Hey all,
I just installed a left/right coupling mid-run on an existing 1-1/2 inch gas line, in order to tuck the pipe up into the ceiling, avoiding building a soffit.
The system is currently under a 25 PSI test for the weekend, but everything went together well, and I don't expect any problems.
Meanwhile, I've been reading up on Left Right couplings and see that in some localities they're prohibited, and in others they must be left accessible. I found reference to older California code saying LR couplings can't be concealed, but under the 2013 CPC 1210.3,1 which my city of Oakland has adopted, a L/R fitting is approved for concealing.
I've also found many plumbers stating their dislike for these connections.
So... given the variety of opinions and code on these couplings, what are the hazards?
Is it good practice to install an inspection panel or access panel specifically for this fitting?
Does it factor in that the LR fitting was installed in a 6 foot straight section, anchored by a 90° elbow on one end, and a pair of 45°'s on the other (i.e. not subject to accidental turning / loosening if somebody were to work on another section of this pipe elsewhere)?
Do any of you despise Left/Right fittings so much you'd prefer to disassemble the entire downstream network of pipes just to avoid using one? (in this case, another 40+ feet of pipe and multiple connections branching to three different appliances)
I just installed a left/right coupling mid-run on an existing 1-1/2 inch gas line, in order to tuck the pipe up into the ceiling, avoiding building a soffit.
The system is currently under a 25 PSI test for the weekend, but everything went together well, and I don't expect any problems.
Meanwhile, I've been reading up on Left Right couplings and see that in some localities they're prohibited, and in others they must be left accessible. I found reference to older California code saying LR couplings can't be concealed, but under the 2013 CPC 1210.3,1 which my city of Oakland has adopted, a L/R fitting is approved for concealing.
I've also found many plumbers stating their dislike for these connections.
So... given the variety of opinions and code on these couplings, what are the hazards?
Is it good practice to install an inspection panel or access panel specifically for this fitting?
Does it factor in that the LR fitting was installed in a 6 foot straight section, anchored by a 90° elbow on one end, and a pair of 45°'s on the other (i.e. not subject to accidental turning / loosening if somebody were to work on another section of this pipe elsewhere)?
Do any of you despise Left/Right fittings so much you'd prefer to disassemble the entire downstream network of pipes just to avoid using one? (in this case, another 40+ feet of pipe and multiple connections branching to three different appliances)