What size gas line needed for gas heat?

Hi all – just wondering if anyone knows off the top of their head what diameter gas pipe is required for gas heat. We’re thinking of converting from oil to gas for our ancient steam system, but don’t even need to call in for an estimate if our existing pipe isn’t large enough – there’s no way we’re dealing with getting a new one installed.

FWIW we’re a 2 fam, 4 floor brownstone with 2 gas water heaters, 2 gas ranges and 2 gas dryers right now. Just wondering if there’s a standard (ie. min 2″ or something)

We also have 2 gas meters but hoping to get rid of one since we pay both bills ourselves anyway; seems silly to pay the extra $18/mo in meter charges for no reason. Don’t know if that matters re: conversion to gas heat.

Thanks!!
e

empathie00

in General Discussion 8 years and 1 month ago

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empathie00 | 8 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks all! I really wish I was smart enough to read engineering charts, but my poll sci degree didn’t equip me with those skills 🙂 Thanks for the tip re: the meter, Master Plumber! Seems we may be okay, fingers crossed. Thanks again!

bklyn-born | 8 years and 1 month ago

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Completely unrelated, I am new to the forum and not sure how to contact @empathie00 directly to find out an update on the roofing project, I’m in a similar situation now and would appreciate your guidance. If easier you can email me agp13@me.com.

ellenlourie | 8 years and 1 month ago

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Fuel gas code City of NY

http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/apps/pdf_viewer/viewer.html?file=2014CC_FGC_Chapter4_Gas_Piping_Installations.pdf&section=conscode_2014

402.3 Sizing.Gas piping shall be sized in accordance with one of the following:
1.Pipe sizing tables or sizing equations in accordance with Section 402.4.
2.The sizing tables included in a listed piping system’s manufacturer’s installation instructions.
3.Other approved engineering methods.
4.Individual outlets to gas ranges shall not be less than ¾ inches (19 mm) NPS.

Size generally determined by connected load, developed length of connecting piping and desired pressure drop.

Master Plvmber | 8 years and 1 month ago

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The OP isn’t going to be able to use that engineering chart if they don’t know the length of their gas main. What they should do is just check the model of gas meter they’ve got installed. Chances are pretty good it’s a “Class 400” meter which gives them 400,000 BTUs. Chances are also pretty good they’re not using even half that amount of gas now and can add lots of BTUs in the form of a boiler, water heater, or both.

eman134 | 8 years and 1 month ago

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Use this link to size the service using the distance from the gas main that you require …remember that a cubic foot of gas is approximately equivalent to 1000 btus.
www.engineeringtoolbox.com/natural-gas-pipe-sizing-d_826.html

empathie00 | 8 years and 1 month ago

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Hi there – yes, exactly, thanks bobj for making it clearer than I could – what I’m wondering if the minimum size we need coming into the house from the street main. My concern is that if that’s not big enough, it would require ripping up street, etc, to put in a bigger line, and we’re not going to even consider that route. Inside the house is a different story 🙂 Thanks!

shahnandersen

in General Discussion 8 years and 1 month ago

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Wouldn’t the plumber who installed the boiler also put in the 1″ pipe from the meter? So, I assume the OP’s question refers to the piping before the meter. I doubt that this would be a problem, but I am not really knowledgeable about this.

Master Plvmber | 8 years and 1 month ago

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You need a minimum 1″ gas pipe from the meter to the boiler area.