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How can I avoid kinking a 12 copper gas line when making a 90-degree bend for my propane tank installation?

Asked by Gordan Smiljanić
2 months ago
Last Updated: September 28, 2024

I need some advice on how to avoid crimping a 1/2 copper gas line. So, I have these two propane tanks behind my garage and had to move them a bit for some repairs. Now, I’m trying to reconnect them. The original setup had copper lines running to the tanks, but now I need to add a short piece of copper to each tank since I moved them slightly. One line is smaller than the other, and I was able to trim it and add a bend with no problem. But the bigger line to the other tank is giving me trouble. I bought a 5-foot piece of type L copper, but I can’t seem to bend it without causing kinks. Should I try using soft copper instead, or is there a way to bend the sticks of copper without messing them up? Also, can I flare hard copper that comes in sticks, or is that a bad idea? I’ve heard conflicting opinions on this.

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Bobby Chambers

Instead of hard copper, go for the right size soft copper or a flexible house similar to what’s used indoors for the appliance.

Tanvi Chavare

‘t use SHARKBITES with gas lines!

Roderich Sonnenberg

Whoa, , where did the shark bites come into play?

Aubree Jean-Baptiste

Hey , that’s a legal flared 90, no issues there.

Ignjatije Španović

How about getting a screw-in attachment with a yellow flexible gas line for them?

Aubree Jean-Baptiste

As a gas fitter, I typically don’t recommend homeowners take on this kind of project, but it looks like you’ve done your research and are doing things right by reaming your pipe. Just make sure you’re double-checking each joint.
Bending unannealed copper can be a real hassle, so I wouldn’t suggest using it for flaring. Annealed copper is the way to go for flexibility.
If you only need a small section, you might want to check with a local company to see if they have some extra copper they could sell you. (We usually have bins of leftover copper lying around.)

Janik Greijdanus

Why take the risk of working on gas equipment if you’re not qualified? It’s not worth endangering life and property, or jeopardizing your insurance coverage.

Nancy Meraz

Try using a water hose to help with bending.

Allie Barnett

Avoid using type L and instead opt for soft copper. Also, make sure not to use an indoor appliance flex, as they are not designed for outdoor use.

Dustin Hicks

This is not a DIY project. It needs to be done by a professional to meet code requirements.

Angie Stewart

No content

Şebnem Booijink

Hey, has the right answer to the question about bending the pipe smoothly.

Sénio Rodrigues

I’m not a fan of compression fittings on propane, and copper confuses me as well.

Mikael Salmela

I recommend contacting a plumber to avoid any potential risks. I hire professionals for many tasks, especially when it comes to anything related to gas.

Lody Happel

Pretty much every copper pipe of this size that I come across outside has been chewed through by squirrels. This includes outdoor fountains, outdoor kitchen ice machines, and water hookups.

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