Gas Line Question

[Ryan Wendorf]

Hey Guys:

Mostly curiosity here at this point, but also scoping out possibly moving the gas line in my basement. The meter is on the exterior of the house, but the regulator is in the basement. The piping from the regulator bisects into a 1" black pipe the only feeds the furnace, and another 3/4" black pipe the feeds dryer, range, and water heater. When I do gas line sizing calculations (longest length method) for the needed BTUs per MN code, I find I only need a single 1" line before it branches off to feed everything.

Right after the regulator, there is 1/2" black pipe before it steps up to 1" and then bisects with the other 3/4" line.

So 2 questions:

1. Is that 1/2" section immediately after the regulator causing issues or can it be left if I were to move the gas line so it is not running right down the middle of my basement ceiling? I'm not totally understanding why I need to run 1" line through the basement but there can be smaller diameter pipe upstream.

2. Is there a reason the gas line splits into two separate pipes, or could I just replace it with a single line sized appropriately? I'm in Minneapolis btw.

 

[Breplum]

In most instances, a very small amount of 1/2" does not cause a significant pressure drop.
We see that all the time around meters with a few nipples of 3/4" before going big for long, high demand runs.
We always test the final installation for pressure drop, if in doubt, with a manometer at each appliance.
A single trunk line, sized appropriately, is fine.
Out here, I've never seen such a small regulator. I presume, it is taking 2" and reducing to 7" water column?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Ryan Wendorf]

In most instances, a very small amount of 1/2" does not cause a significant pressure drop.
We see that all the time around meters with a few nipples of 3/4" before going big for long, high demand runs.
We always test the final installation for pressure drop, if in doubt, with a manometer at each appliance.
A single trunk line, sized appropriately, is fine.
Out here, I've never seen such a small regulator. I presume, it is taking 2" and reducing to 7" water column?

Correct! Our gas company is working it’s way through the neighborhood moving meters the outside of the houses. It reduces to 7” water column. Thanks for the reply!