A gas valve regulates gas flow and is made of brass to avoid sparks. Gas fittings use a counter-clockwise thread to prevent unsafe valves from being installed. Bubble testing and Teflon tape ensure quality connections. Locking lugs and push-down valves are safety features to prevent accidents.
A gas valve is a device used to regulate the flow of gas through a system. Whether on a pipeline or a storage tank, a gas valve allows you to stop or allow gas to flow past the point of the valve. Typically made from a brass material, the gas valve is designed not to create a spark when turned. There is usually a gas valve on the gas supply line to any appliance, as well as on the appliance’s carburetor. When attempting to work on an appliance, it is recommended that you turn the valve on the supply line to the “off” position.
Most gas fittings use a counter-clockwise thread. This is the opposite of any other fitting. The purpose of this thread design is to ensure that an unsafe gas valve cannot be installed in a gas line. For example, a shutoff valve for water or another substance might be made of steel; this type of valve could trip when turned and cause an explosion if installed in a gas line. By using a specific thread for gas only, you can eliminate the potential for this type of problem.
When installing a new gas valve or fitting, it is advisable to use a bubble test to make sure there are no leaks. Bubble testing is done by using a mixture of soap and water and applying it to all gas line connections. Any gas leak will cause a bubble to form in the soapy water. If bubbles are found, the fitting must be tightened or redone. Typically, a quality connection will include the use of a Teflon liquid or sealant tape applied to the threads.
Many gas valves used on main supply lines will include a locking lug. The locking tab is a device machined into the valve that allows for the installation of a padlock. This lock holds the valve in the closed position until removed by the installer. It is a safety device used to prevent tampering or accidental flow of gas into an open line, which could lead to an explosion or poisoning of nearby persons.
Many gas valve designs used on heaters and ovens require the user to push down and hold the valve to turn on the unit. This is another safety feature intended to make it difficult to accidentally ignite the gas. By creating such safety devices in the gas valve, accidental fires, explosions and deaths can be reduced.
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