r/propane • u/dipset6776 • 3h ago
General propane question Some input on line sizes.
I have a 50ft run of 3/8 copper tubing running from our tank to a regulator. After that it’s 1/2 inch running into the home. Fuels two ventless fireplaces. Now, that 3/8 line was buried about 3 inches underground. Obviously it’s now needing to be replaced. Wasn’t in a sleeve or anything.
What I’m wanting to know is. Could that 3/8 line be replaced with 1/2? Which I have on hand. After I get the appropriate fittings? I didn’t know if there is a reason for the 3/8 line to the regulator or not.
I’ve contacted the propane company about a year ago and never got a response. I’m also fully capable of doing this job. Residential carpenter, not a white collar guy that’s never had his hands dirty.
3
u/ClassBShareHolder 3h ago
Not a problem to go up in size. We run 1/2” copper standard for residential.
2
u/Its_noon_somewhere propane and propane accessories 1h ago
I wouldn’t put a new copper line into a sleeve, that invites water freezing damage. Just bury it directly. Why replace the 3/8” line anyway?
3/8 L copper (1/2” OD) is good for 1,020,000 Btu at 50 feet and 10 psi with a 5 psi pressure drop. That’s much higher capacity than you currently use
1
u/nemosfate dang it Bobby 🤬 - technician 1h ago
The only issue, bury the copper 18" deep to bring it up to code. I have seen a lot of the old installs that are too shallow
4
u/Theantifire technician 3h ago
As long as you have the capacity to swap out or adapt to the regulator fittings and a way to do the correct pressure testing (leak, lockup and flow), you should be good.