Concerned about installation of gas logs
#1
05-22-16, 01:25 AM
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Concerned about installation of gas logs
disclaimer - I know practically nothing about this subject matter, and will attempt to provide all relevant information, but if you need further details just ask and I'll do my best to provide them.
Hi all from Richmond, Virginia! Recently had some gas logs installed in our fireplace and...we're a little concerned that they might not be installed properly. And might also be a little scared of blowing up our house.
Is it a risk for the gas line insert to be located that high above the logs? When we voiced this concern during installation we were told, "I didn't have the tool to go through the floor, so I had to put it there."
It just looks like shoddy work, and we're completely unknowledgable about how to research building codes / permits. And honestly we don't even know if they had the proper permits to do such an installation. What should we be looking for to determine the quality of work done? We would like to call a county building inspector first thing Monday morning, but would like to be sure we have reason to do so first.
Please let me know what additional details you may need - thank you!
Pictures can be found here - https://imgur.com/a/BilDw
Hi all from Richmond, Virginia! Recently had some gas logs installed in our fireplace and...we're a little concerned that they might not be installed properly. And might also be a little scared of blowing up our house.
Is it a risk for the gas line insert to be located that high above the logs? When we voiced this concern during installation we were told, "I didn't have the tool to go through the floor, so I had to put it there."
It just looks like shoddy work, and we're completely unknowledgable about how to research building codes / permits. And honestly we don't even know if they had the proper permits to do such an installation. What should we be looking for to determine the quality of work done? We would like to call a county building inspector first thing Monday morning, but would like to be sure we have reason to do so first.
Please let me know what additional details you may need - thank you!
Pictures can be found here - https://imgur.com/a/BilDw
#2
05-22-16, 04:51 AM
Welcome to the forums! While there is no danger in having the pipe in that location, aesthetically is is not proper. Who wants to look at a copper pipe running up the side of the wall? If he could install it there, then why couldn't he install it in the lowest "brick" on that side, where there is a knock out? I would consider this a hack job and would have it redone, properly. There is no need to come from the floor, although it would have been nice. Coming from the side is allowed, just not that high. I am not sure what "tool" he was missing except the one used to kick start his brain. Calling an inspector is not a bad idea. He will be more versed on local codes.
#3
05-22-16, 05:16 AM
Member
I agree with Larry completely. But I do question if the copper gas line is "safe" being in the area of heat. I would not feel comfortable where it is. Is the installer an employee or the owner of the business that installed it? If an employee, I would contact the business and insist that it be re-piped properly. If it's the owner then do as Larry says and call an inspector.
#4
05-22-16, 05:35 AM
Above advice is good. In addition I would be concerned about the chimney and the potential for backdrafting. If that gas line is going to the outside then I'm assuming that is an outside chimney.
It is common to install a smaller chimney liner than normally present with a wood burning fireplace. The smaller chimney reduces the condensation and increases the draft. Being gas you might not notice the backdrafting due to a cold chimney, but venting those combustion products into the house is not good. Codes may cover the liner issue along with the rest of the poor install.
I would go for the inspection and then decide on who is going to fix it based upon what they say. Too many times the contractor will have a well prepared line of bull to get around redoing any job.
Bud
It is common to install a smaller chimney liner than normally present with a wood burning fireplace. The smaller chimney reduces the condensation and increases the draft. Being gas you might not notice the backdrafting due to a cold chimney, but venting those combustion products into the house is not good. Codes may cover the liner issue along with the rest of the poor install.
I would go for the inspection and then decide on who is going to fix it based upon what they say. Too many times the contractor will have a well prepared line of bull to get around redoing any job.
Bud
#5
05-22-16, 06:00 AM
Join Date: Mar 2006
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I'll admit I know nothing about gas log installations but I DO know a bit about gas piping. That "combination gas valve" being installed in the back of the firebox looks absolutely wrong to me. In my opinion it belongs outside of the firebox completely as does the piezo (pushbutton) pilot ignitor. Since copper tubing is being used I assume this is using propane rather than natural gas, correct?
Also, even if the location of the combination gas valve is acceptable there needs to be a total shut-off valve outside the firebox.
Also, even if the location of the combination gas valve is acceptable there needs to be a total shut-off valve outside the firebox.
#6
05-22-16, 09:56 AM
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No...it is for natural gas...this is not propane...I also think the pipe is way too small....
#7
05-22-16, 06:56 PM
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@chandler
@chandler
the brick around the gas line is broken...it was cracked and fell out during install and he just put it back in place....its not sealed.
the brick around the gas line is broken...it was cracked and fell out during install and he just put it back in place....its not sealed.
#8
05-22-16, 08:09 PM
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In my opinion that installation is a disaster. The copper tubing is suspect both because of size and placement. The combination gas valve needs to be mounted as far from the fire as possible. It is obvious to me that job was not permitted and inspected or if it was, the inspector was more than likely bought off.
Again, just MY opinion.
Again, just MY opinion.
#9
05-22-16, 09:15 PM
it is for natural gas
we were told, "I didn't have the tool to go through the floor, so I had to put it there."
#10
05-22-16, 11:29 PM
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5/23 Update - Thank you everyone for the help and advice thus far! We're going to contact the company tomorrow with our concerns...and see what happens. I'll provide an additional update later this week if more help is needed.
