Have you struggled to get some stuff done with your dryer and you just can’t disconnect the dryer?
If you don’t know how to how to disconnect a gas dryer, be rest assured that you’ll find a detailed guide in this article.
Doing this is not that freakin’ difficult as most folks termed it to be.
This content would also include the safety tips and issues you might encounter while disconnecting your gas dryer
How To Disconnect Gas Dryer?
Before disconnecting your gas dryer, you initially need to be aware of the tools and supplies which might come in handy.
Here’s all you would likely need in the table below.
| Tools you’ll need | What for? |
| Wrench (adjustable, pipe, or open end) | For gripping and loosening nuts and bolts. |
| Teflon tape | To secure the gas line |
| Screw driver | To tighten fittings |
| Gloves and face mask | Serves as protection gear |
| Fire extinguisher | For getting rid of existing fire in the house |
| Penetrating oil (like pb blaster) | To lubricate and loosen stuck bolts |
Now, follow the procedures below in order to successfully disconnect a gas dryer.
#1. Unplug the dryer from its power source
The first step is to unplug the dryer from the electrical socket outlet and circuit breaker.
This will prevent risk of electric shocks and other damagers that could occur.
#2. Turn off gas supply to the dryer
You need to follow a precaution by turning off the gas supply to the gas line or the dryer via the gas shut-off valve.
All gas dryers or appliances typically have a gas shut-off valve which is located on the appliance itself.
Perhaps you want to turn on the gas supply to the gas line, simply turn the handle 90 degrees so that it is perpendicular to the gas line.
In case you want to turn it off, which is what you should do before attempting to uncouple the gas line from the dryer.
Simply turn the handle back so that it is parallel to the gas line.
#3. Disconnect the dryer from gas line
Most dryers in household are usually attached to the wall, you need to carefully slide your dryer away from the wall to get access to what’s behind it.
Now, you will see a gas line connected to the dryer. All you need to do is use a wrench to disconnect the line.
After disconnecting, you may notice a bit of gas leakage which is due to the remnant of gas in the pipe.
#4. Secure the gas line with Teflon tape
After successfully disconnecting the gas line, the next step is to cap and secure it with teflon tape.
You need to cover the end until it’s completely sealed and secure.
After all is done, you should consider disconnecting and cleaning the vent duct afterwards.
Why Can’t I Disconnect The Gas Line From My Dryer?
It is not necessary that you call a repairman before to help you remove the gas line from your dryer.
In fact you are saving yourself a few bucks by not doing this.
Here are some few reasons why you were not able to disconnect the gas line from the dryer below.
- Because you are not using the right tools
- You are probably turning the wrenches or nuts simultaneously
- You aren’t using the right sized open end wrenches
- The gas line is stuck alongside the nuts
- Call a professional
Probably Because You Aren’t Using A Tool
You will definitely need a tool to carry out this procedure. Don’t try to the gas line with your bare hands, some folks actually do this but it is not advisable.
The right way of disconnecting the gas line is by using a tool that is capable of doing the job. And which tool is capable of doing this?
A pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, an open end wrench or any other tool that is similar to a wrench.
We can conclude that a wrench is the best option you need for this job.
Turning The Wrenches At The Same Time
Without a doubt, you obviously need two adjustable or Open end wrenches for this to work.
Another reason why you might not be able to remove the gas line is because you don’t know how to do this.
You might be turning the wrenches at the same time but that’s not the right way to do it.
However, you need to be aware that one of these wrenches would be used to hold one of the nuts from turning and the other wrench would be used to turn the second nut.
Put a wrench on the smaller fitting at the bottom and don’t let it move.
Then put another wrench on the bigger fitting and you need to turn this nut counter clockwise until it loosens.
Note that you are required to turn this nut counter clockwise while ensuring that the smaller fitting is not moving.
The nut at the top is the one you need to undo while you hold tight the other one.
Just ensure you don’t damage the hose while doing this otherwise you will need a replacement.
You Aren’t Using The Right Size Open End Wrenches
This is another direct reason for this. If you are not using the correct size of a wrench, you will probably not be able to disconnect the gas dryer.
Nonetheless, this is why you can make use of an adjustable wrench so that you can easily adjust it to fit the exact size of the nuts.
You might perceive a slight gas smell from the gas that is left in the pipe so you literally don’t need to worry about this as long as you have turned off the gas supply to the gas line
The Nuts On The Gas Line Is Stuck
Another reason why you might not be able to set apart the gas line from the dryer is probably because it is stuck due to the fact that it has been there for quite a long time.
You don’t need to worry about this if your gas line seems stuck, there are some solutions to this which will loosen up the nuts instantly.
If the nuts are rust or stuck, in order to loosen them you will need a penetrating oil or rust penetrant.
You can purchase this in any store around you if you don’t have it at home
An example of these substances includes a PB Blaster, liquid wrench, blaster penetrating oil.
Now you need to spray some penetrating lube on the top of the nut as this will help it break free.
Doing this has no negative effects on your dryer, neither will the dryer feel hot on the outside.
Call a professional
If all the above doesn’t seem to work, the next step to take is to reach out to a professional.
Additionally, if an excessive amount of gas leaks anytime while disconnecting the gas dryer.
You should evacuate the home and let a professional take care of the problem.
Things You Shouldn’t Do To Disconnect a Dryer?
There are some risks and things you should not do if you simply still can’t disconnect the gas dryer.
- Do not heat the connection to loosen it: If you think heating the pipe or the nuts will loosen it if it’s stuck, then you are wrong. It will only cause an explosion due to the gas connected. Don’t do this.
- Do not turn on the gas at any point: Like I’ve highlighted in the section of the article above, make sure you have turned off the gas supply before doing anything.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you need to remember that the gas line won’t come apart if you are not using the recommended tool or the gas line is stuck.
You also should not probably turn the wrenches or nuts simultaneously and ensure you aren’t using the right sized open end wrenches.
Remember that while disconnecting the gas line you need two wrenches, one on the top nut and one on the nut just below it.
The wrench on the lower nut is to keep it from turning while you turn the wrench on the top nut.
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