How to Convert a Natural Gas Hot Water Tank to Propane
Table of Contents for Home-Hvac Are you ready to make the move from natural gas to propane for your water heater? Check to see whether you can convert your model, then research propane pricing in your region, gather all of the materials you’ll need for the conversion, and learn how to do it safely before you start the conversion. When the length of the sources is equal to zero, this.parentNode.removeChild(sources); otherwise, this.onerror = null; this.src = fallback; )(, arguments.target.currentSrc.replace(), ‘, /public/images/logo-fallback.png’) ” loading=”lazy”> ” loading=”lazy”> Instructions on how to convert a natural gas hot water tank to a propane hot water tank It is possible that a propane-powered water heater will be more inexpensive, more efficient, and safer than its competitors.
In the event that you’re ready to make the transition but don’t want to give up your present natural gas water heater, it’s possible to convert your system.
Is Propane Cheaper?
You may have heard that propane water heaters are less expensive than natural gas water heaters. This, however, may not be the case in all instances. While propane is frequently less expensive than electric-powered tanks, natural gas is frequently the most affordable alternative. The cost of gasoline varies depending on where you reside. If saving money is the primary reason for your decision to switch, make sure to shop around in your region.
Can Your Water Heater Convert?
Not all tank-style water heaters are capable of being converted to run on propane. Before taking any action toward replacing your water heater, be sure to conduct some preliminary research on the precise brand and model you now own. First and foremost, you should examine the warning markings on the back of your tank. If you see any warnings that suggest that the tank is solely for gas, you should consider purchasing a new tank rather than converting your old water heater to gas. If the labels on your tank are not clear, you can get in touch with the company that made it.
What Will You Need?
After determining that propane is a good fit for your home and that you can safely convert your current tank, it’s now time to start collecting the necessary components. Replace the appliance regulator, burners, and burner air shutter, as well as any other minor components that need to be replaced. If you are confident in your ability to navigate the aisles of a hardware shop, you may purchase these pieces individually. Alternatively, complete conversion kits are available.
Safety First
The process of servicing a water heater might be hazardous. Always make sure you’re wearing the proper protective gear. Before beginning your task, be sure that the electricity to the area surrounding the water heater has been turned off. Make careful to follow any instructions or warnings that are posted on your tank.
Warning
When dealing with water heaters, it is always a good idea to wear gloves and protective clothes.
How to Convert Your Water Tank
As soon as you have everything you need and have followed all the safety procedures, you may begin the process of converting your water heater. You may have noticed that some conversion kits specify that the conversion must be performed by a professional. Make careful to pay attention to this warning. If you have little or no expertise with water heaters, if the instructions are not crystal obvious to you, or if you feel physically incapable to finish the work, you may want to engage a professional to complete it for you.
As a result, it is critical that you carefully follow the instructions provided with your conversion kit or by the tank’s manufacturer.
Can you convert a natural gas hot water heater to propane?
Asked in the following category: General The most recent update was made on April 2, 2020. Sorry, but it is not possible to convert natural gas water heaters to propane or vice versa. The water heater will have to be replaced with a new propane gas water heater. (You may, however, convert appliances such as furnaces, stoves, and other such items.) Stoves, dryers, furnaces, and other appliances are built to be used with any type of fuel. Water heaters, on the other hand, are not. In reality, the thermostat on an LP gas heater is specifically designed such that it cannot be used on a natural gas water heater, and the reverse is true as well.
- Because natural gas is delivered at a lower pressure than propane, a natural gas orifice must be smaller than a propane orifice in order to get the same heating value (which is commonly measured in BTUs).
- Appliances that run on LPG (propane) and natural gas (methane) cannot be used interchangeably; they must be converted.
- What happens if you use propane to heat your home with natural gas?
- In contrast, attempting to use a propane device with natural gas would most likely result in a very tiny flame or even no burner flame at all due to the lower pressure gas and the smaller aperture of the appliance.
Can I use natural gas water heater with propane?
Asked in the following category: General The most recent update was made on the 19th of February, 2020. Stoves, dryers, furnaces, and other appliances are built to be used with any type of fuel. Water heaters, on the other hand, are not. As a matter of fact, the thermostat on an LP gas water heater is purposefully designed to be incompatible with a natural gas water heater, and the reverse is also true. Propane is a natural gas that can never be turned into it. Sorry, but it is not possible to convert natural gas water heaters to propane or vice versa.
- (You may, however, convert appliances such as furnaces, stoves, and other such items.) In addition to the aforementioned, are gas and propane water heaters the same?
- Gaseous natural gas grows spontaneously, whereas propane must be extracted from the ground, separated, and refined.
- Furthermore, what occurs when you put propane on a natural gas water heater is unknown.
- In contrast, attempting to use a propane device with natural gas would most likely result in a very tiny flame or even no burner flame at all due to the lower pressure gas and the smaller aperture of the appliance.
- The aperture of the majority of propane furnaces, fireplaces, and certain stoves may be changed to accommodate natural gas operation.
The ability to convert hot water tanks varies from one manufacturer to the next. Please seek the advice of a competent heating contractor or plumber if you wish to convert your heating and appliances to natural gas.
natural gas with propane water heater?
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| Author:Anonymous UserCan you use natural gas on a propane water heater or can you convert a propane water heater to use natural gas and if not then why not? |
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| Author:Edward429451 (CO)No you can not. Wh gas controls are dedicated to the type of gas you will be using and are not convertable. The gas orifices in the burner and pilot have to be changed also or it will not burn right and probably continually soot up and backvent into your home with the accompaning carbon monoxide dangers. |
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| Author:Anonymous UserEdward is correct with the exception of the water heaters approved for manufactured homes. These water heaters are sold as L.P. but include the conversion kit for use with Natural gas. All other water heaters that I know of are not allowed to be converted. |
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| Author:Dunbar (KY)Don’t experiment with this idea.you could end up causing yourself physical harm and property damage in the process. |
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| Author:Anonymous UserI’m on propane and just make sure the appliance can handle gas or propane.you just have to use the right orifice.I’m *NOT* a plumber but have two tankless water heaters, gas dryer and gas stovetop.Also, propane space heaters. |
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| Author:hj (AZ)Stoves, dryers, furnaces, etc., are designed to be converted for either fuel. Water heaters are not. In fact the thermostat on an LP gas heater is intentionally manufactured so it cannot be used on a natural gas water heater, and vice versa. If you wanted to change the thermostat, burner tube and orifice, and pilot burner, then you could make the conversion, but you would spend more in time and material than a new heater set up for that fuel would cost. And it would have a guarantee which the converted one would not have. |
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| Author:jimmy-o (CA)A propane WH can be converted to nat., but with a kit ONLY available from the manufacturer, and they will only sell it to a certified distributor.A natural gas WH can NEVER be converted to propane. |
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| Author:packy (MA)didn’t know you could field convert from LP to NAT. learn something every day. |
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| Author:hj (AZ)In the “old days” we did it frequently by drilling the burner orifice and replacing the pilot orifice. These days, liability issues it is seldom done. With the manufacturers sending heaters with the thermostat turned off so they cannot be sued for customers getting scalded, I cannot imagine them furnishing the material to convert a water heater. Especially since the thermostat pressure regulator is set at 12″ for LP and 6″ for natural and cannot be changed. Commercial heaters are a different matter however and might be convertible. But if any converted heater were to fail during its warranty period you would get another heater like the original one and have to convert it also, assuming it could be done with the new one, and I doubt that it could happen with the new combustion chambers, etc. |
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| Author:jimmy-o (CA)Packy:I got this info from the Rheem website.They say they will only provide the kit to an authorized distributor.The kit includes a label to be affixed to the heater to document the gas change; and oh, before you can get the kit you have to provide them with a signed released of liability form.All in all, it just seems to not be a good idea.Better and cheaper to get a new nat. tank.They don’t explain, but I am wondering if propane heaters have a heavier tank bottom and burners, and possibly a different flue or baffle material.How is the track team doing at “Phillips Byfield”? |
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| Author:hj (AZ)Same tank, just different control and burners. |
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Can you convert natural gas water heater to propane?
Sorry, but it is not possible to convert natural gas water heaters to propane or vice versa. The water heater will have to be replaced with a new propane gas water heater. (You may, however, convert appliances such as furnaces, stoves, and other such items.) Water heaters, on the other hand, are not. In reality, the thermostat on an LP gas heater is specifically designed such that it cannot be used on a natural gas water heater, and the reverse is true as well. Furthermore, is it possible to convert a natural gas fryer to run on propane?
- In a similar vein, the question is raised as to whether natural gas can be converted to propane.
- In the event that you are able to properly convert an appliance or furnace, switching to propane as a fuel source will necessitate some appliance modification, which may include replacing parts with those provided by a conversion kit.
- What happens if you use propane to heat your home with natural gas?
- In contrast, attempting to use a propane device with natural gas would most likely result in a very tiny flame or even no burner flame at all due to the lower pressure gas and the smaller aperture of the appliance.
Propane to natural gas conversion
It differs from person to person. Need to link with the manifold that runs beneath the city’s foundations? Alternatively, does your property currently have natural gas and you only want a new connection or an expansion to it? When the price is split down, it looks like this:
- An average cost of $980 is incurred for new gas line installation, ranging from $0 to $2,000. The gas provider is obligated to complete this task. Many times, if there is a pre-existing relationship between the neighborhood and the gas provider, or if the distance between the line and your home is minimal, the hookup might be provided for free. Your home, on the other hand, will not be able to run on natural gas unless it has a connection to the manifold. When a residence is already connected to natural gas, the cost of running a line extension ranges from $256 to $792, while the cost of installing a new gas line from the meter is from $ 500 to $2,000 or more. Gas line extensions are frequently performed in order to accommodate the installation of extra appliances. Adding a connection to the gas meter allows you to enhance the amount of gas that is delivered to your residence. Adding several gas appliances or systems may necessitate the installation of this piping.
What Is the Cost of Gas Piping?
It is necessary to run a pipe underground in order to install natural gas, which is typically from the road to your property. The cost of digging the trench is generally included in the price of installing the pipe, but the cost of the subsequent work is not. It may be very expensive to have your yard repaired! The cost of landscaping can range from $300 to more than $10,000. Dirt and grass are quite inexpensive to replace. When you include in the cost of payment, stone, and brickwork, it becomes prohibitively costly.
What Do I Do With My Propane Tank?
If you are making the conversion from propane to natural gas, you may want to remove your propane tank first. Some propane tanks are leased, so you should verify with your propane supplier before making any choices about your tank.
Additionally, you may be compelled to remove the tank in accordance with the rules and regulations of your HOA or other local regulations. If the tank is easily accessible, above-ground removals can be rather inexpensive. The cost of removing a propane tank beneath the earth is around $900.
Why Does Labor Quality Matter?
Obviously, you will have to pay someone to run and install the gas lines, but if you simply choose the cheapest option, you may end up incurring additional costs and end up endangering the health and safety of your family members. NG pipe repairs can cost between $150 and $650 for a single pipe and $1,000 to $5,000 or more for an excavation project. Gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other serious consequences might result when you try to save money by cutting costs. This should not be attempted; it should be left to the pros.
Can I run a gas hot water heater on propane?
I’ve done this conversion a number of times, and if you have the documentation, it’s possible that your water heater came with the orifice necessary to make the convert. The work I’ve done on water heaters, furnaces, and oven/ stove tops required just a little brass aperture, which I was able to procure. The orifice is a metal disk with a small hole in the center, and it is frequently stamped with a number or letter. It is located on the output side of the regulator and changes the quantity of gas that is released.
If yours did not come with an orifice, your local plumbing and electric specialty business may be able to supply you with one; this is where I have obtained one on numerous occasions.
answered At 19:59 on August 23, 2019, Ed BealEd Beal93.2k4 gold badges64 silver badges135 bronze badges4 BealEd Beal93.2k4 gold badges64 silver badges
- The AO Smith 30 gallon gas water heater was the one I was considering for my needs. Somehow, it appears that they allow conversions from Propane to LP but not the other way around, for whatever reason. Hotwater.com/lit/partslists/PSD3598a.pdf cites this as an example: At 20:15 on August 23, 2019, To be quite honest with you, I assumed propane and LPG were the same thing. Posted on August 23, 2019 at 20:43
- I apologize for the error, you are correct. Ed Beal, I was referring to Natural Gas rather than LP. at 20:44 on August 23, 2019
- Oh, I wonder if that has anything to do with the current efficiency criteria. For the first time in a long time, I was able to determine that the sole change was the orifice. I’d like to report that the propane hole was larger than the natural gas orifice, but it’s been a long time since I completed one of these. at 20:51 on August 23, 2019
It is feasible to do so at times. There are conversion kits available from some manufacturers that will allow you to change your water heater to another kind. The regulator, valve/thermostat, burner, and orifice for both the main flame and the pilot light, in my opinion, are the things that need to be converted. It is recommended that you only attempt this if there is an official conversion kit available for the specific model you have and you are confident in your abilities to do so. This has the potential to be extremely harmful if done incorrectly, as safety-related components must be turned off before proceeding.
The market for “propane tank in the backyard” products is large, but not large enough to justify developing a whole different line of water heaters, dryers, stoves, and furnaces just for this market.
For further information, contact the manufacturer or see the installation instructions online.
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Although it is possible to convert furnaces, cooking ranges, and other appliances from propane to natural gas and vice versa, it is not possible to convert water heaters.
Propane is the only fuel that can be used with them if they were designed to work with it from the start.
Can you convert a Rheem natural gas tankless water heater to propane?
The Rheem RTG20216B Liquid Propane Commercial Conversion Program Chip for RTG84DVP is described in detail below. The Rheem RTG20216B is a commercial conversion program chip for your RTG84DVP. It is available from a variety of vendors. Note: This program chip may only be used to convert the RTG84DVP tankless model; do not attempt to convert any other tankless model with this program chip.
Are natural gas and propane water heaters the same?
When purchasing one of the propane water heater brands, you will note that they are identical to natural gas water heaters, and that the conversion kit is generally included, which alters the gas orifice and gas pressure regulator on the device to accommodate the propane gas supply.
What do you need to convert LP gas to natural gas?
Instructions for converting Natural Gas to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP Gas) from Rheem may be found in the section GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS below. For example, a small-bladed screwdriver, a nut driver, and wrenches are often specified by manufacturers as tools for converting from natural gas to liquid propane or LP gas as well as for installing a natural gas cooktop or range.
Where can I get parts for my Rheem water heater?
On this website, you may purchase parts for residential tank type water heaters. In order to input your serial number, please refer to the instructions on the main page. Alternatively, Rheem water heater contractors or Rheem Customer Service can assist you in obtaining residential or commercial components. Call Rheem Customer Service at 800-621-5622 for assistance.
Can a Bosch range top be converted to natural gas?
For example, in the case of a Bosch gas range top that is delivered ready for natural gas, the instructions require the installer to rotate an adjustment screw (gently to the closed position in the case of this appliance) located at each of the individual burner controls on the appliance in order to convert to LP gas.