Modification to Furnace Propane Line

[winner]

We detected odors in carpeting in the toilet area of our 345 MH and when we removed the carpet , we learned that not only the carpet, but the wooden understructure for the toilet was totally rotted and had to remove it. At the time that the MH was constructed, they ran the Propane Line for the rear furnace across the boxing under the toilet and in the process left a large look in the line. In order to reconstruct the boxing (synthetic wood) it will be necessary to cut the line and remove the loop because it prevents proper alignment of the replacement plywood sides of the box. This line appears to be about 1/4 inch copper covered with a Grey plastic covering.
Would like to know if anyone has worked with this Propane Piping and can provide a source for fittings, etc. It appears that about a 6 inch section can removed and then the ends re-united with a coupling fitting - this would eliminate the troublesome loop. Can anyone provide info???

[74Argosy24MH]

Fittings are single flare, but the loop was probably put there to allow for flex and movement in the line. I would leave it as manufactured; you add two fittings and you have 2 more opportunities for leaks, plus loose the flexibility in the line.

[winner]

Have to take the loop out - even after I take the loop out there will be a bit of bend to the tubine to flex. Thanks for the info on the single flare - I guess I can buy this at any Propane Gas outlet.

[winner]

Have reconsidered my prior decision to put fittings in line in view of your comments - have inspected the total propane line and it would be in fact, wiser to replace it in ites entirety and eliminate any couples, etc. Once I install the box cover and the new toilet, the tubing would not be accessaible in the event of a leakage without ripping out the toilet and the box covering. I appreciate y our astutness in pointing out to me the weakness of my decision to repair rather than replace the tubing.

[74Argosy24MH]

You will need a tubing cutter to cut the new line and a flaring tool to make the flares (any home supply store, hardware, etc.). Make sure the nuts are on before flaring. Check your connections with soapy water for leaks once pressurized.

[BobbyW]

Check your connections with soapy water for leaks once pressurized.

The recommendation for using soapy water or the retail product "Snoop" is an excellent tip for anyone repairing gas lines. Having tested 10's of thousands of feet of gas piping and tubing myself, nothing works better. It works better than a gas detector as it is not affected by wind. Soak it down good and it will tell you if its leaking by bubbling up a like soap suds in your kitchen sink when washing dishes. Good Tip!!

-BobbyWright

[winner]

Thanks for the soapy water and flaring tips on the new tubing.Now that I have replaced the sides of the toilet box, I can leave a loop in the replacement line and close up the toilet box.
Appreciate the help.
I