LP - Type K Copper Line

[fqp25]

I don't see many propane systems. Today's inspection has a tank with a type k copper line, which goes into the ground about 200 ft, then up through a concrete patio, into a diaphragm, then into the house.

In the house it is distributed with type k copper with flare coupling/connectors.

Is this OK. I'm especially unsure about the copper in the ground.

Click to Enlarge

59.22 KB

Click to Enlarge

112.62 KB

Frank

[inspector57]

Copper in the ground is ok but I believe it should be sleeved when passing through concrete. I would be recommending protection for the above ground portion.

Copper is the only thing used here from the tank to the house and then copper, CSST, or black pipe distribution.

[Jim Katen]

What Jim said.

We all have propane in my neighborhood. The copper does just fine in the ground but it really needs to be protected where it emerges from the ground.

Ask my neighbor Linda, who lost 250 gallons of propane when her dog chewed through the copper pipe.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Terence McCann]

Ask my neighbor Linda, who lost 250 gallons of propane when her dog chewed through the copper pipe.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

How long was it before they could strike a match around the dog? [:-paperba

[inspector57]

Now that is a DOG!

[fqp25]

What's the minimum depth the line should be at underground? Frost line at least?

Frank

[Jim Katen]

What's the minimum depth the line should be at underground? Frost line at least?

Frank

From the '06 IRC:

G2415.9 (404.9) Minimum burial depth. Underground piping

systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 12 inches

(305 mm) below grade, except as provided for in Section

G2415.9.1.

G2415.9.1 (404.9.1) Individual outside appliances. Individual

lines to outside lights, grills or other appliances shall

be installed a minimum of 8 inches (203 mm) below finished

grade, provided that such installation is approved and

is installed in locations not susceptible to physical damage.

Note: In Oregon, this has been ammended to 18" below grade instead of 12".

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Jim Katen]

Ask my neighbor Linda, who lost 250 gallons of propane when her dog chewed through the copper pipe.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

How long was it before they could strike a match around the dog? [:-paperba

If it were up to me, I'd have struck a match at him immediately.

There must have been a trauma associated with the event because, to this day, the dog won't walk by the propane tank. He walks in a big circle around it. Maybe he got his tongue frozen or something.

- Jim Katen, Oregon