maintenance people for appliance using gas

[smr]

Thanks for your answer to my previous question. Here is another one:

I need find a guy to check my appliance using gas. If I am comfortable of doing this, what kind of guy I can find? Eletrician or people from People's energy?

[LazyPup]

A Plumber could chech or service the gas supply lines to the appliance but an appliance service technician would be better equiped to service the appliance.

[smr]

I saw a shutoff valve around the gas line of my Gas range. I can turn it off but can I remove it from my gas range? I need to remove it so that I can put a layer of tiles behind the gas range.

[LazyPup]

Disconnecting the range should be very easy.

First, light one of the surface burners, then turn the gas valve off and watch the burner until the flame goes out. That will prove the gas pressure has been turned off and burn off the majority of the residual gas in the line between the gas valve and the range.

The next step would depend upon how the range is connected to the gas line. Most local codes permit a flexible gas line, but some require the range to be hard piped the whole way.

All the codes require a union between the gas valve and the range to permit disconnecting the range for service or replacement.

The input end of a flexible gas line, at the shutoff valve should be a flare connection. The gas valve will have either an integral male flare connection built into the valve body, or it may have a flare adapter x MIP (male iron pipe) screwed into the gas valve body.

Hold the gas valve or flare adapter steady with one wrench, while unscrewing the gas line connecter with another.Be very careful with the flexible line and do not bend or twist it unneccesarily or it may crack. Once you have the line disconnected from the valve you are free to move the range as needed.

If you local codes require a range to be hard piped there must be a union on the line. It may be at any point between the gas valve and the input connector under the top of the range. If you do not see the union on the pipe, lift the range top and look at the left rear corner. You will see where the gas line comes into the range and you may find the union there. (That is a common location in instances when the range is set into cabinets and it would be difficult to access a union from behind the range.) A union will appear to have 3 separate sets of Nut flats to permit attaching a wrench. A smaller diameter one on each end that is used to attach that half of the union to the pipe. In the center there is a larger diameter one that holds the union together. Use one wrench to hold the smaller diameter nut on the valve side of the union steady and a second wrench to unscrew the larger nut to dissconnect the union. Once the union is disconnected you may move the range.

When reconnecting the gas line, DO NOT apply teflon or pipe dope to the fitting. Both the flexible gas line flare connection and the union have precision machined tapered mating surfaces to insure a tight seal. The application of teflon tape or pipe dope would interfere with the proper sealing surface.

Once the line has been reconnected and firmly tightened open the gas valve and test all fittings by applying a 50/50 mix of liquid dishwashing soap and warm water. (You can buy commercially prepared leak test solution at most plumbing or appliance parts supply houses or common childrens bubble blowing mix will work fine also) Watch for bubbles. Any bubbles would indicate a leak and the fitting must be tightened further. Use the soap mix to test all joints on the valve, flare adapters, unions and gas line fittings. If no bubbles are present you are done with the gas line. Do not forget to re-light any standing pilots on the range top or oven. (Electric igniters do not require lighting pilots).

Turn a surface burner on and wait till it lights normally. It may take a few momments as the incoming gas displaces the air in the line.

Removing the gas shutoff valve should be referred to a plumber or trained service technician because it will require shutting the gas off at the main, and would require a working knowledge of proper purging and re-lighting all pilots and burners attached to the gas system.