Do-it-yourself gas column installation in an apartment - norms, rules and step-by-step instructions

We live in a time when it is not worth counting on the efficient operation of utilities. Each homeowner must take care of creating in his home, regardless of whether it is a private house or city apartment, comfort and coziness. Unfortunately, most residents of our country have long forgotten about such a service as centralized hot water supply. But it is physically impossible to organize life without hot water. Therefore, the solution to this problem sooner or later concerns everyone. We propose to consider one of the most effective ways to provide a city apartment with hot water, provided that it is located in a gasified house. As you may have guessed, in this case we will talk about such a procedure as installing a gas column in an apartment.

What do the rules and regulations say?

We emphasize that any work regarding the organization of gas supply, including the supply of a gas pipeline, the installation of tees, the installation of stop valves should be carried out only by specially trained specialists. If you decide to do this kind of work yourself, then at least "earn" a substantial fine and spoiled nerves. But this does not mean that the installation of a gas column with one's own hands is also impossible.

If there is no self-confidence, it is better to invite specialists

From a technical point of view, the installation standards of the gas column say that two types of work can be performed:

1. Installation from scratch.
2. Replacing old water heating equipment with a new one.

If the column is mounted for the first time, then first you need to develop an appropriate project in which the work on supplying the gas pipe to the place where the column will be fixed will be regulated. This is also a function of the gas industry or a specialized company licensed for such activities. And when such a project will be issued "on hand", and in addition, you will receive permission to install a gas column, then subsequent activities can already be carried out independently. This is exactly the stage in which you can save a tidy sum.

In the case when the old gas water heater is simply replaced with a new one, no additional projects are needed. The main thing is to carry out all activities as indicated by the existing gas column installation project

Important! The official act regulating the installation of a gas water heater is SNiP 42-01-2002 "Gas distribution systems." And taking into account the fact that today in the vast majority of cases non-metal pipes and fittings are used for gas supply in private homes, the items SP 42-101-2003 are mandatory, which describe the procedure for working with metal and foam gas pipelines.

If we talk about how to correctly install a gas column in simple words, then for our part, on the basis of the above regulatory documents, we want to note the following:

• the room should be at least 7.5 square meters;
• adequate ventilation should be provided;
• floor-to-ceiling distance (ceiling height) cannot be less than 2 m;
• there must be a chimney in the room - a diameter of 120 mm (in this case, it does not mean the stuffing rooms that are in any apartment);
• in the water supply system, the pressure should not be less than 0.1 atm;
• the column should be mounted on a wall made of non-combustible materials;
• it is strictly forbidden to place the column above a gas stove - a minimum distance of 10 cm.

Requirements for the installation of geysers do not prohibit their installation in the bathroom. Today, this water heating equipment is installed only in the kitchen of a city apartment. But, if according to the old project, the column is placed in the bathroom, then the law does not require transferring it at the expense of the consumer.

What tools and materials will be needed?

Here is what is required during installation:

• Open end wrench 27/30.
• Adjustable wrench - 2 pcs.
• Open end wrench 32/36.
• Sealant of the Unipak type.
• Tow or FUM.

The items listed above, in principle, are always at hand. But, especially for the installation of the column will have to purchase:

1. Galvanized pipe with a thickness of 1 mm. It can come complete with a column. If not, then its manual developed by the manufacturer indicates its diameter.
2. Ring-socket - required when arranging the entrance to the chimney.
3. Gas hose - typical. Dimensions will be indicated in the design documentation.
4. Dowels, through which the speakers will be mounted on the wall.
5. Coarse water filter - the service life of a new gas column directly depends on its quality.

Hardware Installation Algorithm

So, it is understood that the plumbing and chimney are already prepared for the installation of the column. Now, on the surface of the wall, in the place where it will be located, points under the fasteners are marked. It should be borne in mind that the chimney in the vertical direction should be at least 50 cm - for rooms with a ceiling height of 2.0 meters, and 25 cm - for rooms with a ceiling height of 2.7 meters. Further, holes are made in the wall and hooks are installed - the entire column can be hung in a permanent place.

At the next stage, using connecting hoses and PVC pipes, the water supply is connected to the inlet and outlet of the unit. Note that when working with hoses, the use of FUM tape or tow will not be required. Upon completion of the installation of the pipeline, you need to open the taps of cold and hot water on the column and inspect the system for leaks and tightness of the system. If a leak is detected, carefully squeeze the hose retaining nuts. Do not be too zealous - there is a risk of damage to the gaskets. If the connections are made using FUM (tow), then in places of leakage of the seal must be repacked again.

Scheme of connecting a gas column to utilities: 1 - gas pipe; 2 - gas valve; 3 - water valve; 4 - pipe with cold water; 5 - a pipe with hot water; 6 - column controls; 7 - column housing; 8 - chimney pipe

Now it remains to bring gas to the column. We take a special flexible hose and fasten one end to a gas tap, and the second to the gas inlet in the column. Compress the compounds, and then treat them with a soapy solution. Now open the gas, if there are no bubbles, then all the work is done correctly. Work on installing a gas water heater can be considered completed.

When buying a new speaker, ask at the store if they are not providing installation services for equipment purchased from them. It often happens that this service is provided absolutely free of charge, as a bonus for the buyer.If so, then you are lucky - a qualified specialist will solve the problem.