LP/Propane line

JimS · Feb 27, 2016

A home a care for recently had a pool heater replaced. Shortly after that, the hot water heater went out. We managed to relight
the pilot but it went out again. I am unable to relight it. I removed the gas to the regulator and I am unable to detect any gas
coming through the line.

As it is propane, is it possible that I have an airlock? The lines are quite long. I understand airlocks are unlikely with
natural gas as it is almost the same weight as air.

I have a pro coming, but I am curious if this is the problem and how one bleeds a LP line.

504 · Feb 27, 2016

Start at the tank, checking for pressure,then the tank regulator etc. I would guess either a bad tank regulator or you are out of LP.

Frank A · Feb 27, 2016

There has to be a blockage of some sort, bad regulator, or out of gas. I don't believe an airlock is possible with a gas.

Janicholson · Feb 27, 2016

One other issue is a pilot regulator/orifice plugged up or not adjusted. Jim

JimS · Feb 27, 2016

At 80% on the tank.

There are two hot water heaters and both are out. I cannot get either pilot to light. The stove is functional but that is pilotless.

I think when the pool heater was replaced and the gas line replumbed that either air or something got in and clogged it.

It is all very odd.

Steve@Advance · Feb 27, 2016

If there are low spots in the line, it may have water in the line. I've run into this on RV's, the pressure is not enough to push the gas through the water. Try removing the line at both ends, blow it out with compressed air. Be sure there are no other branches going to other appliances, the high pressure will damage the valves or push water/trash into them!

gordey · Feb 28, 2016

Is there a Fischer valve that closes because of the pressure differential that needs reset ?

big fred · Feb 28, 2016

A little correction, natural gas is quite a bit lighter than air. Somewhere around half the density of air.

Ray from Pa · Feb 28, 2016

Close the valve at the tank then open it very slowley. As gordy said there is a check valve in side that closes when opened to fast.

Frank A · Feb 28, 2016

Let us know what you find. Was there a leak check done on the system after the heater was replaced?

Frank A · Feb 28, 2016

I have seen water in lines at homes but so far on all that had already been in service it always came from a leak underground. I may be wrong, but being a long way from the tank I took it that it would be a two stage system. Ten pounds pressure would push water through where twelve inches wouldn't.

hd6gtom · Feb 28, 2016

Air would not stay in a propane line. It will be pushed out as the propane vapor travels thru the line. You need to wait for the pros, don't take a chance on getting your self blown up. For gosh sakes if you have done anything tell the pro when they show up. I actually had 1guy unhook lines in the basement and not bother to tell me. He did not plug or cap the lines, just thought he did not need the appliances so he unhooked them. He wanted me to light his pilot lights, I insisted on inspecting his basement before turning the gas valve on. His wife was still hollering at him when I left. Be safe!!!

504 · Feb 28, 2016

Loosen line at the appliance the farthest point from the tank and let the gas flow till you know by the smell you have gas, This is very dangerous,any spark will burn your house down and you wife will collect you life insurance.
The other way I have bled them is tape down the safety valve and keep trying to light the pilot till it goes.

LP/Propane line

JimS

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504

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Frank A

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Janicholson

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JimS

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Steve@Advance

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gordey

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big fred

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Ray from Pa

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Frank A

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Frank A

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hd6gtom

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504

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