When installing left/right gas pipe fittings, I have read (and once experienced) frustrations with this solution. one FAQ product page, stated the following:

Q. "Any left- and right-hand tricks?"

A. The trick for left- and right-hand fittings and couplings is to get the correct bite the first time. The way to do that is to insert one side of the nipple/coupling and hand-tighten. Count the number of turns to get it to hand-tight. Then take apart and do the same on the other side. If one side took more turns to get it to hand-tighten, then add (or subtract) that number before starting; and turn that amount into the side that took more turns. In other words, the secret is to tighten the same amount after hand-tightening.

It seems that it's easy to tighten one side more than the other and the FAQ answer provides a reasonable technique for the correct installation. Are there any other thoughts or experiences that may help? What installation procedure do you use to assure the best, leak-free results?

Is anyone still using L-R nipples?

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Author: Paul48 (CT)
Is anyone still using L-R nipples?

I don't understand your post, Paul, as it wasn't an answer to the question.

BTW, unions are not allowed in enclosed spaces in my jurisdiction and I will not be re-piping the whole house. L/R fittings are allowed and I am looking for helpful hints for a successful installation.

I'm sorry.....Unions are not allowed in inaccessible locations in most, if not all, jurisdictions. It's been a while since I've seen a l-r nipple used. There is almost always another way to "skin a cat". Can you provide details about what you are doing, and or photos?

That's the way I install them.

OK, this is a single story residence with a gable roof. The gas pipe runs from the meter, up to attic space and services a combo AC/heating roof unit, a cooktop in the kitchen, a dryer and a water heater. The dryer and water heater are at the opposite end of the house from the meter. Also, there used to be a gas furnace that has been eliminated. Near where the combo unit and kitchen supply branches off a leak was detected at a fitting on a 6' run of pipe. A left/right coupling and 4" nipple were used in this section to correct the problem. It worked without a leak with the 15 psi pressure test and passed the City's inspection without issue.

Fast forward a year and more work has been done to the house (with a new permit) for an addition including a second bath and modified laundry room. Small sections of new gas lines have been installed to accommodate the new placement of the water heater and dryer. After the work was completed, the pressure test revealed a leak. It was traced back to the L/R fittings. It must have been somehow disturbed or the seal on one side was too weak. The soap bubbles only showed a leak on one side of the L/R fittings, so obviously the installation technique suffered from equal insertion depths for both sides of the nipple. I want to make sure there is no question this time and I am looking for experiences that may help with this tricky install. Thanks.

you are using the proper method

I would also use permatex pipe joint compound - the messy, black, gooey stuff.

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Anyone repairing gas lines in inaccessible locations.

OK, thanks everyone. I will definitely try the Permatex as well.



Edited 1 times.

Left- right couplings are illegal on gas in Massachusetts.

That is hard to believe, especially in MA.

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Author: bernabeu (SC)
you are using the proper method

I would also use permatex pipe joint compound - the messy, black, gooey stuff.

I just bought some Permatex Pipe Joint, but it was the last bottle and I'm not sure if the store is selling it anymore. The product I bought was [www.permatex.com]

However, the viscosity listed in the tech specs is approximately equal to mustard. My bottle was more like black olive oil, definitely less viscous than mustard. Is this normal? Or is this possibly old (the date stamp is meant to be unrevealing to those without the code)? I have enough red flags about this particular bottle, but what is your experience?

How about this option? [www.gasoila.com] Or does the Permatex possibly have better qualities for my situation?

Thanks.