What is this gas line fitting

[Reborn]

Before I just blindly remove this fitting downstream of the valve, I’d like to know what it is and surmise why it was installed. This line fed a bbq grill. The gas company was not keen on multiple fittings being installed and left this line shut off.

On a related note, the bbq is no good and I want to renovate the “cabinetry”, so I want to cap the line. Any concerns with adding a cap after the valve, as opposed to removing the valve and capping the line?

 

[nh_yota]

It's a regulator.

 

[rlitman]

Yep, regulator. Is this propane or NG?
Anyway, I don't see a problem with a cap after the valve.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

Regulator x3. I would cap it after the valve in case I wanted to use the valve one day.

 

[Reborn]

Yea, I figured it was a regulator, but don’t really understand why you might need one. I guess the flow rate was too great for the bbq without it. It’s natural gas. Thanks for all of your quick responses.

 

[rlitman]

Yea, I figured it was a regulator, but don’t really understand why you might need one. I guess the flow rate was too great for the bbq without it. It’s natural gas. Thanks for all of your quick responses.

With NG, my guess is that you have 2PSI in the house, and that every appliance would need a regulator. It's a way to get more flow from a smaller distribution system.

 

[ddawg16]

The gas flow/pressure for a gas grill using NG vs Propane is different.

You have to have the right regulator.....

 

[Reborn]

Thanks for the insight all. It's odd that the gas co. took issue with the regulator - perhaps if it were supported, they would be comfortable with it?

Sorry for the noobie questions, but I've never worked with NG piping before, and it makes me nervous. For this downstream fitting (cap or plug) that I will likely be removing later, should I use pipe joint compound or NG-rated tape? My cursory research indicates that it's primarily down to personal preference, with most people leaning toward compound - anything else I should know?

 

[Northislander]

Thanks for the insight all. It's odd that the gas co. took issue with the regulator - perhaps if it were supported, they would be comfortable with it?

Sorry for the noobie questions, but I've never worked with NG piping before, and it makes me nervous. For this downstream fitting (cap or plug) that I will likely be removing later, should I use pipe joint compound or NG-rated tape? My cursory research indicates that it's primarily down to personal preference, with most people leaning toward compound - anything else I should know?

Dope or Tape it is personal preference just make sure to soap test after

 

[ripperd]

Is there a cap/plug currently on the end of it?

IIRC, you are not allowed to have an open ended pipe relying on just the shutoff valve. Unused runs, even with valves, must be capped/plugged when not in use.

 

[nh_yota]

You need to cap it after the valve because the valve could possibly leak.

 

[Milton Shaw]

You need to cap it because some kid could come along and turn it on. I was in a house on a service all and saw a gas line in basement with no cap and they had 2 --5-7 year old boys running around. Just a fire and explosion a few minutes away from happening. She got it fixed that day.

 

[yeldogt]

You need a regulator to adjust the pressure to the appliance. The lines are pressurized for the gas to flow --

Around me they want the regulator near the appliance. Also, not sure what they are talking about regarding the multiple fittings? Is that a flex hose connected after the regulator?

At my beach house we have a valve and quick connect hose fitting to the grill -- removing the hose stops the gas .. but we use the valve as well. The regulator is located at the grill

 

[Reborn]

Yes, it had a flex hose after the regulator, which was connected to the non functional bbq. I capped after the regulator without any tape or dope yesterday. I actually need to pick up a plug to plug after the valve, and I’ll pick up some tape as well. Will be doing that today to terminate the line properly and give me time to figure out what to do with the space. Thanks everyone.