Removing A Gas Fireplace

By Robert Robillard on Uncategorized

How To Cap Gas Pipe: Removing A Gas Fireplace

capping gas pipe

Dear Concord Carpenter,

What is the process for removing a natural gas fireplace?

I’m hoping to remove an existing one, and be able to finish the area such that it appears a gas fire place was never there. Essentially I want to regain the space (probably 20 square feet) that the unused (and never-to-be-used) gas fireplace is taking. The house is on a slab so I presume the gas lines come through the slab (which is a plumbing consideration — how to cap the gas lines? [a DIY job?]

Thanks!
Jason
 

Removing A Gas Fireplace

 
Dear Jason,
 
Typically before removing a gas fireplace you will nned to have a electrician and plumber disconnect the electrical and gas pipe connections.  If you’re remodeling this space you will need to deal with the electrical wire buy terminating it in a junction box or making it into an outlet in your new wall.
 
If the gas pipe is coming trough the slab you may have no choice than to locate it close to or at the meter and disconnect it there.  You need to figure out if this gas pipe feeds other appliances along the way.  If it does, you will not be able to disconnect the pipe at the meter.
 
In most situations where the pipe is accessible  you would want to trace the pipe back to a joint and cap it there.  Alternatively you can also trace it back to the pipe tees to another fixture and terminate the pipe at a that joint.  Gas pipe can be capped in a wall.
 
The layout of the pipe may not make it easy to cap it exactly where you want to unless you have a pipe threader.

In my opinion removing a gas fireplace is a serious DIY project.  If you are not qualified or have experience for this type of repair I suggest calling a plumber with a gas fitters license.

Click on this link to see a project where I removed and replaced a gas fireplace.

How To Cap A Gas Pipe:

1.  Shut off the gas at the meter,
2.  Remove all gas pipe back to area desired.
3.  Use the yellow Teflon tape, because it is approved and has consistent thickness, or use Teflon pipe dope.
4.  Use a black gas pipe cap.  Do not use a plug in a fitting. A plug can crack if tightened to tight.
5.  A shorter section of pipe is useful to replace a longer section at the joint.
6.  Turn the gas back on and use a 50%mixture of dish washing soap and water.  Use a spray bottle and spray all piping connections that have been disturbed. If no bubbles show up you did it right.
7.  Repeat the process from step 1 through 6 if you see bubbles or call a plumber.
8.  Relight the pilots on the water heater or any other appliances as needed.
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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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