Leaking steel gas pipe under floor

Question

Victorian end-terrace with a suspended wooden floor, no crawl space. 

We have a gas leak that the engineer believes to be in the old steel pipe that runs under the floor from the gas meter in our cupboard to the kitchen. 

We're getting the kitchen redone at the moment, so the gas needs to be reconnected to our new gas hob. The engineer's best suggestion to minimise cost, disruption and the dining room décor is to send a new 22mm copper pipe up through the ceiling above the gas meter, run this along the skirting in the landing and then back down through the kitchen ceiling, where it can be connected up.

I'd be really grateful for any views on this approach. Does it make sense and/or sound like the best way forward? What options might there be for re-running it under the floor? Would this all need taking up? And then can copper pipe be laid directly below or does it need ducting and/or screed? I want to know what's preferrable versus what's possible (practically and legally!)

Steven · Accepted Answer

Running gas pipe as per suggested will be a better option in long run as accessible for future repairs . 
I’m sure there may be a way it can be done neatly and where you could box it in yourself as people do not like to see pipework on show .
Leaving the steel pipe in floor is not ideal it will be old and prone to leaks now and in the future . To save the hassle I’d get it done now to save any further unwanted work later down the line .

Peter · Answer

Cut the Steel out to avoid future issues , and yes re route it with a more accessible run for future Maintenance.  From the meter it will need to sized as per pressure loss with boiler a factor or any other Gas appliances. 22mm may not be enough if a certain distance with changes in direction on the run .

Lance · Answer

Can you get access to the pipe that’s leaking ?
If so it’s easier to cut out and con back in

Jordan · Answer

The best option would be to do a new gas run in copper

Michael · Answer

Yes, the floor would need to be lifted for the pipe to run underneath which is perfectly normal/to regs for gas pipes. Without seeing the layout of the property and the gas meter it is difficult to give other suggestions. What I would say is, if the engineer who has given you his advice, is a well respected/recommended engineer then his advice is likely spot on. If you need other suggestions you ideally need to invite engineers round to your property to quote/give you options.

Hope this helps.

Uttam · Answer

Best way run the  gas pipe to external wall and easy to access in future  but best way call the gas safe register engineer and ask for the advice

Saqib · Answer

Hi 
Steel gas pipes are always a problem. They are best avoided altogether.  It would be best to ask at least 3 of your local area gas engineers to see the job and price it up. Check their company reviews online and go with the one your most comfortable with. Hope that helps 🙂

Clive · Answer

Trac pipe  from near meter under floor to nearest accessible point in kitchen

Paul · Answer

new pipe should be copper .
and the copper could be run suspended under floors . 
sometimes its the time to do a job that affects the cost

Saroosh · Answer

The proposed solution of running a new 22mm copper pipe through the ceiling, along the landing skirting, and down into the kitchen to reconnect the gas supply sounds reasonable and can be a practical alternative to rerouting the gas line under the floor. However, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

Advantages of the Proposed Solution:

Cost-Effective: This approach might be more cost-effective compared to digging up and replacing the old steel pipe under the floor.
Minimal Disruption: It minimizes disruption to the dining room decor and avoids the need to disturb the floor.
Compliance: Using copper pipe for the new gas line is generally compliant with regulations and is a suitable material for gas installations.
Regarding Re-running Under the Floor:

Feasibility: Rerunning the gas line under the floor might be possible, but it could involve significant disruption, cost, and potential damage to the existing structure.
Material and Installation: If you opt for running the copper pipe under the floor, it would typically need protection such as ducting to prevent damage and ensure safety. It might also require securing the pipe to avoid movement and potential damage.
Ultimately, running the new copper pipe along the ceiling and skirting might be the most practical solution considering the limited access to the underfloor area and the desire to minimize disruption during your kitchen renovation. It's crucial to ensure that the installation complies with gas safety regulations, which may require a qualified gas engineer to carry out the work.

Consulting with a licensed gas engineer or plumber experienced in gas line installations will provide the best advice based on your specific property layout and gas system requirements. They can assess the feasibility of various options, ensure compliance with regulations, and carry out the installation safely and effectively.

Leaking steel gas pipe under floor

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