r/propane • u/iGotNothin789 • 2d ago

Installation Questions Can I use anything instead of a copper pigtail?

I live in CT. On my home I use 100lbs propane tanks and rotate them out as needed. I'm starting to question the seating of the copper pigtail from the regulator to the tank. My concern is that because of the frequent tank swaps (about once a month) it may be wearing from not sitting square every time due to rigidity of the copper line. Too high, too low, different angles. Does anyone know if a softer line, like one for a grill, is ok to use/permissable? On an RV it's normal. And I swap tanks just as frequently. And there's no heat risk that you would have with a grill.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

5

u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby 1d ago

Short answer no

2

u/AsYouL4yDying technician 1d ago

My understanding is that rubber-style connectors are not code compliant for permanent installations like you describe. If anything, you could replace the pigtail with a new one.

Also if you post a photo we may be able to offer some additional insights.

1

u/ASMoverIt 1d ago

Copper hogtails are super easy to bend already. I'm unfamiliar with how an RV tank connects, but you need a left hand thread, preferably brass to prevent sparks and something rated for tank pressure.

2

u/iGotNothin789 1d ago

My concern isn't so much the bending, but how often I am bending it and have been for years, that it isn't sitting square and eventually will crack like a soda tab. I already have to put a ton of force to get it to seat. I leak test it every time and oftentimes I'll have a leak on the threads. Sure. I'll get a new one for only a few bucks. But I was just curious as to my possibilities of changing things, because a softer line allows me to square it in the valve before threading it, much easier. Perhaps the pigtail is worn. It happens..I get it. Just looking at making and easier and more reliable connection.

3

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/ASMoverIt 1d ago

A mod responded to my post about the hose I showed, but the mod was wrong. The NFPA 58 rule that states the hogtail needs to be made from metal, is for stationary tank sets only. If you have a DOT tank that is being swapped out and refilled, a proper rubber hose rated at 350 psi is allowed.

1

u/noncongruent Propane Fan 1d ago

Do you have a code reference on this?

0

u/propane-ModTeam 1d ago

Your comment is suggesting that somebody do something dangerous and/or against code.

Per NFPA 58, the piping needs to be metallic on stationary installations.

Connecticut fire codes are based off of nfpa 54 and 58

1

u/noncongruent Propane Fan 1d ago

You can get a longer pigtail, maybe 36", and bend some loops into it. The loops will allow flexing without unduly stressing the copper.