By: Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
We recently purchased an older home and hired a home inspector before closing escrow. Since moving in, our plumber pointed out something that was never mentioned by our inspector. The fireplace gas pipe was added to the building. It runs about 35 feet across the roof and down into the living room wall. The plumber said this might violate code. If this gas line is illegal, shouldn't my home inspector have reported it? If so, is he liable to have it removed? -- Michael
Dear Michael,
Your question does not specify which code, if any, has been violated. The most common gas pipe violations involve the type of material used and the net diameter of the pipe. The plumbing code specifies which kinds of material are safe and legal for gas piping, the most common being black or galvanized steel pipe. Typical violations include copper pipe or PVC plastic.
Minimum pipe sizes are also critical to safe and legal gas plumbing. With long runs, resistance can reduce the gas flow. To compensate, and to ensure an adequate gas stream to burners, larger diameter pipes are needed for extended lengths. Given the 35 foot stretch on your roof, this could be the problem your plumber had in mind.
Problems of this kind are typically reported by qualified home inspectors. Lack of disclosure by your inspector indicates one of two things: Either the gas line is properly installed or your inspector failed to notice an apparent defect. To determine which is the case, ask the plumber to explain the nature of the violation and to show you the requirement as stated in the code book. Once you have this information, call the home inspector for a reinspection of the gas line. If the inspection company is at fault, perhaps they'll assist in removal of the pipe.
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted our "