Rules for cutting a gas pipe in an apartment

Gas pipes are a source of increased danger. The slightest violation of technology when cutting them is fraught with health risks and even an explosion with fatal consequences. In order to change the configuration of the gas pipeline in the apartment correctly and without complications, you should familiarize yourself with the standards established by law in this field of activity, the rules and the sequence of work.

Requirements for the contractor and the customer

The gas pipeline, including its fragments in the apartment, is the property of the management company. Based on this, only the actual owner has the right to make any changes, cut fragments, shorten and lengthen pipes. The powers of the owners or tenants of real estate are limited only to writing an application and carrying out minor preparatory work without interfering with the system.

To be eligible for pipe shortening, the customer must meet the following requirements:

• have a certificate of ownership of the apartment;
• be a tenant, subject to the existence of a contract, which stipulates the possibility of making changes to communications;
• not have utility bills in arrears.

All this must be documented.

More stringent requirements are imposed on the performer:

• license to carry out manipulations with gas facilities;
• specialized education, confirmed by a certificate, diploma or certificate;
• documenting the intervention in the system and the changes made;
• use of control and measuring equipment;
• availability of production instructions for gas hazardous work;
• work book and official employment.

This list is due to the high responsibility of the foreman for the performance of explosive work. Therefore, it is prohibited by law to shorten gas pipes in the kitchen with the involvement of random persons according to the announcement. It is necessary to seek legal advice from professionals.

The need to cut the gas pipe

Reasons why pipes have to be shortened:

• Carrying out repairs if it is planned to move the slab to a new location.
• Installing a counter when you need to make the bend shorter.
• Transferring the meter to the visibility zone at the request of the management company.
• Bringing the wiring in accordance with the changed standards.
• Irrational arrangement of pipes, which interferes with the optimal placement of the kitchen set and household appliances.

In all cases, the customer does not have the right to interfere with the operation of the gas system, independently disconnect and violate its integrity.

Preparatory stage

Pruning is not done overnight; it is a process that requires some preparation.

Preliminary activities consist of the following stages:

1. Acquaintance with SNiP 2.04.08-87. This act prescribes the rules for the arrangement of intra-apartment gas pipelines. Knowledge of the theory will allow you to create one or more options that meet the requirements of the law.
2. Drawing up and submitting an application. It is written in any form indicating your passport data, address and essence of the application.A diagram of the proposed changes is attached to the paper.
3. Reception of the master. The specialist inspects the premises, makes measurements, agrees with the proposals or makes adjustments to them. Other options may be offered.
4. Freeing the kitchen from objects that can interfere with the work and suffer in the course of it. Covering furniture with mounting foil.

In conclusion, the valve is shut off with further burning of gas in the pipe and plate.

Pipe cutting equipment

The following equipment can be used to cut the gas pipe:

• Hacksaw for metal. It is a lightweight hand-held tool that produces precise and accurate cuts. In addition, there is no dust, smoke and molten metal droplets. The downside is that you have to spend time and effort.
• Pipe cutter. The product allows you to cut at a precise angle without any waste or debris. The nuance is that the pipe cutter has impressive dimensions, which may not allow you to insert it between the communication and the wall.
• Bulgarian. A high-speed machine capable of sawing off a piece of metal in a matter of seconds. The downside is the huge amount of dust and sparks that can ruin the interior elements.
• Welding. When used correctly, the machine makes quick and accurate cuts. The disadvantage is the fire hazard and the formation of sagging on the metal, requiring additional processing.

An experienced craftsman is able, during the initial examination, to make the best choice in favor of using one or another equipment.

Gas pipe cutting methods

There are different ways to cut the pipe. Sawing with a hacksaw or pipe cutter is used when a stretch ceiling is installed in the kitchen, which is sensitive to heat and sparks.

When there is no risk of spoiling the whitewash indoors, a grinder is used. Here you need to take into account the degree of gas contamination of the room. Sawing can only be done after the propane is completely weathered.

Welding is used when assembling a new pipeline to connect fittings, elbows and nozzles. Sometimes a ball valve cuts into the system with the help of welding.

Pipe cutting and transfer rules

The following rules apply to cutting and transferring gas pipes:

• maintaining access to metering and control devices and valves;
• finding valves in an open area;
• the use of flexible elements exclusively for connecting consumers;
• production of non-removable plugs by welding holes.

For joining, metals of the same class with an equal coefficient of thermal expansion are used. This will prevent the formation of cracks due to temperature extremes in the kitchen.

Installation steps

The transfer of pipes is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Warning residents of the entrance.
2. Shutdown of the gas supply to the riser.
3. Organization of effective ventilation.
4. Air purging of the line.
5. Carrying out markings in accordance with the project.
6. Cutting excess routing fragments.
7. Installing the plug.
8. Welding a new section, including with turning sections.
9. Connection of a meter and a crane.
10. Connecting consumers.
11. Checking the structure for leaks.
12. Powering up the system.

In conclusion, an act of completed work is drawn up and signed by both parties.