T-ing off black iron pipe

[Scott]

I need to somehow tee-off my 1 1/4" black iron gas line to run my Big Maxx heater that is on order. After checking out the hardware store it looks like I can cut a chunk out of my pipe, install a couple of unions and a tee. This method is okay, but seems like a hassle (have to thread 2 ends of the pipe). Is there a slick easy way to tee off a gas line? Tap the black iron pipe and install a 1/2" fitting?

 

[rockwithjason]

Would you really want to chance it? You are better off doing the cut and thread method. If you measure carefully you should be able to do the job with out much trouble.

 

[Scott]

That is what I figured, I just wanted to make sure there was not some other slick(and safe) method I had not heard of.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Kind of sad but true that there is no shortcut to branch off in black pipe like adding an icemaker line to a copper water pipe. But would you want to chance a leak.

Are you sure that gas line is 1 1/4”? Most homes have only 1” lines. Or are you measuring the outside diameter of the pipe. The nominal 1” black pipe is a bit larger than 1 1/4”.

 

[Scott]

I have not actually measured it yet, it may be 1". My heater will be here next week, I will get a bit more organized then and take the measurements for the various parts I need to install it.

 

[Elroy]

Are you sure that gas line is 1 1/4”? Most homes have only 1” lines. Or are you measuring the outside diameter of the pipe. The nominal 1” black pipe is a bit larger than 1 1/4”.

Just for your reference:

1/2" pipe has a .540" outside diameter

3/4" pipe is 1.050"

1" pipe is 1.315"

1 1/4" pipe is 1.660"

The outside diameter will not change with the schedule, only the wall thickness.

 

[Scott]

I successfully pulled this off this weekend, I will take pics of the install tonight. I didn't even blow the place up! No leaks the first time around. I cut out a 4" section of the 1" pipe with a large pipe cutter, then threaded both ends, screwed on a tee, ****** and a union and the 1/2" valve for the heater. I used Oatey white teflon pipe goo to seal teh joints.