Removing Gas Stove?
This seems like a dumb question, but should be an easy one for anyone who knows the answer… I want to remove the old gas stove from my kitchen and cap the pipe (we are not going to be using the stove in that location anymore). Who do I call to get this done? I…
This seems like a dumb question, but should be an easy one for anyone who knows the answer… I want to remove the old gas stove from my kitchen and cap the pipe (we are not going to be using the stove in that location anymore). Who do I call to get this done? I found plenty of tutorials on doing it myself, which I don’t want to do – I don’t want to mess around with gas lines – and the rather cryptic recommendation to call ‘a qualified professional’ if I don’t want to do it myself. But who is ‘a qualified professional’? Do I call the gas company? They are generally idiots (a memorable month was the $12,000 bill for a one family house, after they misread the meter), so I would rather not if I don’t have to. Answers and/or recommendations appreciated. Thanks!
you probably have a flex hose and shut off on the rise pipe out of the floor…shut the valve remove the flex from the end of the gas pipe CCW…teflon the exposed thread and cap it(1/2 ” or 3/4″ black pipe caps )hand tight CW then one full turn with a pair of channel locks your done..any hardware store carries black pipe fittings
You can also simply ask the gas company to shut off the gas and remove the meter. For this they charge nothing. If you don’t ask them to shut off the gas, you will be paying for gas delivery even if you’re not using a drop of gas.
If there is an appliance store in your area, such as a used appliance store, they will be able to do this. I think they charge about $40, I forget. There are three on Broadway in Bushwick/BedStuy. They just handle stuff locally within walking distance of the area. There were a couple in Woodside, Queens. Look around. Or any plumber can handle it — especially a plumber who deals in heating systems and gas pipe. They usually have a minimum of $150 for the first hour, but maybe you can find some other odd jobs for them too.
Given that I will no longer be using this room as a kitchen, what do you think the best option is for closing off the line? Would it be better to do it from the cellar than cap it at the stove location? Is that possible? I don’t anticipate using a gas stove in this location again, but wanted to leave the option of reconnection open for resale, so that if the new owners want their kitchen on the parlour floor, or want to rent out the basement level they will be able to. (The house is legally a 2 fam).
I’m fairly certain you will not be able to purchase a cap as I believe there may be a code that disallows capping the line at the valve. Anyone know?
First see if you have a shutoff valve at the end of the gas hose (you should), then shut off the gas at the valve. Try igniting the stove. If you don’t smell gas, good. Then use a liquid soap around the valve. If it bubbles, gas is leaking and you have a faulty valve that must be replaced.
If not, the hose could be unscrewed and you just leave the valve shut.
The pipes, connections can come loose when they are wrenched, so it is important that the wrenching be done carefully.
At any rate, your best bet is a licensed plumber – someone ready to shut off the main if there is a problem.
Thanks everyone. Part of the problem is that I am NOT replacing it with another stove, I just need that one gone, otherwise it would be a bit more straightforward. This is one of those instances where it is not a big or difficult job, but I want to make sure it is done right so I don’t stay up at nights sniffing the air and wondering if my house is going to explode! So plumber it is…
Follow brooklyn expediter’s advice.
the only catch might be that if the shut-off valve is old, you might snap off the little brass handle. and then you will really need a proffesional….
I would actual steer clear of having this done by a “handyman.” Many of them have no clue what they are doing.
That said, this is a very simple operation and you should negotiate with whom you are buying from to take care of it, including removal of the old stove. They usually use the right pipe dope for the connection!!!!