Drip leg question

[Greg Keene, CPI]

Just need to check - there is a drip leg on the gas line, but it is on a 12 inch branch that is attached to nothing. There is not one at the connection for the furnace - I want to call it but want to make sure - am I wrong (just about this, not anything else ..

[Christopher Currins]

That's looks more like a capped line, (to previous appliance?) not a drip leg.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

No the drip leg has to be inline. That appears to be just a disconnected line, notice the shut-off valve.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I don't waste my time with drip legs. The code folks here don't require it unless it's commercial. It's not worth having someone pay a HVAC guy a service fee. That's my humble opinion.

[Bob Elliott]

You had better use them in the Chicago area.

[David A. Andersen]

You can make a note that there isn't one just so if there is an ignition problem the client will know where the likely problem is.

If it's not new construction, there is no reason for needing one if it hasn't needed one in the past.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

The main reason for a drip leg is that it keeps dirt from going into the gas valve of the appliance. I have seen it many times when I owned a heating and coooling company. The little bit of cost is well worth the money.

[David A. Andersen]

That is true, but it not a requirement for a home purchase.

[Greg Keene, CPI]

Thanks guys - saw the old shutoff but could be a drip leg "now" - only in the wrong place - will let the buyer know but tell it probably isn't a big deal -

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by gkeene

Thanks guys - saw the old shutoff but could be a drip leg "now" - only in the wrong place - will let the buyer know but tell it probably isn't a big deal -

I think you better check with your local Gas Company before making that statement.

[Greg Keene, CPI]

Good thought Bob - will try them. Every jurisdication is different.

[Bob Elliott]

Let us know what they say.
I put one in once and forgot the drip leg.

Gas man saw it and wrote me a warning.

[Greg Keene, CPI]

Bob- checked with Xcel and they go by the rule that if a line drops verticle 5 feet or more, it needs a drip leg - but in reading IBC G2419.4 it states that "Where a sediment trap is not incorporated as part of the gas utilization quipment, a sediment trap shall be installed downstream of the equipment shut off valve as close to the inlet of the equipment as practical".
This tells me that the valve in my pic (above) is wrong and there should be a drip leg installed - am I reading it wrong?

[Chuck Lambert]

Originally Posted by dandersen

You can make a note that there isn't one just so if there is an ignition problem the client will know where the likely problem is.

If it's not new construction, there is no reason for needing one if it hasn't needed one in the past.

Many furnace and water heater manufacturers require them. Not installed properly NO warranty.

Chuck