If you find yourself with a natural gas emergency on your hands, knowing how to bleed air out of the line can help you resolve the problem quickly and safely—and sometimes even without professional help. In this blog post, we will be exploring everything there is to know about bleeding those bothersome pockets of air out of the natural gas lines in your home or business. We’ll discuss why it’s important, how to bleed air out of a natural gas line correctly and efficiently, as well as some helpful tips for prevention and maintenance. So let’s get started!
What Is Bleeding a Gas Line?
Bleeding a gas line is the process of purging the air out of the gas supply lines that provide fuel to appliances. This procedure is necessary for any new or existing installation, as air trapped in the lines can cause a decrease in pressure and an inadequate flow of fuel to your appliances. Bleeding the lines helps to eliminate this issue and ensure that your appliances are working efficiently.
To bleed a gas line, the main shutoff valve must be opened, and the appliance or other equipment connected to the line must be left off while the procedure is being performed. This gives any air in the lines time to escape before the fuel enters them, ensuring that no pockets of air remain in the system. Once the valve is open, a technician can identify which line needs to be purged and proceed with bleeding it.
The process of bleeding a gas line involves turning off the appliance and carefully listening at each connection point in order to identify where the air is trapped. Once identified, the technician will open up each connection point in turn and allow any air inside the line to escape. This is done by opening the valves on both sides of each connection point and allowing any air in the line to vent out through these valves.
Once all trapped air has been removed, the technician will then close off each valve and move on to the next connection point in order to ensure that no pockets of air remain in the system. Once all of the connection points have been bled, the technician will then turn on the appliance and check for signs of gas leakage before declaring that the bleeding process has been completed.
It is important to note that bleeder valves are used in natural gas lines as a safety measure to prevent dangerous levels of fuel from entering the system. These valves must be inspected regularly and checked for any signs of wear or damage, as they are crucial to the safe functioning of your natural gas system.
10 Methods How to Bleed Air Out of a Natural Gas Line
1. Use a Pipe Wrench
If you have a pipe wrench, you can use it to bleed air out of a natural gas line. First, make sure that the valve on the gas line is turned off. Then, use the pipe wrench to loosen the bolt on the side of the valve stem. This will allow air to escape from the gas line. As you loosen the bolt, you should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. Once no more air is coming out, close the valve and tighten the bolt. If there is still air in the line, you may need to repeat this process several times.
2. Use a Hammer and Chisel
If you do not have a pipe wrench, you can use a hammer and chisel to bleed air out of a natural gas line. First, make sure that the valve on the gas line is turned off. Next, use the chisel to score a line around the circumference of the valve. Then, use the hammer to tap lightly on the chisel. This will loosen the valve enough for you to unscrew it with your hands.
Once the valve is unscrewed, the air should bleed out of the gas line. Make sure to screw the valve back on securely before turning the gas back on. If the valve does not tighten securely, you may need to use a pipe wrench instead.
3. Use Pliers
Another way to bleed air out of a natural gas line is to use pliers. Place the pliers around the gas line and apply gentle pressure. You should hear a hissing sound, which indicates that air is being released from the line. Make sure to keep the pliers in place until the hissing has stopped and all of the air has been bled out. Once this has been done, you can remove the pliers and proceed with using the natural gas line.
It is important to note that it is essential to use caution when bleeding air from a natural gas line. Make sure to stop if you ever hear any strange, unfamiliar sounds or detect any unusual smells. Additionally, never use any tools that are not specifically designed for this purpose, as this can cause serious damage to the natural gas line.
4. Use an Air Compressor
If you have an air compressor, you can use it to bleed air out of a natural gas line. Make sure that the valve on the gas line is turned off. Then, attach an airline to the compressor and insert it into the gas line. Set the pressure on the compressor to approximately 25 psi and turn it on. Once the compressor is running, you should be able to detect a faint hissing sound from the gas line as the air is being expelled from it.
Keep the compressor running for a few minutes until you no longer hear any air hissing from the line. Once the line is clear of air, turn off the compressor and the valve on the gas line, and then disconnect the air line from the compressor. Your natural gas line should now be clear of air and ready for use.
5. Use a Vacuum Pump
Another way to bleed air out of a natural gas line is by using a vacuum pump. Make sure that the valve on the gas line is turned off. Connect one end of the vacuum pump to the gas line and then use it to create a vacuum. The increased pressure will cause the air in the gas line to be sucked out. Once this happens, the gas line will refill with natural gas.
Make sure to monitor the process closely so that no more air is introduced into the gas line. Lastly, turn off the valve on the natural gas line and disconnect the vacuum pump. The air has now been successfully bled out of the natural gas line.
6. Use a Nipple Extractor
You can use a nipple extractor to bleed air out of a natural gas line by inserting it into the hole or valve and extracting any trapped air. Be sure to turn off the valve before using this method. Make sure that you are wearing safety gear, such as gloves and a face mask, before proceeding.
After extracting the air out of the natural gas line, turn the valve back on and check for any leaks. If there are any leaks, use a pipe wrench to tighten the connections until they are snug. Once the connections are secure, your natural gas line should be free of any air.
7. Use a Blow Torch
If you have access to a blow torch, you can use it to bleed air out of a natural gas line by heating up the tip of the pipe until no more air bubbles are visible. Again, make sure that the valve on the gas line is turned off before starting this process. Be sure to exercise caution and wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and heat-resistant gloves, when using a blow torch.
Additionally, avoid working with a blow torch in enclosed spaces, as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, this method is one of the most effective and efficient ways to remove air from a gas line.
8. Use an Air Gun Tool
An air gun tool is another way to bleed air out of a natural gas line. Make sure that the valve on the gas line is turned off before using this tool. The air gun will create a loud sound as it is used. This tool helps to quickly and effectively remove the air from the gas line. Be sure to wear safety goggles and ear protection while using the air gun tool. If the sound from the air gun is too loud, it can cause permanent damage to hearing. Once the air has been completely removed from the gas line, the valve can be turned back on.
9. Use a Pressure Gauge
You can use a pressure gauge to check the pressure in your natural gas lines and then adjust it accordingly. Again, make sure that the valve on the gas line is turned off before attempting this method. Use the pressure gauge to see if the pressure is within the recommended range. If it is not, then you will need to open the valve slightly and wait for the pressure to regulate.
Once it is within an acceptable range, close the valve again and check the pressure with the gauge one more time before continuing. That way, you can be sure that there is no air left in the lines.
10. Use an Air Bleed Valve
Finally, you can use an air bleed valve to manually release trapped air from your natural gas lines. Be sure to turn off the main shutoff valve before doing so. To use the valve, simply open it up and turn the handle counterclockwise until you hear a hissing sound. This will be the escaping air.
Leave the valve open until all of the air has been released, then close it off and turn on your gas line again. If you are not comfortable with this process, be sure to call a professional for help. Air bleed valves can be found at most home improvement stores or purchased online. Taking the time to properly bleed your natural gas lines can save you from a potentially dangerous situation.
Once all of these steps have been taken, you should be able to ensure that your natural gas lines are free of air and that they are operating safely. Be sure to check your lines on a regular basis for any further issues.
Things to Consider When Bleeding Air Out of a Natural Gas Line
1. Use the Right Tools and Safety Equipment:
Bleeding air out of a natural gas line requires specialized tools, including fittings designed to work with natural gas. Make sure to use the right tools for the job and always wear safety gear such as protective eyewear, gloves, and a face mask.
2. Turn Off The Gas Supply:
Before undertaking any work on a natural gas line, it is important to make sure that the gas supply is turned off and the line is depressurized. This will ensure your safety and prevent any accidental gas leaking or other hazards.
3. Locate The Air Bleed Valve:
The air bleed valve is typically located at the highest point of a natural gas line, between the main supply line and the appliance being serviced. Make sure to locate this valve before starting work on the system.
4. Use An Appropriate Tool To Open The Valve:
Once you’ve found the air bleed valve, use an appropriate tool, such as a wrench or pliers, to open it slightly in order to allow air to escape from the system. Be careful not to open it too much or too quickly; this could cause pressure spikes that could be dangerous.
Conclusion
Although it may seem like a daunting task, bleeding air out of a natural gas line is actually quite easy to do. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily get rid of any unwanted air in your lines. Doing this on a regular basis will help ensure that your home or business stays safe and running smoothly. If you have any other questions about bleeding air out of a natural gas line, or if you want to learn more about how to bleed air out of a natural gas line, be sure to check out our other blog posts. Thanks for reading!
