Gas Pipe Problems
Our electricians want us to bring in a plumber to shut off the gas that feeds the light fixtures AND saw off the pipes that hang down a few inches past the ceiling in every fixture. Questions: We have at least nine to saw off if not more. Isn’t this going to take forever and…
Our electricians want us to bring in a plumber to shut off the gas that feeds the light fixtures AND saw off the pipes that hang down a few inches past the ceiling in every fixture.
Questions: We have at least nine to saw off if not more. Isn’t this going to take forever and won’t the plumber charge us an arm and a leg? Also, will we be destroying our ability to hang other types of light fixtures later?
Unfortunately, we don’t have enough old fixtures to cover the pipe length.
Also, anyone recommend a plumber for this? We have to do it this week, which is crazy.
Small coda: Turns out the gas pipes were active, but we didn’t know because the gas was turned off. Now the gas pipe running to one of our stoves can no longer be used. So be warned: Don’t saw off your gas pipes.
A couple of folks that posted mentioned that the gas pipes are handy if you want to hang a ceiling fan…are there special ceiling fans available that are made to fit these gas pipes? If so, can someone point me in that direction?
Additionally, does anyone know of a semi-simple way of hanging a George Nelson pendant lamp from one of these gas pipes? It was very easy to install when a modern box was available.
They’ve been doing an amazing job. Have not broken one medallion.
Just spoke to the electricians. They figured out the gas pipes inside are not active, and they’ve already sawed off the protruding pipes on the top floor. They attached the boxes to the beams in the same location, so they will bear weight. So far all the medallions are intact.
We’re meeting later this week to discuss the other floors and medallions.
Mopar,
Meeting code is over-rated 🙂
BUT, sometimes you have no choice.
I WAS under the impression that the old round “gas boxes” were grandfathered in, but I’m not sure.
Thanks!
Our electrician (?!) managed to drill and cut carefully into the center of the medallion without breaking the whole thing up. Hole was big enough to work in and put the box, but small enought to be covered later. It’s possible, difficult but possible. Don’t give up, press everyone hard to get this done the way you want.
Thank you so much, Bob Marvin.
I am rather upset that I’m apparently going to have to cut off my gas pipes to meet code. I really do not want to do this.
Not to mention breaking all the original medallions. I hate this.
Mopar,
The gas pipes are great for anchoring heavy light fixtures or ceiling fans. I’m glad that I still have many of them in my house. HOWEVER, if the electricians MUST install new boxes, these can also support heavy fixtures [and especially fans] if they’re mounted with cross braces attached to joists. I think it’s desirable to keep the gas pipes, but it’s not essential.