New construction. The house is located in the county (i.e., not within city limits), which in this county means there are no plumbing inspections. For the last few years, new homes around here with gas stoves/ranges have had the appliance shut-off valves located in the back of the cabinet next to the appliance. I would rather have it more accessible by locating the valve in the backsplash about 18″ to the side of the stove (a little above the cabinet and on the same wall), and use a “keyed” fireplace gas shut-off valve to make it look “attractive”. I would like to do the same for the gas dryer, except it would be located above the dryer (near the water/drain connection box).
Does the use of the keyed valves valves normally used for gas FP’s, log lighters, etc. meet the normal residential code requirements?
I understand that the appliance shut-0ff valves are to be used as service shut-off valves (not emergency shut-off valves), but it seems like if it can be done in a way that looks good, it’s better that they be visible than hidden away in a cabinet filled with pots/pans/etc.
Thanks,
JL
Replies
I assume you have LP out there? Call your supplier and ask them.
It's not LP. It's natural gas.
If gas company says its ok then go ahead, but all shut offs are ball valves with a 1/4 turn to shut off the "keyed" valves are not in most cases.
Interesting.. Where I live, each appliance has a shut-off where it splits off from the main service. The main service (which has its own shut-off outside) comes into the house near the furnace and from there each branch has a valve. All the ball valves are in the furnace room. Had to look up what a "keyed shut off" was. (I live in suburban Ontario, Canada)
How often do you think you need to shut off the gas to each appliance?
I hope it will seldom be used, but if a shut-off valve near the appliance (stove) is required, and it can be located in plain view in a way that is aesthetically acceptable, it seems like a good idea to do so.
The keyed shut-off FP valves I've seen are quarter turn.
From an aesthetic perspective placing a fireplace shut-off valve in the backsplash may seem like an acceptable proposition, but due to the same aesthetic consideration it is not likely you will leave the key in the valve since it would likely protrude two or three inches into the area of the kitchen counter and be unsightly. There will be little reason to operate this valve with any frequency, thus little need for the key, and in an emergency, should the key not be readily at hand, the shut-off valve will be useless.
In a jurisdiction subject to inspection of the gas piping, it is doubtful this would pass for precisely that reason. Moving a few pots and pans from the lower level of the adjacent cabinet to access the shut-off valve removes the element of chance as to the presence of the key.