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Quick Connect for Gas Meter

Posted on 7/7/22 at 7:24 am
Posted by DaBigDogg
Member since Dec 2007
665 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 7:24 am
I recently purchased a tri fuel generator and I want the ability to run on natural gas. Do I call the gas company to install a quick connect or a plumber?
Posted by TheBoo
South to Louisiana
Member since Aug 2012
4552 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 7:49 am to
You could probably do it yourself with a few pipe wrenches and some pipe sealant.
Posted by LSUtigerME
Walker, LA
Member since Oct 2012
3810 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 8:12 am to
Plumber.
Posted by TripleT
Vicksburg
Member since May 2006
76 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 8:19 am to
Plumber
Posted by baldona
Florida
Member since Feb 2016
20550 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 8:21 am to
Depending on where you are the gas company possibly has contractors that can do it. My gas company will do basic hook ups for $80 and is generally very competitive on pricing for things like add ons.
Posted by RoyalWe
Prairieville, LA
Member since Mar 2018
3143 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 9:58 am to
You should have a 'knock out' or low-point nipple to catch solids on the downstream side of your meter. I bought black iron fittings, pipe dope, and a full port valve from Supply House for about $80. With two pair of channel locks you should be able to just modify what you have after cutting the gas to your house (will require you to re-light any pilot lights on water heaters, etc). You need to make sure you know what size line you need based on the generator's HP and distance from tap to where it will sit. If any of this scares you, get a plumber.

EDIT: That included a $30 medium density 3/4" 50-foot long tubing.

This post was edited on 7/7/22 at 10:04 am
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14340 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:01 am to
I'm about to do the same thing. Learned something though. I guess I need to leave that downpipe portion like yours to catch solids. Do you just have the end capped and hook up when you need it?
Posted by RoyalWe
Prairieville, LA
Member since Mar 2018
3143 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:07 am to
I'm sure it's not critical, but I've heard that described as its purpose. When I opened mine up, it had what I would describe as 'sludge' (not much of it, but enough). There is a plug in the yellow-handled brass valve (just in case if someone accidentally bumps it). I will just remove the plug, tie-in my line to my generator, and let 'er rip. When I'm done, I'll close the valve, disconnect the tubing, and re-install the threaded plug.
This post was edited on 7/7/22 at 10:08 am
Posted by lsugolfredman
Member since Jun 2005
1851 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:15 am to
Can you itemize your order from Supply House? I'd like to complete this before hurricane season really gets rolling.
Posted by RoyalWe
Prairieville, LA
Member since Mar 2018
3143 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:26 am to
I don't know if all gas piping is standardized, so your diameters may differ. If you look at the photo you can see the new pipe vs. the old (rust color vs. black). So, I bought:

1-1/4" x 2" Black Nipple (screws into the rusty tee and allows me to add a new tee)
1-1/4" x 1-1/4" x 3/4" Black Tee (this keeps the same larger diameter for the 'knockout' and gives me the 3/4" connection for the feed to my generator)
1-1/4" x 7-1/2" Black Nipple (I took measurements to make sure it would be as long as what was there prior without hitting the ground)
1-1/4" Black Cap (to cap off the 'knockout')
3/4" x 2-1/2" Black Nipple (ties into the 3/4" port of the new tee)
3/4" Full Port Threaded Ball Valve (Lead Free)
3/4" Brass Square Head Plug (Lead Free)
Pro Dope, Screw Cap w/Brush

You'll need to leak test it with soap after install. Just because what's above worked for me, your piping configuration might be different. If you look at your existing piping, you should be able to see a stamp in the metal telling you the size.
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14340 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:30 am to
Nvmnd. I see it.

I have 3/4" hose with male on both ends. What should I use so I don't have to twist the entire hose while attaching? Is there something with a spinning collar?
This post was edited on 7/7/22 at 10:33 am
Posted by RoyalWe
Prairieville, LA
Member since Mar 2018
3143 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:36 am to
Black Nipple
A nipple is a piece of pipe threaded on both ends. It's needed to tie into two female connectors (e.g. the two tees in my photo). Nipple is also used to tie in from 3/4" female on tee to the 3/4" valve, also female.

Again, if this is confusing to you get a plumber. It's not worth the risk if you don't know what you're doing, how to use channel locks properly, etc.
Posted by RoyalWe
Prairieville, LA
Member since Mar 2018
3143 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:39 am to
quote:

What should I use so I don't have to twist the entire hose while attaching?
I had this same concern myself, but the connectors/pipe I use allow me to connect everything with little to no twisting of the hose. I assume you can use a union for this (which I think it what you are describing). I'm interested in others thoughts on this as well.
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14340 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:41 am to
I think I'm good, just didn't understand the name of the threaded pipe portion. 3/4 quick connect is stupid expensive. Can I use a section of the yellow flex 3/4 with the stainless spin collars and attach it that way when I need it?
Posted by RoyalWe
Prairieville, LA
Member since Mar 2018
3143 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:48 am to
quote:

3/4 quick connect is stupid expensive.
Agreed.
quote:

Can I use a section of the yellow flex 3/4 with the stainless spin collars and attach it that way when I need it?
I think this is where everyone has to figure out what works for them and is safe. If you do something stupid your insurance may not be honored. I feel pretty confident on how to modify black iron piping, but the connections, bleeds, etc. is where I defer to others.
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14340 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 10:50 am to
I'll take a look and see what is available at the store. I'm already way over budget from buying a 25ft 3/4 hose.
Posted by deanwelles
EBR Parish Prison
Member since Mar 2008
177 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 11:47 am to
I've been interested in doing the same thing, but I'm having trouble turning the valve on the utility side of the meter.
I've tried wd-40, and the biggest wrenches I own, but obviously I don't want to be too forceful and cause a leak. Any tips on how to get the valve loose without having to call the utility?
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
14340 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 12:17 pm to
I've never had problems with them before. Yours must be stuck.
Posted by 4WHLN
Drinking at the Cottage Inn
Member since Mar 2013
7582 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 12:58 pm to
Glad this thread popped up.
I pulled the trigger on a tri-fuel Duromax 13000HXT and waiting for it to come in. On their website they have a couple pictures showing this hooking right up to the meter.
I was trying to decide weather to call the plumber or doing it myself. Thinking I am doing this myself now.

Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5286 posts
Posted on 7/7/22 at 1:06 pm to
quote:

EDIT: That included a $30 medium density 3/4" 50-foot long tubing.

Is this what you are using as your natural gas line to connect to your generator? Seems inexpensive for natural gas tubing from when I was looking into earlier, but that’s about the length I need for a portable generator hookup.

Mind sharing your source of that tubing? What size portable generator you operating on 3/4 inch tubing run?
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