Replacing gas pipes - part 2

[Kantara]

I did post this in the original thread but people have obviously stopped reading that. Apologies in advance if this is against the rules!

I bought replacement flexible gas piping from the local calor agent last week. The manufacture date on the pipe was 2005. When I queried this, I was told that the pipe is damaged by the gas and that the 5 years only runs from the time of first use. They don't get through a lot and can't replace reels every year.
Am I being gullible? And how do I convince the surveyor in two years time that the pipe has only been used for 2 years despite the manufacture date being 7 years previous?

 

[theforeman]

well i bought new gas pipe yesterday from the calor shop in glasgow - dated 09/08. that was the latest they had. keep the receipt !

 

[Bodach na mara]

I am doing a similar job and posted my findings in an other thread. Like you I found that the tubing on sale has a manufacture date well in the past. I am reassured that the 5 years is from the date of installation, but it may be a problem convincing a surveyor of this. Better keep the receipts.

Unlike you, I have stuck to copper for most of the system, with flexible tubing only between bottle and dual manifold and an armoured flexible pipe from gas tap to cooker. That is how Calor used to recommend installation. I did not have a positive experience with the local Calor depot this time however. Some of the advice given was just plain wrong for a boat installation. I realise that the BSS is not mandatory, but feel that following it is the best way to go.

 

[dombuckley]

I'm afraid he's bullsh*tting you: the advice is always 5 years from date of manufacture.

The problem is that the orange hoses are very susceptible to UV and weathering: they may not get this in your gas locker or galley, but you cannot know the conditions the hose was stored under, so this will always be an unknown factor. Having personally found a gas hose which had cracks in the orange sheathing before it had left the shop, I would always be wary of older unsold items.

 

[brianhumber]

Re: Replacing gas pipes - Do not get Fobbed Off

Having done a CORGI boat LPG course in the past ( admittedly these were biased to canal craft) I can assure you its from date of manufacture. Try convincing your insurer after it has cracked, leaked and caused an explosion it was in date just because you have only had it fitted for a year.

Take your pipe back to your supplier and verbally kick his arse all over his shop then complain to your council weights and measures.

Brian

 

[Pye_End]

Mine was the best part of 2 years old when I bought it. Since it cost not much more than £1 did not make a fuss as even if I change it in 3 years it will not break the bank.

The old one was a couple of years past it's date (I do keep records if this sort of thing for exactly this reason - but failed to spot it!) - when I took it off found several cracks in it, although I think the inner was probably still in tact. Since the tube is in a locker that rarely sees the light of day, degrodation must occur not just as a result of UV - probably movement as it was by the connector. If it is largely movement it may well last more than 5 years out of the shop, but would not wish to try to convince an insurance company, and due to the sums involved will try harder to stick with the dates on the tubes in future.