Replacing the propane piping question
I just bought a small older model trailer that has copper tubing running from the regulator to a two burner stove and then to a fitting for an outside stove, and I would like to replace it all includi...
Forum Discussion
Just a heads up on using flexible tubing on LP gas lines.
When using a rubber type hose on LP that is even gas rated, there is a chemical reaction between the LP and the rubber and an oil starts forming in the hose. The longer the hose, the more the oil. I do not know exactly what the chemical reaction is, but it does happen. I have read it, heard about it and even have the issue. I have an 8 ft hose for my BBQ grill that I run off of a 5# LP tank. At the end of that hose it is dripping with oil come the end of the season.
My camper also has a short hose from the tank regulator to the black iron main LP pipe. While I'm sure this hose also creates the oil, since the hose is only about 2 maybe 3 feet long, it has not created the oil like my 8 ft hose does. And the sch 40 1/2" gas pipe is a very big reservoir for what little oil is created to settle in.
Point being, if you do the whole trailer with small rubber hose you may have a large oil problem that will get into your gas appliances.
I also do not know if a rubber flex line is allowed "inside" a camper. It may be, but maybe not as a cracked hose from deterioration could go undetected. The soft flexible copper not degrade like the rubber.
Just some things to think through.
Question, if you have done a lot of water piping using steel pipe, what is the concern of using soft flexible copper tubing? Is it the flares on the end? That can be overcome with a good flare tool, getting good training on the flare process and some practice.
Hope this helps
John
When using a rubber type hose on LP that is even gas rated, there is a chemical reaction between the LP and the rubber and an oil starts forming in the hose. The longer the hose, the more the oil. I do not know exactly what the chemical reaction is, but it does happen. I have read it, heard about it and even have the issue. I have an 8 ft hose for my BBQ grill that I run off of a 5# LP tank. At the end of that hose it is dripping with oil come the end of the season.
My camper also has a short hose from the tank regulator to the black iron main LP pipe. While I'm sure this hose also creates the oil, since the hose is only about 2 maybe 3 feet long, it has not created the oil like my 8 ft hose does. And the sch 40 1/2" gas pipe is a very big reservoir for what little oil is created to settle in.
Point being, if you do the whole trailer with small rubber hose you may have a large oil problem that will get into your gas appliances.
I also do not know if a rubber flex line is allowed "inside" a camper. It may be, but maybe not as a cracked hose from deterioration could go undetected. The soft flexible copper not degrade like the rubber.
Just some things to think through.
Question, if you have done a lot of water piping using steel pipe, what is the concern of using soft flexible copper tubing? Is it the flares on the end? That can be overcome with a good flare tool, getting good training on the flare process and some practice.
Hope this helps
John
