So, you’re looking to build your own DIY gas fire pit but aren’t sure about some of the more technical aspects - don't worry! When it comes to gas and custom projects, it’s best to ask the experts before you plan anything.
One of the most common questions we get, from DIYers and gas plumbers alike, is if they need a regulator for their fire pit kit. It’s a tough question to answer because gas projects can vary based on a lot of factors.
Here’s the short answer: if you plan to use a 20 lb. propane tank (like you would use on a gas grill pictured here) you will need a regulator to connect to that tank.
But, if you’re using natural gas or you’re tapping into your large propane tank (like a 500 gallon tank if you live in a rural area), those types of gas lines should be regulated in coordination with your gas plumber. We certainly have bulk regulators intended for that use, but regulators aren't "universal" in that gas pressure and BTU output will vary based on the distance the gas needs to travel, the gas line size, how many appliances are on the line, and so on; that's why it's so important to work with a gas professional to ensure they've taken into account all of the variables to properly supply your fire pit. Failing to do so causes an annoying whistling noise.
A regulator is a gas component that works to control the pressure of gas. Many of us won’t come across gas regulators, but they’re present in many of the appliances we use on a day-to-day basis like a gas stove, water heater, dryer, etc.
A regulator is a simple device that’s been designed with a gas inlet, a diaphragm, and a gas outlet. As shown in the picture above, you can see the direction of the flow of gas (the yellow arrows) into a standard regulator. As the gas moves in, it runs into the diaphragm (5.) - the diaphragm acts as the “regulator” of gas flow. Many regulators are advertised as adjustable and can be done so using the adjusting screw (7.) - it can be tightened or loosened to determine how much gas pressure it will take to pass through the diaphragm.
What this means to you and me is: a gas plumber will use a manometer (a tool to measure gas pressure) and work with the adjusting screw to properly regulate the flow of gas so that the output gas pressure is the correct amount for its appliance - please note, you should not use the adjustment screw unless you are a trained gas professional.
As mentioned above, a common fuel solution for backyard gas fire pits is the standard 20 lb. (5 gallon) propane tank like you would use for a gas grill. These tanks can provide up to about 125,000 BTU so it’s important to make sure you select a properly sized burner ring if using this type of tank.
For larger propane tanks (again, most often found if you’re in a rural area) you will need the gas line running to your fire pit regulator. However, the gas line presumably fuels your home too, so it’s already been regulated for common household appliances - typically between 8" - 11" Water Column (almost 1/2 PSI) - which is what our fire pit kits call for, so the only thing your gas plumber needs to ensure is that you have sufficient BTU to supply your fire pit.
Most urban/suburban areas are on the city’s natural gas lines, so this is the most common fuel type for built-in units. Depending on how large your home is or how many appliances you must supply (again, pool heaters, et. al.), your gas source (the meter on the side of your home) could be regulated anywhere from 3.5-inches Water Column on up - but most commonly it’s about 7-inches.
Again, as with large propane tanks above, if you have a gas line run to your fire pit it probably will need to be regulated in order to properly supply the appliance. However, how it gets regulated will be up to your gas plumber to determine. If your fire pit is located just 10 feet away from the meter, it might not need to be regulated BUT if the gas line is supplying a pool heater or any other appliance OR if it’s traveling a long distance, your gas plumber will need to regulate the gas line accordingly.
The short answer is that nearly every gas project is unique in its challenges in determining gas supply, so it’s best to partner with a gas plumber that will help you figure out what works best for your project.
We certainly have regulators available for purchase and are glad to assist with any questions that you or your gas installer have as you move forward with your project.
To test the gas regulator, the gas fitter needs to use a screwdriver to remove a screw and insert a tube running to a device called a digital manometer. The manometer measures the pressure while the appliance is running.
If the position of the regulator prevents the gas fitter from removing the screw and inserting the tube for the manometer, the gas regulator is considered inaccessible.
Unfortunately it’s common for gas regulators to be placed inappropriately—hard up against appliances or in cabinetry in such a way that the angle doesn’t allow for the gas fitter to do what they need to do. An inaccessible gas regulator is one of the most common compliance issues we come across in our gas safety checks.
Historically this issue probably went unchecked because gas appliances weren’t tested as regularly. With the introduction of mandatory safety checks every two years, proper positioning of the gas regulator has become a pressing issue.