Can I install Gas Logs safely ??

Hidalgo

Hidalgo

Well-known member
The wife has been asking for gas fireplace logs for a couple of years now....so since they're on sale right now, I guess it's time to get them.

Both of my fireplaces already have the gas ran to them.

Can I SAFELY do this myself? Or am I an idiot for even thinking about it? I'm mechanically adept, but don't know squat about plumbing or natural gas.

Anybody got any advice? (I know...pay to get it done and live to enjoy it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif)
 
I have a friend that is a plumber and he doesn't know how to shoot or operate a computer so you are way ahead of him. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Quote:
I have a friend that is a plumber and...:D



Ah ha,,,Alas, a living Plumbers Friend! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
I had a plumber install mine. It was just something about blowing up my house that turned me against doing it myself. BTW he only charged me $125.00.
 
It's not particularly difficult to do, especially if it's already plumbed to the fireplace, BUT...if you don't know what you're doing it could be a very expensive learning experience.

You might buy the unit, read the directions, and then decide if you want to tackle it yourself.
 
Hidalgo, here's my recipe. In my never ending quest for excitement, first I install it myself, if it don't work I secretly stuff the directions in my pocket and retire to the bathroom wherein I lock the door behind me, since real men never let anyone else see them reading directions, and then read the directions and attempt it at least twice more times, if it still don't work I explain to my wife that somethings faulty with the unit, which it usually is by then, and lastly I call for help!

Seriously, go for it if you have the few tools that are needed, it's a piece of cake. I've installed several of them for family and friends and nothing has burned or blown up...yet. If it's already plumbed for gas then you already have a gas valve...follow instructions, use a little soapy water to check all the fittings. all I've done have been that simple.

LD
 
All you really need is a flaring tool/flare nut to the correct connection if its not allready done.....hook-it up and soap it as LUCKYDANG suggested..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif.....and follow the Directions

The only positive thing about calling a Plummer to do it, if its done wrong you won't have to hear about it from your Wife, the rest of your Life...... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
The best way to check for leaks is to turn the lights out and strike a wooden match near the joints. No guess work this way. Seriously we knew a guy that did this, it took his mustache, eyebrows, and most of his hair. His nickname to this day is Boom Boom Bailum. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Forgot to say I have done gas installations and we charged them with an air fitting with guage then leave it for 2 hours and soap water the joints, valves, and outlets.
 
What Tripod said!

Building code requires a pressure test for any and all gas connections here.

You will probably be using a flex hose for the final connection attached to a ball valve so a flare is not nessesary.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I checked with the log retailer and they said they would install both sets for $125 total.

Think I'm going to let them do it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
That’s a very wise idea there is a possibility that it could void your home owners policy if something happened and it was not done by someone that was certified. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
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That’s a very wise idea there is a possibility that it could void your home owners policy if something happened and it was not done by someone that was certified. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif



Yep...I already found that out after I talked to a neighbor. Thanks for the info. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
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