Gas valve in an apartment: which one to choose and how to change it

03/28/2017 by admin No comments

How does a cone (plug) valve work? Where are these products used? For example, what is the 11B6BK DU50

? How good are such shut-off valve elements in water supply and heating systems compared to alternatives? Let's try to answer these questions.

Our hero.

What it is

Schematic diagram and materials used

This is the name of a closing or regulating device, the key component of which - the plug - has the shape of a full or truncated cone with a through channel and touches the body on all lateral surfaces. Impermeability to water, air, gas or the rest of the medium transported by the pipeline is ensured by the absence of a gap between the plug and the walls of the body. The design of a plug valve involves a significant friction area and, as a rule, a large force required to turn. It is clear that with a large pipeline diameter it will become unacceptably large; not only that: sticking of surfaces will also increase resistance. This is why, for the production of plug valves, corrosion-resistant materials with a low coefficient of friction are classically used - cast iron and brass. It is necessary to pay attention: due to the design properties and low mechanical strength of the metals used, the diameter of plug valves is rarely larger 100 mm, and the working pressure is 16 atmospheres.

Before the reader is an assembly drawing of a plug valve.

There are no rules without exceptions: if you want, you can find a plug-through valve with a diameter of up to 200 millimeters in a steel case on sale. However, it has little relation to those valves that can be found in basements:

• To make the plug rotate easily, a gearbox with a steering wheel is used.
• The plug is still made of cast iron: if two steel components are stuck one to one, even the gearbox will not be able to help remove them.

Housing sealing

How a tap closes the flow of water or gas in a water supply system is not difficult to understand. How is it ensured that there are no leaks into the environment?

Tension

The plug goes all the way through the valve body. Its threaded shank, when tightening the nut screwed onto it, presses the plug against the body with great force. The absence of a gap guarantees the absence of leakage both through the valve through the pipeline and into the environment.

Valve with tension seal.

Gas valve installation

Preparatory stage

To change the gas valve in the kitchen yourself, you need to prepare:

• new tap;
• two gas keys. One wrench is required to unscrew the threads, and the second to hold the down tube stationary. Otherwise, the pipeline leading directly to the gas stove may be damaged;
• means for sealing threaded connections. FUM tape, Tangit Unilok thread or regular linen thread are suitable. When using linen thread, additional treatment of the sealing material with paint is necessary;

Special thread for sealing threaded connections

• graphite lubricant intended for gas valves;

Special composition for gas appliances

• pipe plug. If you replace the valve together, you can do without using a plug.

Replacement process

The gas valve is replaced according to the following scheme:

1. the gas supply to the living space is cut off. To do this, the gas valve handle is turned to a position perpendicular to the pipe;

Gas valve in closed position

1. the valve is unscrewed from the pipe. If you cannot unscrew the thread, it is recommended to treat the threaded connection with WD-40, which will ensure smooth operation. If a welded valve is installed in the apartment, then it is cut off using a grinder, and threads are cut on the pipes;
2. A temporary plug is installed in place of the valve. If the work of replacing the gas valve is carried out by two people, then instead of the plug you can use your partner’s finger. This procedure will facilitate the process of installing a new faucet;
3. a sealing thread is screwed onto the thread;

Winding flax thread to make the threaded connection tight

1. a layer of graphite lubricant is applied on top of the thread;

Final preparation of threads for valve installation

1. A new faucet is being installed.

When working indoors, it is recommended to open windows and turn off all electrical appliances. These actions will lead to maximum safety.

The process of replacing a gas valve yourself is presented in the video.

Usage

Here are a couple of examples of the use of plug taps

in their different versions.

• The most clear example is the samovar faucet. The plug in it is held in the valve body only by its weight.

Stopper of the samovar tap.

• Soviet-style water taps with a lever toggle switch were not very comfortable to use and often leaked; but they were almost indestructible. Breaking a lever or plug was a non-trivial task.
• Three-way plug valves were used for temperature control in residential areas: depending on the position, they allowed the flow of coolant through the battery, through the jumper, or completely blocked it.

Basic criteria for choosing equipment

If there is a question about replacing the gas tap, then doing it yourself is not recommended. Only specialists have the right to engage in such work, and they must have a license for these types of work. Replacing gas pipes and taps yourself is simply unacceptable. You can endanger not only your life, but also the lives of your family and neighbors.

Every homeowner and tenant should know this information. It is the gas workers who carry out periodic inspections of the condition of gas equipment or, in case of problems, the owner of the property calls the emergency gas service. They, in turn, determine what is out of order, and residents buy everything they need to fix the breakdowns. In this case, we will find out what criteria are best for choosing a gas tap.

As previously mentioned, ball valves are popular, although experts in this industry say that plug valves last longer - their service life is about 20 years. They just need to be maintained and occasionally lubricated. But ball ones - no.

The quality of the product itself must be taken into account. Unfortunately, defects are sometimes found even in construction stores, despite the certification of such products. There are times when the gas tap has to be replaced after just one year of use.

So when choosing, you should pay attention to all the little things, even the appearance of the product and take into account the following circumstances:

1. The diameter of the gas valve must match the diameter of the pipe. Of course, valves of smaller or larger diameters are simply not suitable for the job.
2. Thread pitch. If you take a threaded locking mechanism, then it must match the thread pitch on the gas pipe. This way you don’t have to buy any adapters that will bulk up the structure.
3. Pay attention to the material of the product. Still, for gas it is better to use taps made of brass. This is time-tested material. It will serve you for a long time and without problems. Brass has a yellowish tone and a brass faucet is heavier than various types of steel.
4. Look carefully at the appearance. The product must be free of scratches, cracks and chips. There should be no defects either on the surface or inside. Don't hesitate to take a close look at the gas valve; you don't want to change it often. You should also not save on your purchase.

Choose faucets from well-known companies, as these manufacturers take responsibility for their products because they do not want to lose customers. And the reputation of their company is important to them. Such manufacturers include the German company Dungs and the Italian company Bugatti.

Advantages and disadvantages

How do plug taps compare to alternatives regarding plumbing? Let's start with praise for them.

pros

• Unlike screw valves, they do not need to be oriented in any way in the direction of water flow. Valve rupture does not threaten simply due to its absence.
• The straight and wide through channel in the plug has a fairly moderate hydraulic resistance - again, in contrast to the tortuous passages in a screw valve.
• For the same reason, plug valves never become clogged with scale, sand and rust. There is simply no place for garbage to stay in them.
• Compared to today's ball valves, cork ball valves stand out due to their greater resistance to high temperatures.

However: 150 C, the highest for a ball valve, is considered the temperature limit on the supply line of the heating main at the peak of winter cold. Much higher values ​​are achievable only in steam heating systems, which in our time are used only in a few industrial enterprises.

Heating temperature chart. As you can easily see, there are no temperatures above 150C.

Gas taps: types, main characteristics + selection criteria

All pipes that supply gas to a boiler or stove must have gas valves, which are used to shut off or supply natural fuel to objects.
Gas valves also serve to shut off the gas supply if there is a suspicion of a gas leak or other malfunction of the gas appliance. It is worth noting that ball valves are most often used for such purposes. Although the type of valve is not so important, the main thing is that it is reliable and in good working order. Next, we will talk in detail about the types of gas valves and outline the main criteria for their selection.

Tips for replacing gas taps

In apartments or houses, gas communications last for many years. The only thing is that they require periodic inspections and maintenance (painting of pipes). The most vulnerable parts of such structures are gas valves. Of course, they are used several times a day, or even more. It is due to heavy loads that gas valves break. Breakdowns of gas taps made from low-quality raw materials occur especially often. Plastic products break down faster than others.

Not everyone knows when the faucet needs to be replaced. The answer is simple - when you smell an unpleasant aroma characteristic of gas, you need to check where the smell is richest. If the leak is in the gas valve area, then it should be replaced.

Inspect the product, you may notice cracks or other damage on it. Maybe the faucet turns tightly or, on the contrary, turns too freely, then we can safely say that the device is out of order. But you cannot replace the locking device yourself. Don't tempt fate - call a gas service worker.

It will replace your gas tap for free, your only task is to buy the right mechanism that will fit your gas pipes and will last for many years. We described the selection rules above.

Replacing a gas tap is carried out using a special technology and must be performed by a person who has permission to do such work

If there is a need to change the device, do the following:

1. First, dial the number of the gas utility and report your problem to the dispatcher.
2. Buy a suitable faucet, take into account the diameter of the pipes, thread pitch, and other nuances. Don't choose the cheapest product.
3. Prepare documentation for gas specialists. Most likely you will need: a technical passport, gas supply documentation.
4. When the employee arrives, he will ask you to light the burner and close the valve that controls the gas supply. This will allow the fuel to come out of the pipe.
5. All work on replacing or repairing gas equipment must be carried out in a well-ventilated area.
6. The technician will replace the tap and check its operation, and he must also check for gas leaks.
7. When the repair of gas communications is completed, the specialist will ask for a technical passport and make a record of the work done.

A natural fuel leak is detected by using soap foam. Foam is applied to the joints and faucet, and then the foam is carefully monitored. If there is a gas leak, bubbles begin to form in this area.

Necessary tool

To perform the audit you will need the following tool:

• wide flat screwdriver
• open-end wrench No. 17
• lubricant for gas valves
• rags

Note. In the absence of a special gas lubricant, it can be completely replaced with graphite lubricant. It is undesirable to use solid oil, since its properties are highly dependent on temperature.

How does a gas stove work - what does it consist of?

A gas stove is easy to use, but like any other equipment, sooner or later it wears out and has to be replaced with a new one. With the modern variety of units, it can be difficult to choose the model that suits you completely. It is important to know the design of a gas stove and its functionality in order to understand how practical and convenient it will be in your kitchen.

1. Gas stove device
2. Gas burner device
3. Gas control
4. Electric ignition
5. How the oven works
6. General principle of operation of a gas stove
7. Conclusion

Design and features of a ball valve for gas

Ball valve for gas

The faucet for domestic gas can be used for internal systems and for external lines; elements with a diameter from 2 to 12 inches are most often used. Ball mechanisms are necessary to completely shut off or open the gas flow; their main feature is the locking structure. It has the shape of a ball with a special through hole that corresponds to the diameter of the pipeline. If it is necessary to shut off the fuel supply, turn the valve 90 degrees so that it is located perpendicular to the pipe.

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The process of controlling the part is carried out using a lever supplemented with sealed rings. Ball valves have many advantages, including good tightness and high insulating properties. Modern cranes are lightweight due to the use of special metals and alloys, are highly reliable and can be operated for 10 years without malfunctions.

Features of application

In most cases, ball valves are installed in places where gas equipment is used, for example, in the kitchen, and a separate valve is needed for each source of fuel consumption. Shut-off valves can be used to shut off and control flow, for example, a three-way valve makes it possible to direct flow from one pipeline to the next.

The tap for a standard gas pipe in the kitchen must match the features of the system and the type of equipment. Most often, threaded elements are installed in such rooms, which do not cause problems during installation and throughout the entire service life.

The inspection process of a plug cone tap through tension

Holding the tap plug with a handle, use the 17th key to unscrew the locknut and the nut in turn.

Remove the limit washer.

We press our finger on the pin of the cork, turning the cork with a handle. When the plug jams, you can lightly tap the stud with a hammer, after screwing the nut onto it first, so as not to damage the thread. You need to hit the nut!

Cleaning the plug and body, followed by lubrication and assembly, is carried out in the same way as a coupling valve. We clean the restrictor washer from old grease.

Apply lubricant to the valve body where the limiting washer meets.

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We put the limiting washer on the groove of the stud. To do this, place the tap plug in the half-open position.

Screw the nut through the slot onto the faucet plug.

By tightening the nut, we adjust the degree of tension of the tap. We check by turning the tap handle. The tap should not turn with force, but it should not move too easily. We tighten the locknut.

Once again we check the smoothness of the ride.

Rules for operating a gas stove

Important! According to the rules, maintenance and repair of the gas pipeline, air duct and chimney, as well as the heat generator for gas furnaces, must be carried out by an organization that has an emergency dispatch service: that is, Gorgaz.

A subscriber connected to the gas main and operating gas equipment must unquestioningly follow a set of certain rules.

1. The use of a gas stove is allowed only after undergoing appropriate instruction.
2. It is prohibited to leave burning burners unattended.
3. If the flame accidentally goes out, you should first turn off the burner tap, and only then attempt to light the burner again.
4. It is prohibited to use the stove to heat the room.
5. The stove must be kept clean.
6. It is unacceptable to make changes to the design of the stove on your own.
7. In the event of a gas leak, you must immediately shut off the main valve, call emergency services and do not use electrical appliances until the fault is completely eliminated.

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Knowledge of the structure of a gas stove will make it easier to eliminate minor malfunctions, and following the rules of use will ensure safe operation of the equipment . Following these points will help keep your wallet safe, and most importantly, your health.

Gas stove device

Ease of control of a gas stove is an absolute advantage of a household gas stove. The undesirable excessive rise in price of gas stoves installed in residential buildings made it possible to include only the most necessary automation devices in the modification of stoves.

Among the specified minimally built-in automatic nodes

relate:

1. electric ignition
   - a device for automatically igniting burners;
2. shut-off valves
   - safety automatics:
3. temperature control
   ;
4. mechanical rotation of an electric spit
   , etc.

The design of gas stoves makes it possible to visually monitor the presence of a flame on the oven burners in the absence of a safety device

.

The design of the floor plates allows each faucet, thermostat and safety device to be removed without removing the manifold

.

Cookers equipped with a safety device and (or) thermostat must have a gas purification filter

.

Stove ignition device

The ignition device, if available, can be electric or piezo ignition

and should ensure fast and reliable ignition.

All components of the ignition device must be made in such a way as to avoid damage or accidental displacement.

The position of the ignition device and burner in relation to each other must remain unchanged.

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If the ignition device produces only one spark each time, then the device is activated no more than 3 times - with an interval of 1 second.

If the ignition device fails, it must be possible to light each burner with a match.

If it is necessary to restart the oven burners, the oven

pre-ventilate,
cooling to room temperature
.

Electric ignition of gas stove burners

Automatic ignition of the stove burners is carried out in two ways - piezoelectric (piezo ignition) and electric spark.

A. Piezo ignition system.

The principle of operation of piezo ignition

is based on the use of the effect of generating high-voltage pulses of short duration - the piezoelectric effect.

The device shown in Fig. 7 can be used for any gas appliance

by connecting its start valve or others with the trigger mechanism of the piezo device.

Diagram of the piezo ignition device of the burner

household gas stove is shown in Fig. 7.

The piezo ignition device consists of a housing

(Fig. 7 pos. 8), in which
two piezoelements
(Fig. 7 pos. 1) with
an insulating clip
(Fig. 7 pos. 3) and
a high-voltage terminal
(Fig. 7 pos. 2).

In the building

(Fig. 7, pos. 8)
a spring-loaded firing pin
(Fig. 7, pos. 6).
The spring
(Fig. 7, pos. 7) through
the rod
(Fig. 7, pos. 9) is cocked when the handle of the stove tap is turned to the closed position.

When the tap is opened, the striker strikes the end of the piezoelectric element, causing an impulse sufficient to produce a spark in the spark gap located opposite the burner fire hole.

If there is a stabilizing ring flame in the burner, the spark point

oriented
only by height
.

B. Electric spark ignition of the stove.

Electric spark ignition of the stove can be carried out using various electrical circuits.

Ignition is performed by pressing the electric ignition button before opening the burner tap.

The spark is used on the burner whose valve is open to gas at that moment.

2.2. Device for controlling the burner flame.

If there is a flame control device, it must ensure automatic shutdown of the gas supply when the burner flame goes out after no more than 90 seconds

.

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When the device operates when the burner is turned on, there should be no more than 30 seconds.

Sensitive element of the flame control device

must control one burner. The burner is turned on manually.

The design of the flame control device must ensure that the gas supply to the burner is stopped if the sensitivity of the element fails.

2.2.1. Automation for gas stove combustion.

solenoid valve

(EMK) is used to control the presence of flame on the burner.

a thermocouple inserted into the flame zone

(Fig.8 pos.15) is cooled.
In this case, the valve
(Fig. 8, item 13), not held by the electromagnet, under the influence of a spring
interrupts the access of gas to the heating pad
.

Such safety devices are used on stove table burners and in gas stove ovens. For oven burners such a valve

installed in commercially produced
stoves PG4-P-14
of the Brest ZGA, where it is assembled
in a common unit
(Fig. 5, pos. 12-13)
with a thermostat
(Fig. 5, pos. 14) of the main
oven burner
(Fig. 5, pos. 17) .

Automation is getting better

to the required operating mode when released by the manufacturer and does not require additional adjustment.

However, during transportation it may become slightly disturbed, this mainly concerns the thermo-electromagnetic valve

(Fig. 8 pos. 13), where it is IMPORTANT TO KEEP the fixed position of
the hot junction of the thermocouple
(Fig. 8 pos. 15) at the holes of the main
burner of the oven
.

If after pressing the button

(Fig. 8 pos. 12) and ignite the burner, release the button and then after
30-40 seconds
.
the flame goes out
, which means there is
a problem
.

Valve failure

may be caused by:

1. weakly pressing the button
   (Fig. 8 pos. 12);
2. displacement of the thermocouple
   (Fig. 8, item 15) relative to the fire hole (for the main burner) and poor heating of the flame;
3. oxidation of the thermocouple
   and EMC contacts.

To eliminate a failure in the operation of the EHR

When putting the stove into operation (or during operation), you need to call a gas technician.

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In high-class slabs there is a tap-valve

(Fig. 8, item 11), used to control combustion on table burners, is installed separately for each burner and has a
separate thermocouple
.

When you axially press and turn the handle of the gas burner tap, the valve is pressed back, opening access to gas

through the tap to the burner.
After ignition (manual or automatic) of the burner, the thermocouple
(Fig. 8, pos. 15) heats up and
holds the
gas supply valve (Fig. 8, pos. 13) open.

When the tap is closed or the burner goes out in an emergency

The thermocouple cools and the valve shuts off gas access to the burner.

All of the above work

The adjustment and repair of the stove automation system as a whole should be carried out
by specialists
from the territorial gas sector when installing the stove and during its operation
according to your request.
For this purpose, the manufacturer for the warranty period

provides gas facilities with spare parts free of charge, and then supplies them upon request.

Gas oven thermostat

In order for the oven to work correctly and food to cook within the specified temperature range, a thermostat or thermostat is installed inside the cabinet. They can be mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic; to control a given mode, a rotary knob, button, or other, more complex and highly accurate devices are used. What is a thermostat in a household gas stove and how does it regulate the operating mode of the oven?

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Gas stove thermostat diagram:

How does a gas oven thermostat work?

The operating principle of such a thermostat is very simple. The dilatometer, which records the temperature increase in the oven, heats up, causing the linear rod to expand. It activates a mechanism that ultimately acts on the spring-loaded valve. The stronger the heating inside the oven, the further the spring-loaded valve will move and close the gas supply hole. Accordingly, as the temperature decreases, the linear rod decreases and the system works in the reverse order, opening a larger hole for gas access and increasing the temperature inside the oven.

The maximum temperature inside the oven is limited by a switch knob installed on the front panel of the gas stove.

How to check if the thermostat is working

Having figured out what a thermostat or temperature controller is in a gas stove, you need to make sure that this device is working properly.
Significant errors in the instrument readings can ruin any culinary masterpiece. In one case, the food will simply burn, in the other, it will remain raw. To check the thermostat, it is best to invite a specialist who, using precision instruments, will identify any deviations in temperature readings, up to 1 °C. If this is not possible, and a difference of 3-5 °C is not of great importance, you can check it yourself:

1. Turn on the oven at 150°C;
2. Place a mechanical thermometer inside the oven, designed to measure temperatures in the appropriate temperature range;
3. Leave the oven on for 20-25 minutes until the temperature reaches the desired level;
4. After 20 minutes, check the temperature readings on the thermometer and thermostat. If the difference in indicators exceeds 5-10 °C, the temperature controller needs to be repaired.

Important: to repair a gas stove, you must invite a specialist, since the problem may not only be a damaged thermostat, but also noticeable heat loss due to a loose door.

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Manufacturers

Gas pipelines are one of the most critical housing systems. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the selection of all its elements, including shut-off valves.

It is advisable to purchase products only from well-known, well-established manufacturers.

In particular, you can give preference to cranes from such Italian companies as:

• Bugatti;
• FIV;
• Valtec;

Italian crane from Valtec

In addition, products from the following companies are of good quality:

• Dungs - Germany;
• Profactor - Germany;
• Broen Ballomax – Poland;
• Efar – Poland;
• LD – Russia.

Advice! You should not buy the cheapest gas valve, since there are a lot of low-quality fittings from China on the market, which do not always meet all the requirements for gas shut-off valves.

Differences from plumbing fittings

The water tap is painted red.
The gas valve differs from the water tap in the appearance of the lever, which is yellow instead of red, as well as in a number of design features:

• long connecting thread;
• more durable housing and locking mechanism;
• ability to withstand high pressure;
• the presence of strong and sealed rings.

Despite the fact that a standard gas faucet is more expensive, it cannot be replaced with water fittings, since such savings may lead to the replacement of the main elements of the system as a result of an accident.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

As you can see, choosing and replacing a gas valve is not such a difficult job. And in order not to expose yourself and your neighbors to danger, you should treat the process responsibly. Even such a small detail as a tap for gas pipes in an apartment plays an important role in general gas communications.

How to choose a high-quality gas valve will be discussed in the following video:

Please tell other visitors to our site whether you have ever had to deal with choosing and replacing gas valves. Perhaps there are subtleties that we did not mention in this material? Leave your comments, share your experience, ask questions - the contact block is located under the article.