dirt leg

The rarely noticed sediment trap, or drip leg, is an important part of any gas appliance. These small pipes that appear to be extensions of the gas line serve the purpose of collecting sediment, debris, and other impurities that come through the gas line, catching them before they enter the appliance.

Where does the drip leg go?

Installed at different locations

A drip leg can be installed anywhere at the low point in the piping system, if there is moisture in the gas to allow for the removal of the condensation. The outlet of the meter is one such location.

Is a drip leg necessary?

Drip legs (technically call just a “drip”) are installed to collect condensation in a gas piping system, so they are installed in a low point to prevent condensation from running back into the gas meter.

How do you install drip legs?

Shut off the gas line that you will be installing the drip leg on.Locate the control valve mechanism on the water heater, this is where you will install the drip leg pipe onto.Screw the drip leg pipe onto the gas line and control valve inlet so that the drip leg portion of the pipe is angled downward.

Does a fireplace need a drip leg?

Gas stoves or cook tops or fireplaces for instance are not required to have them. The purpose of a sediment trap is to prevent any sediment that may be in a gas supply line from entering into the controls of a heater or water heater.

How much does it cost to install a drip leg?

The average cost to install a drip leg is $75 to $150, which is a plumber’s minimum charge. For multiple installs, costs range from $33 to $89 per drip leg. Drip legs capture moisture so that it doesn’t enter the control unit. Although small pieces of sediment may get through a drip leg.

What is a drip pocket?

Drip pocket (drip) — a pocket in a piping system designed for the collection of condensate and from which the condensate can be removed.

What is drip leg in piping?

Drip Legs are vertical piping pockets located along the steam main pipe where condensate is collected for the purpose of draining from the system.

Do all gas appliances need a drip leg?

Drips legs are used to collect water droplets. They are located in low areas of a gas line. Drip legs are only needed if the gas is wet. Most gas is dry, therefore drip legs are not often required.

How much does a sediment trap cost?

Sediment traps cost about $10, but you can do it yourself for less without the kit by shopping for 1/2 inch gas line at Home Depot. If you have a professional install one, it can cost up to $100.

Does my water heater need a sediment trap?

In other words, sediments traps are required at furnaces, boilers, water heaters, clothes dryers, ovens, space heaters, unit heaters, gas fireplaces, and more.

Does a tankless water heater need a drip leg?

A drip leg/sediment trap is always required in the gas line piping serving the equipment. It’s designed to prevent rust or particles from entering the gas valve which could over time prevent the valve from sealing tightly when off.

Why does sediment build up in water heater?

The build-up of Sediments (Scale) Inside Water Heaters

Water contains natural minerals that flow into the water heater. When the water is heated, the minerals will be deposited at the bottom of your heaters tank. Calcium carbonate is the most common sediment that settles at the bottom of your heater’s tank.

Where do you put a sediment trap on a gas line?

Sediment trap is required to be installed downstream of the appliance shut off valve and as close to the appliance inlet as possible.

Are sediment traps required in Texas?

Actually the inspector should have called them “sediment traps” and, yes, they are required, and yes, they have been required for decades, and, no, that requirement was not being enforced until recently – the code folks there were a bit slow on the learning curve. Yep, they are supposed to be there.