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Gas taps and built-in cupboards

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Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby AndyT » 04 Jan 2022, 10:44

At present, we have a freestanding TV stand next to the fireplace. In the fireplace is a decorative gas fire from about 20 years ago which we never use. Its gas supply is via a pipe up through the floor and a little tap which just fits in the gap between the current TV stand and the wall.

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If I were to install a built-in cupboard instead, is it ok to build around the gas tap or are there rules that it must be visible as well as accessible?
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Re: Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby novocaine » 04 Jan 2022, 10:58

doesn't need to be visible, practicality suggests that it needs to be accessible but most homes don't have a gas tap at the fire place anyway.

if the thing starts a fire, you won't want to be near it to turn the gas off, you'll be reaching for the incomer. ;)
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Re: Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby AndyT » 04 Jan 2022, 12:21

Thanks Dave. It makes sense as an isolating valve for servicing or swapping the fire, so I see your logic.
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Re: Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby greeno » 04 Jan 2022, 12:37

We had similar, just got the plumber to cap it below the floor.
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Re: Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby Lurker » 04 Jan 2022, 13:41

greeno wrote:We had similar, just got the plumber to cap it below the floor.


That’s what I would do, just to be sure.
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Re: Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby Stuart » 04 Jan 2022, 15:46

From memory Andy, that isn’t actually a valve. The screw head top is basically an access hole, it has no effect of the gas flow.

As has already been mentioned getting it removed is probably the best option.
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Re: Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby AndyT » 04 Jan 2022, 16:02

I was thinking of taking the line of least resistance and leaving the fire in place, with the gas supply intact, in case a future owner wants to use it and to save the faff of getting it removed. If the tap is ok under a removable plinth or in a dark corner if a cupboard, I'm ok with leaving it installed.

If I ever do put a built-in there, that is. This is just advanced pondering for now.

But thanks all.
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Re: Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby novocaine » 04 Jan 2022, 16:05

it's a valve. to be more correct it's a gas restrictor elbow. even more correct it's a BES 8mmx1/4".

the screw top is just a cover, so you are correct that it doesn't alter the gas flow. there should be a gasket beneath it.

you remove it and inside is a grub screw that act's to restrict the flow. if you wind it all the way in it will seal the supply from the appliance to allow maintenance without turning off the gas, but no gas fitter in their right might will use it, mainly because they leak like crazy, hence the cap on top with the seal (they aren't a control valve), and will instead turn the gas off at the incomer. the fitter will use it to adjust flow rate to the burner so you get a clean flame on pilot.

as said before, access is required for maintenance only.
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Re: Gas taps and built-in cupboards

Postby AndyT » 04 Jan 2022, 16:20

Thanks again. I thought someone here would know!
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