Your old propane gas line was recently damaged, so you purchased a brand new one. You never want to risk things like these! In another scenario, you may have upgraded your line’s valve or replaced the valve from an older line.
After any of these situations, the air has found its way into the gas line. Air pockets trapped in the propane line might cause a brief disruption in service. This can cause delay, resistance to start, or other operational difficulties.
So, what should you do next? how to purge air from propane gas line? You definitely need to remove air from your propane gas line. This guide will explain how to purge air from a propane gas line.
Let’s get into this.
What Does It Mean to Purge a Gas Line?
Purging is a method of avoiding the risk of an existing or growing explosive air-gas mixture in consumer pipes, appliances, or restricted locations.
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This is accomplished by injecting a propane-based inert gas into the pipe. The inert gas in the tube combines with the gas to form a mixture. This reduces the risk of a combustion mix harming customers.
Why Purge?
Before being shipped, normally, new propane gas lines are hydrostatically checked for leakage.
When a propane gas line is sent from the supplier, it is generally filled with compressed air full of moisture and another pollutant. Purging helps to remove all Air pockets, moisture, and pollutants from the gas line.
What happens if a propane line isn’t purged?
Until the purging has not happened before filling the gas line with propane, the supply line may experience combustion issues or pressure abnormalities.
Purging the air from the pipes eliminates any air bubbles and ensures that you have a steady supply of propane.
Also, if you do not correctly purge the gas line, you might not detect a gas leak at all.
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When To Purge?
When you buy a new gas pipe, you should always purge it. Changing the valve might also be another reason to purge your gas line.
In fact, when a line is exposed to the environment for whatever reason, it needs to be purged again before refilling with new gasoline. This also implies older gas lines.
How To Purge Air From Propane Gas Line – An Insider’s Guide
Estimated Cost
Usually, you need to pay 4$ per gallon to purge your gas lines. Depending on the length of the gas line and service cost, you might need to pay a lot more.
Time Needed
As the gas starts to flow, you might need somewhere between 1 to 10 minutes to purge propane out of the gas lines. On average, most of the experts need 3 full minutes to complete the process.
Tools And Materials
You do not need any tools to purge a gas line. All you have to do now is learn how to safely purge the air from the gas line using the gas pressure.
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You just need propane vapor. Even though propane is kept as a liquid in the container, purging is only done using propane vapor.
Steps To Proceed With The Purging
I hope you’ve already got some ideas about the importance of purging the gas line. Now you might be wondering what’s the actual process.
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Purging is really not that difficult. Yet, you have to take precautions during the purging process, or you could end up causing harm to yourself or your property. Now just ensure that you follow the steps we are going to explain today.
Step 1: Prepare your Environment
The purge should begin in a secure, controlled environment away from heat and ignite equipment. That’s why you must make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area with no open fires around.
Purging a gas line indoors could be a dangerous process, and it is not suggested for anybody who does not have experience with gas plumbing. If you purge the line indoors, there’s a chance you’ll face health-related issues.
Step 2: Protect Yourself
Wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. Propane is a deadly gas if not handled properly, so take precautions to protect your skin before getting started. Protective gears are absolutely necessary to do the job.
Step 3: Last Check
Please ensure the line is securely attached to the nozzle on the propane tank’s top. Allow the line to leak into the atmosphere by leaving the other end open.
Step 4: Gas Valve Control Knob
To discharge propane into your gas lines, push the gas valve control knob in, hold and rotate the valve counterclockwise as far as it will go.
You have to continue this process till “Pilot” or “Ignition” appears in the “On” position. You should push the knob inward a quarter of an inch when maintained in this position.
All of the air in the line will be forced out and into the atmosphere by the continual flow of propane.
Step 5: Purging
You must press the igniter button constantly while pressing the valve control knob until the pilot ignites. As the gas starts to flow, it might take an average of 3 minutes to purge air out of the pipes, as we’ve told you before.
Step 6: Finishing
Once all of the air has been extracted from the line, turn off the gas flow. After the pilot has ignited, keep pressing the valve knob inward for 30 seconds before releasing it.
Now that the pilot light is lighted turn the valve to the “On” position. If the pilot light goes out, restart the process.
You can also connect your propane line to a grill to burn off the extra propane. This process can be repeated a minimum of five times.
The spark igniter might be the issue if gas is flowing out of the pilot, but it isn’t lighting. Between the igniter and the safety pilot system, you’ll need to clean away any debris or air.
There is another way also. You could alternatively apply a continuous flame to the thermocouple to purge the propane via the gas valve, although this occasionally results in burnt brows and mustaches.
Warnings
Using natural gas through a gas line comes with its own set of dangers. These dangers can be reduced to a minimum if the directions and cautions are followed. Before you begin, have a look at them.
Call For Experts
The first step is to save all of your user manuals for any gas-powered appliances in your home. To ensure that the gas line is safe to use, contact a heating or gas contractor.
Not only that, if your gas comes from a propane tank, get it checked by a propane service before you start using it, particularly if it has been sitting idle for more than two months.
To guarantee that your propane tank and delivery equipment are in good operating order, set up a regular production schedule with your propane supplier.
Check Propane Lines For Leaks
After you replace the gas tank, inspect your propane lines for leakage. If you detect the odor of gas, definitely there is a leak.
Propane has a pungent, foul smell, similar to rotten eggs or a dead animal. This odor is intentionally introduced to assist consumers in detecting propane leaks.
Always be aware of even the tiniest gas odor. If you smell gas, collect everyone in the home, including dogs, and leave right away.
If windows are open, leave them open, but do not stop to open them. If you don’t know where your gas comes from, call your energy supplier or emergency services right away.
Warning
There are a few ways to purge air from a propane gas line. The simplest and most common method is to use a plunger. Plungers have a narrow opening that allows gas to flow through but prevents dirt, debris, and air from entering the line. Plungers can be bought at most hardware stores or home improvement stores.
Another method is to use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. To use this method, first set the vacuum cleaner at the correct height above the line. Then attach the hose to the end of the vacuum cleaner and turn on the water supply. As the vacuum cleaner sucks up air from the line, it will also pull out dirt, debris, and air bubbles. This method is best used if the line is close to a wall or other obstruction that prevents direct access to it.
If either of these methods are not possible or fail to remove all of the air from the line, then a professional plumber may be necessary.
Safety Tips
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably rely on propane to heat your home in the winter. Unfortunately, propane can also be a dangerous fuel if it’s not properly handled – which is why it’s important to know how to purge air from a propane gas line. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Make sure the cylinder is properly capped – Make sure to cap the propane tank properly at all times, especially when it’s not in use. This will prevent any gas from escaping and potentially igniting.
- Check the pressure regulator – If the pressure regulator fails, gas could escape from the tank and create a dangerous fire. Always check the pressure regulator to make sure it’s working properly
- Check for leaks – If there are any leaks in the system, gas could escape and create an explosive situation. Always check for signs of leaks and fix them as soon as possible.
- Keep a supply of propane on hand – Have a supply of propane on hand in case of emergencies. This way, you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel and risking an explosion or fire.
Wrapping up
I’ve told you before, purging propane is quite easy. There is another way, but I’ve described the safest procedure in detail.
I hope you’ve figured out how to purge air from propane gas line. Keep an eye out for whose warnings, and follow the instructions carefully. Purging your gas lines and other appliances properly will make your home safer, without a doubt.
FAQs
1. In the Winter, Can I Keep My Gas Tank Outside?
If you’re keeping your grill outside for the winter, leave the propane tank attached (but turned off) and cover the entire grill with a protective cover once you’re done cleaning it.
If you’re going to store the grill indoors, don’t bring the tank with you, even if it’s in the garage or a storage shed.
2. Is It Possible That Gas Lines May Become Clogged?
Water running into a subterranean gas supply pipe of an outdoor gas light or appliance may cause a clog or corrosion that clogs the line. With only 4″ of water pressure, a natural gas line can become clogged.
3. What Causes Fuel Line Air Bubbles?
Any air leak on the vacuum side of the fuel system from the fuel tank pick-up to, and including, the lift pump causes air bubbles. The gasoline return (spill) hose out of the fuel gallery may also include air bubbles.
4. How Does Air Get In Rv Propane Lines?
RV propane lines are susceptible to air getting in them in a few ways. The most common is when the air is displaced by the gas being delivered. This can happen when the lines are flexed or when they are kinked. Another way air can get in the lines is when a leak is present and gas escapes and enters the line. Finally, the gas can also get in through the regulator if it isn’t sealed properly.
If you notice air getting into your RV propane lines, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. This can be done by tightening the connections, fixing the leak, or replacing the regulator. In some cases, all of these measures may be necessary to restore proper gas delivery to your RV.
5. Do You Need To Bleed RV Propane Lines?
Bleeding RV propane lines is not necessary, but it can be helpful in a number of circumstances. For example, it can help to clean out the lines, prevent gas from entering the system in improper amounts, and protect the system from freezing. Additionally, it may be necessary to bleed the lines if they become blocked.
To bleed the lines, first turn off the power to the propane tank. Next, remove the propane tank cap and locate the bleeder screw.Turn the bleeder screw to bleed the system. Make sure the gas line is clear before replacing the tank cap.
6. What Happens If You Don’t Purge A Propane Tank?
If you do not purge a propane tank, it can create hazardous and explosive gases. In extreme cases, this can lead to an explosion that can cause serious injury or even death. Additionally, these gases can cause severe property damage. If you have a propane tank that has not been purged in the past 12 months, it is important to contact your propane supplier and have it purged. This will prevent any potential danger.
