How to cut a gas pipe: procedure, rules and stages of work

Before cutting off a gas pipe, it is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations and rules for working with gas equipment.Have you noticed how few users do exactly this? The majority decides to look into SNiPs, already holding an angle grinder in their hands. Some even completely ignore the rules established by law. Meanwhile, each stage of this event is regulated and has a certain sequence of implementation.

Improperly shortening a gas pipeline is fraught with serious consequences, the most dangerous of which is the leakage of explosives. The work requires precise professional tools, experience and knowledge of safety precautions. Without such a set, you should not take responsibility for unauthorized modification of the pipe. It's better to entrust this to a master. But how can you check if it is working correctly?

In this article, we have presented all the rules regarding cutting gas pipes in houses and apartments, compiled an algorithm of actions, and a list of tools and materials. After reading it, you will save time searching for information, you will be able to correctly plan your actions, prepare all the necessary documents on time and monitor the work of the specialist.

Reasons for cutting a gas pipe

The most common motive is carrying out repairs, during which a decision is made to change the position of the slab or install new equipment.All this can encourage owners to shorten the gas pipe.

In addition, the initiator can be a representative of the gas company, who legally demands that the meter be moved out of sight.

In old houses you can observe the following picture: the outlet from the gas pipe interferes with the convenient arrangement of curtains or kitchen unit modules. This is also often the reason for pruning.

It may also require shortening due to the inconsistency of outdated communications with modern rules. Standards are regularly updated, and residential property owners rarely independently monitor the changes made.

Legal requirements for the customer and contractor

Since a faulty gas pipeline is a source of danger to people’s lives, legislators identified the customer - the initiator of cutting or gas pipe transfer and performer. The law places special requirements on the latter. Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to them.

Who should apply?

Until 2005, in the Russian Federation, municipal gas services were responsible for the condition of gas pipes and equipment connected to them. Later, the law shifted it to homeowners: management companies began to monitor intra-building networks in apartment buildings, and owners or tenants began to monitor intra-apartment networks.

In private households this has also become the responsibility of the owners. Therefore, before shortening the gas pipe in the kitchen, it is necessary to determine the owner.

The figure visualizes the division of responsibilities between the management company and residents. At the same time, payments for servicing in-house equipment are included in monthly receipts.But for manipulations with intra-apartment networks, including cutting pipes, residents pay separately

Confirmation of this rule can be found in Resolution No. 410 of May 14, 2013, edited by the Russian government on October 6, 2017.

According to the general provisions of this resolution, when cutting a pipe in an apartment or private household, the customer can be the owner of the square meters or the tenant. In this case, the lease must be officially formalized.

Who has the right to do the work?

The executor is also clearly defined in the government document. This is a specialized organization that carries out maintenance and repair of gas equipment under an agreement with the owners or management company. In addition, the supplier company can also take care of cutting the pipes.

The law imposes the following requirements on the performer:

• the presence of certified employees with specialized education on the staff;
• availability of production instructions for carrying out gas hazardous work;
• mandatory use of control and measuring equipment.

All tools and devices used by gas service technicians must undergo regular calibration according to a schedule approved by the organization.

As can be seen from the list above, the requirements for the performer are quite high. Therefore, it is not worth shortening gas pipes yourself or with the help of unauthorized persons.

Preparatory stage - obtaining permission

First of all, it is necessary to determine whether, from a technical point of view, it is possible to shorten the gas pipe and how to do this. To do this, you need to apply to a specialized organization.

The application is written in free form, indicating the exact address and passport details of the owner.

Since the applicant, by law, can only be the owner of the premises, a gas service employee may ask to see title documents already on the first visit

After receiving a signal from the owner of the premises, the gas service sends its representative to the place. The foreman will listen to the applicant’s wishes, inspect the gas pipeline and equipment connected to it, and issue a verdict. If the customer’s wishes turn out to be contrary to safety standards, he will offer other options.

After finding the optimal solution, the specialist will draw up a diagram showing the condition of the pipe after cutting. Based on this scheme, the gas company will issue a permit and provide an estimate. It will take into account the cost of upcoming work and consumables.

Gas pipeline installation standards

Even before the technician arrives, the owner can familiarize himself with the requirements for the installation of intra-apartment gas pipelines. This will save time and make it possible to quickly determine the option that is suitable in all respects. Criteria for choosing the location of gas equipment, as well as installation rules are specified in SNiP 2.04.08-87.

Requirements for the location of gas pipes

After shortening the pipe, free access to it must be maintained. All devices must be within sight, including gas flow meter.

Particular attention in SNiP is paid to the location of the valves with the help of which the main line is shut off. They are prohibited from being masked, covered with blank kitchen cabinets, or stationary decorative screens.

When trying to hide a pipe in a cabinet, many users block quick access to it with food and kitchen utensils. This is prohibited, as the presence of foreign objects will make it difficult to find the source of danger in the event of a possible leak.

All distances prescribed in legislative acts must be observed. So, the gas pipe must be located at least 200 cm from the floor.

An important point is the inviolability of the horizontal segment of the branch from the common riser on which the gas tap is located. It must not be removed or shortened. The only exception is apartments located on the top floors of apartment buildings.

Gas services allow them to move the tap to a height of 75 cm from the floor. This does not violate safety requirements and allows you to place a pipe with a tap under the kitchen countertop. Read more about how to properly disguise a gas pipe in the kitchen Further.

Selection of material and method of performing the work

Reconnecting gas pipe sections is permitted only by welding. Detachable elements are allowed only in places where pressure regulators, shut-off valves and gas stove connections. This is another argument in favor of attracting professional gas workers.

Another, no less convincing argument is the need to turn off the fuel supply throughout the entire riser of an apartment building. This can only be done by official representatives of the gas service and in agreement with utility companies.

Before starting work, the technician must ensure good ventilation. It is important that the air comes directly from the street. If the draft from the window openings in the kitchen is not enough, you can open the windows in other rooms

The law also imposes strict requirements on the choice of material. Flexible connections are allowed only for connecting the gas main and kitchen equipment. Their length cannot exceed 300 cm.

As flexible hoses Rubber-fabric sleeves, rubber sleeves braided with metal, as well as bellows sleeves can be used. All other sections of the gas pipeline must be made of metal. This should also be taken into account when shortening the pipe.

Main stages of work

Since cutting a gas pipe in an apartment is possible only when the entire riser is disconnected, it is necessary to agree with the utility service not only the date, but also the exact time of the work.

Housing and communal services employees will notify residents in advance, and upon completion they will personally notify them that the gas supply will be restored. The master, who arrives at the appointed hour, will once again check the owner’s documents, turn off the gas, ensure effective ventilation and begin work.

First of all, gas workers purge the gas pipeline to free it from explosive fuel. The residual gas fraction should not exceed 1% of the total volume of the air mixture

Further work is performed in the following sequence:

1. According to the scheme approved by a specialized service, the master will cut off the excess pipe segment.
2. Will install a plug into the resulting hole.
3. If necessary, perform welding by attaching rotating elements.
4. Install shut-off valves, sealing the FUM joint with tape with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.25 mm.
5. Check the integrity of the gas pipeline.
6. Will draw up a certificate of completion of work, which must be signed by the owner of the property.

The integrity of the connections is checked by applying a soap solution.When bubbles appear, the technician must re-examine the questionable connection and check again.

It is not recommended to check the quality of the work performed with a match or lighter. And it’s not just a matter of safety: a low concentration of gas immediately after connection will not give the expected effect. Therefore, the best way is a soap solution

After confirming integrity, a representative of the gas service must issue a certificate of service provision and give recommendations for treating pipes with a coloring compound.

Since the main purpose of painting is to protect the metal from moisture and rust, gas workers usually recommend vapor-proof compounds. The owner can choose the shade in accordance with the main interior palette.

Choosing a Trimming Tool

Hacksaws and pipe cutters are often used to cut gas pipes. The grinder is used less often. Quite often, gas service workers use electric or gas welding. According to experts, each tool has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Let's take a closer look at them:

• hacksaw for metal. Makes it possible to make a neat cut without soot and other traces of processing. A significant disadvantage is the labor intensity and duration of work;
• pipe cutter. Its use ensures the perpendicularity of the cut, a smooth end and the absence of metal filings. The downside is the volume of the tool, which often exceeds the distance between the wall and the pipe;
• Bulgarian. The advantage is high cutting speed. The disadvantage is the formation of sparks, which require additional protection of surfaces in the work area;
• gas welding and electric welding. With proper preparation, including thorough cleaning of the metal from paint, dirt and rust, the tool provides a high-quality cut. But it is worth remembering that the method is fire hazardous.

An experienced specialist will determine the advisability of using this or that equipment during the first inspection. The choice of tool depends on the skills of the master, the availability of equipment, the location of the pipes relative to the wall, as well as the material of the walls and ceilings.

Even the most compact pipe cutter may be useless if the pipe is laid almost close to the wall. The only way out in this case is to try to bend it a short distance or use another tool

In wooden houses, special protection of walls and ceilings is required when using an angle grinder or gas welder. Flying sparks and high metal temperatures can cause a fire.

Therefore, before work, it is necessary to cover all wooden surfaces with metal sheets.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The initiator of shortening the pipe can be the owner of the premises, and the contractor can be a specialized organization with a staff of certified specialists with specialized education.

Trimming should be carried out taking into account the restrictions prescribed in SNiP 2.04.08-87, after turning off the fuel supply throughout the riser. Independent manipulation of the gas pipeline is prohibited.

Please note that in the video the master uses both an angle grinder and an electric welder. The company focuses on checking the quality of work and issuing accompanying documentation:

If you have ever cut gas pipes in an apartment or participated in this process, we invite you to share your observations.Below is a form in the fields of which you can leave comments, ask questions to relevant specialists or other site visitors.