Water Heater Replacement - Gas Line / Regulator

[Ian Thomas]

Hi guys,

Going to be replacing a gas water heater soon, and had a question. There is a gas line regulator right before the connection (see picture below). I'm going to add a sediment trap, but was curious: should I put my new line from the water heater to the old regulator, bypass it and get rid of it completely, or replace it? Curious for any insight or thoughts - much appreciated!

 

[Fitter30]

Not knowing what your gas pressure is before the regulator i would leave it installed because your other heater needed it. The shut off valve does it have a spring opposite the handle. If it does they have a tendency to leak after being turned off. Sediment trap be sure to enter the tee on the bull not on the run ( on the run doesn't work).

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Ian Thomas]

Not knowing what your gas pressure is before the regulator i would leave it installed because your other heater needed it. The shut off valve does it have a spring opposite the handle. If it does they have a tendency to leak after being turned off. Sediment trap be sure to enter the tee on the bull not on the run ( on the run doesn't work).

Great, will do. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Terry]

Questions

Is your water heater natural gas or propane?

 

[Ian Thomas]

Questions

Is your water heater natural gas or propane?

Natural gas

 

[MACPLUMB]

you have what we call medium pressure gas and must have that regulator, as posted you are going to need a Professional Plumber to replace
that gas valve, as it is all flare fittings

 

[Ian Thomas]

you have what we call medium pressure gas and must have that regulator, as posted you are going to need a Professional Plumber to replace
that gas valve, as it is all flare fittings

Hmmm ok. I wasn't sure if they were MPT fittings that I could just swap out in front of the regulator. Maybe I'll have to get a plumber in to replace that stretch of the line, and then I'll install the rest of the water heater.

 

[Conrad]

You probably have a 2 lb gas system, that regulator takes the 2 lb gas inlet and reduces the pressure on the outlet end going to fixture to less than a 1/2 pound which all natural gas fixtures operate on. You ABSOLUTELY need it or you could damage the gas valve on your fixture.