give it a "tap" on top to seat the Taper, when you shut it off again You will need to give it a "tap" up on the bottom to loosen the Taper.
Make sense?
They are popular valves in the old Oil Fields out East. Often the Nut would be loosened slightly before "tapping" to loosen the Seat, then turned off and the Nut snugged back up. If they leaked after turning, then Yes a slight "tap" on top to seat the Taper. Don't go crazy tight as they are all Brass construction and are easily damaged!

 

[atvkid4eva]

YEP! This is all correct, but I will add that if you give it a "tap" on top to seat the Taper, when you shut it off again You will need to give it a "tap" up on the bottom to loosen the Taper.
Make sense?
They are popular valves in the old Oil Fields out East. Often the Nut would be loosened slightly before "tapping" to loosen the Seat, then turned off and the Nut snugged back up. If they leaked after turning, then Yes a slight "tap" on top to seat the Taper. Don't go crazy tight as they are all Brass construction and are easily damaged!

So hopefully, it just opens and no leaks lol. But this is all interesting, can you guys explain a little more in detail what tapping it in relation to the nut on the bottom does?

 

[BillK]

Call the gas company and ask what their procedure is ? Around here they will come and turn it on and make sure the heater is working properly too. I have only had them do it on commercial units but I don't remember getting charged.

Even if they do have a small charge it would probably be worth the piece of mind.

 

[Copymutt]

I shut the supply valve to the garage & house each spring & open again next heat season. Leave the appliance valves off, come back next day. If the meter has registered any change at all you have a leak in the supply. Just OCD on self insuring against fires.

 

[ljhhontx]

I shut the supply valve to the garage & house each spring & open again next heat season. Leave the appliance valves off, come back next day. If the meter has registered any change at all you have a leak in the supply. Just OCD on self insuring against fires.

That's ok if you have it on its on meter but I believe the OP is running it off his house meter, would have to turn house off to test that way.

 

[nadogail]

My gas utility has come out and done Safety Checks at no charge. Often the Gas Tech will do a minor "TUNE UP" at the same time.

 

[TractorJeff]

So hopefully, it just opens and no leaks lol. But this is all interesting, can you guys explain a little more in detail what tapping it in relation to the nut on the bottom does?

Its a Taper fit!
After you turn it on and it leaks, you tap it on top to seat the taper tighter. If you decide to urn it off in the Spring, it will be harder to turn off. A light tap to loosen the Taper to turn it off. Check it for leaks, if it leaks a light tap on top to reseat the taper.
Make Sense?