Planning a DIY gas fire pit? There are two common pipe thread standards used by the industry for gas fittings. It’s important to know the difference between the two, so you can select the right hoses and connectors for your fire pit.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the terminology; how to measure properly for parts (spoiler alert: the name size and the actual measurements, do not align); how to make proper connections; and testing for leaks. So, let’s get started!
Yes! There are two standard types of gas fittings used in the U.S.—NPT (National Pipe Thread) and “Flared.” The type of fitting used has nothing to do with whether your fire pit uses propane or natural gas, rather it has to do with the gas supply line or appliance.
GAS FITTINGS may have trace amounts of lead. Do not use for potable water!
As we noted earlier, there are two types of gas fittings used for DIY gas fire features. While they are very different from each other, you’ll often find that both types are used within one DIY fire pit project. That means you may be using couplers to go from one fitting type to the other. How they’re measured and how they make a seal is very different, so it’s important to have a good understanding of both types. The following information should help you keep things straight.
The most important thing to know about NPT fittings is that they’re tapered, and the seal is provided by compression in the threads. The more you turn them, the tighter the seal.
Since the seal is provided by the threads pressing against each other, it’s important to use yellow Teflon tape on the threads. NPT fittings require the use of this yellow Teflon tape because it is rated for use with gas.
When applying the Teflon tape, wrap the threads tightly by stretching the tape around the threads several times. The tape should be applied to the male end (exterior threads) of the coupler wrapping it clockwise when looking at the threads from the open end of the fitting. This will ensure that the tape won’t unravel when screwing the fitting in.
The second most important thing to note is that thread size does not equal pipe size. Gas pipe sizes are concerned with how much gas a pipe can deliver. For this reason, fitting sizes are loosely based on the inside diameter of the pipe. We say loosely because the inside diameter will depend on the material used for the pipe.
For example, an iron pipe has thicker walls than brass, so the inside diameter of the iron pipe will be smaller than brass. The thread sizes have to be a standard size in order for two fittings of different materials to be connected to each other.
While 1/2” NPT has an inside diameter of about half an inch (give or take), the actual threads measure 0.84”. Don’t worry, we’ll get into this later when we talk about how to measure gas fittings.
NPT is the most widely used thread for gas fittings in the U.S. When used with a proper joining medium (yellow Teflon tape or pipe compound), the tapered threads provide a solid mechanical connection as they conform to one another when tightened.
If you have to disassemble NPT fittings, it is highly recommended that you replace them with new fittings. The nature of the fitting is to compress the threads with force to create a seal. Once you have done that, the threads will now be deformed. It will be very difficult to recreate a tight seal with used parts.
Flared fittings are very different than NPT fittings and are commonly used for gas appliances. Flared fittings are easy to spot from their NPT counterpart, as the upper edge from the male fitting has a smooth angled tip. We call this angled tip the flare.
The female end has an inverted flare inside the fitting. When the two pieces are pressed tightly against one another, the flares coming in contact with each other creates the complete seal. No sealant is necessary with a flared connection.
The most important thing to know about flared fittings is that the threads don’t make the seal. The purpose of the threads on a flared fitting is to provide pressure at the tip of the fitting to make the seal. By pressing the flare tightly against the inverted flare, a tight seal is made. For this reason, you should never use Teflon tape on a flared fitting.
Never reuse a flare connector. Flare connectors are for one-time use only. Always replace the hose when disconnecting and reconnecting.
There are a lot of similar-looking terms used in the industry, and it can get confusing. Here are the most common terms you’re likely to see in regard to gas fire pits.
Adapter – Used to join two different types of pipe or fittings.
BSPT – Abbreviation for British Standard Pipe Thread, which is different than NPT.
Coupling – A short piece of pipe with female threads (interior) on both ends.
FIP – Abbreviation for Female Iron Pipe, this term is interchangeable with FNPT.
FNPT or FPT – Abbreviation for Female National Pipe Thread or Female Pipe Thread. This identifies a female NPT connection—threads on the inside.
BSPT (British Standard Pipe Thread) is the standard used in the United Kingdom and most of the world. BPST fittings are not the same size as NPT, so an adapter must be used to combine them.
MIP – Abbreviation for Male Iron Pipe, this term is interchangeable with MNPT.
MNPT or MPT – Abbreviation for Male National Pipe Thread or Male Pipe Thread. This identifies a male NPT connection—threads on the outside.
Nipple – A coupler with male threads (exterior) on both ends for connecting pipes.
NPT – Abbreviation for National Pipe Thread (or National Pipe Tapered Thread). Features tapered threads and are the standard used in the U.S. and Canada.
Union – A coupler that can be separated and repeatedly reassembled.
Measuring gas fittings is neither intuitive nor easy. This is because with gas we’re concerned with the volume of gas we can deliver to an appliance. You would think that we could base sizes on the inside diameter of the pipe, but we can’t do this because there is no standard material used for pipes. Different pipe material leads to slightly different sizes for the interior diameter.
The two most common metals used for gas pipes are iron and brass. Iron pipes require a wall thickness greater than brass pipes. So, to make sure the exterior measurement will be standard and fit into any other pipe or fitting, that means the inside diameter will be a tad smaller. That’s why we say the measurements are an approximation.
When measuring the size of your gas pipes, you should be measuring the diameter at the threads. Note: Your measurement will be significantly larger than the size name for the pipe.
Now, one of the most intimidating parts of the whole process for a gas fire pit DIYer, ordering the right size fittings. You now know that NPT and Flare size names do not correspond with the measurements you’ll take. With this knowledge, you can measure the fitting size by measuring the thread diameter and not wonder why your measurements are off.
For a quick reference, use the charts below to figure out what size you need. If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We want to help you avoid the frustration of getting the wrong part and having to reorder or make another trip to the store.
For additional information on how to measure pipe sizes, check out our article, “How to Measure Pipe Size.”
The good news is, if you can figure out the right size, parts should be pretty easy to find. The easiest of all? Ordering from the comfort of your home. Celestial Fire Glass carries many of the parts you might need, and we’re happy to consult with you in order to make sure you get the right part for your gas fire pit the first time around.
Another good resource would be to go to your local plumbing supply store. These stores are where contractors shop and will almost certainly have the fitting you need. You may find what you need at a big box store such as the Home Depot or Lowes, but if not, look to a more specialized hardware store.
PLUMBING SUPPLY doesn’t refer to just water – it also includes GAS plumbing.
As you might imagine, making the proper connections when building your fire pit is an important step. A leak is not only wasteful, but it can also be explosive and result in the loss of life.
NPT fittings require the use of yellow Teflon tape or pipe compound in order to get a proper seal.
Yellow Teflon tape, made specifically for gas fittings, helps lubricate the threads allowing for greater tightening, and also helps to fill in small pockets of air creating a tight seal. Other types of Teflon tape are not sufficient and should not be used. Pipe joining compound suitable for gas can be used in place of the yellow Teflon tape.
When using flared fittings, never join two or more connectors to make a longer connector. The connector/hose should be long enough to reach your burner in one piece, and without stretching or having tension.
Never use Teflon pipe tape or pipe compound on the threads of a flare connector. This will prevent the connector from bottoming out and making a proper seal.
There is no hard and fast rule around this issue because it partly depends on the quality of the parts, how tight you are able to get it with hand-tightening, and the materials the parts are made from.
You need to tighten enough to form a seal, but not so tight as to cause damage. As a general rule, you hand-tighten the fitting as far as you can, and then anywhere from 1-3 turns after that using a wrench.
You will likely need two wrenches, one to hold things steady and one to turn the fitting. Slowly turn until it seems like you aren’t making any more progress.
KEEP IN MIND, gas Fittings are NOT REVERSE-THREADED. The old saying, “Righty Tighty – Lefty Loosey” works with gas.
Do not jerk on the wrench abruptly, this gives you no control over how much you are tightening and does not allow you to feel what is happening.
Brass is softer than steel and if you go overboard with the tightening, it could break or crack the piece. There is less worry about breakage with a steel pipe, but it is possible to strip the threads if you tighten it too far.
It may be better to err on the side of less tight, test for leaks, and tighten more if needed.
It’s important to test your gas fire pit for leaks and luckily, there is a relatively easy and reliable way to do this. Combine 1 teaspoon dish detergent (which is designed to be sudsy) and 1 cup water in a spray bottle. If you don’t have a spray bottle on hand, you could use a small paint brush to slather it on the fittings. Coat all your fittings on both sides of the valve and regulator.
Then turn on the gas and look for foaming or bubbles. If you see bubbles, then you can try to tighten the fitting a little more and then test again.
WHEN YOU “spring clean” your fire feature, it’s a good idea to use the soapy water test to make sure your fittings and the length of your hoses are leak-free.
Creating a gas fire pit or fire table is a great DIY project, but sometimes there are elements that require a professional.
If you have natural gas, be sure to call in a licensed gas installer to set up your operation. While a small propane tank could certainly cause damage, it is minor compared to what would happen if you made a mistake while hooked up to a gas supply line with unlimited gas flow.
Nobody wants to take out a city block and their neighbors along with it. Call the professionals and let them make your gas fire pit safe by making sure the lines and connections have been constructed properly. You can find a local contractor by searching local plumbing companies.
For everything else, contact us! We’re here Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. We enjoy talking with our customers and helping in any way we can. We’re located in Frederick, MD. If you find yourself nearby, stop in and say hello.
One reason why there are so many different types of gas fittings is that they are designed for specific functions. Some need to be able to change the direction of a pipe while others create a connection between two different sized pipes. Moreso, there are gas fittings specifically shaped to extend or end tube lengths. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve with the work being done on your lines and appliances.
Here are some of the most common gas fittings by function and where or when you would expect them to be used.
How to choose the right gas fitting comes down to two main features: size and operation.
Most gas fittings are designed to create connections between different lengths or directions of pipe or tubing, but not all tubes are created equal when it comes to size or material. Gas fittings help professionals literally fit together the different tubes to create a singular flow between the source of the natural gas and the appliance powered by it.
Operation is more than just whether or not you need a valve to operate the flow of natural gas. It’s a measure of how much pressure and temperature the fitting is designed to operate under or withstand. Different fittings come with different ratings, which a professional will reference in order to use the right type.
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