How to Update an Old Gas Fireplace

[@ProjectBilld]

Hey all. A few people have pointed out that I should not have used tape on the flared connections of my existing gas line and gas log set. That is correct and was a mistake on my part. The tape is not needed for flared fittings and can only cause issues, so be sure to learn from my mistake. - Bill

[@elite_buck13yt11]

This is great information, however, what are we supposed to use then if no the tape. I did the same project, painted my old bricks (looked just like yours) and updated the grate with paint, new rocks etc... When I removed the gas line it had like a white grease on it. Do I need to replace that or can I leave the old lubricant on and reinstall the line? Thanks in advance.

[@ProjectBilld]

If you have flared fittings you don't need anything on the threads. I'd try to clean off the old stuff, and test for leaks after.

[@mickmacy6161]

Great tutorial! I'm updating our gas logs this weekend. Thanks!

[@chriswall31]

I like the lack of fluff in your videos. Everything is is informative and useful, I think if you keep hitting bigger projects and keep the same style you might build a spot for yourself

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! That's the goal, don't want to waste anyone's time

[@Evadization]

Thank you for this tutorial. It's just what I needed.

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@Evadization]

@@ProjectBilld Forgot to mention I subscribed after watching just this one video. Instructional but quick and to the point. Well done.

[@JessicaShull1928]

Nice job!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@rickb3288]

Dude, this video was awesome - exactly what I wanted to see before I tackle a similar project. Seeing you complete your upgrade tells me that my fireplace may be able to experience the same. And thanks for all the product links.

[@ProjectBilld]

Awesome, glad it was helpful!

[@AnnaSoucek]

Thats gorgeous, you changed my mind, ty

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@geo1667]

Exactly the video I needed! Thanks for the content bud!

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@johnattaway6741]

Good job !!! 👍

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@dread3443]

This is something I’d have to hire someone for. I am definitely not this DIY savvy. This looks great. Wish I knew someone that could do this for me. I have never used my gas fireplace because it wasn’t hooked up correctly.

[@JaredAlexanderStevenson]

How well does your fireplace heat the home? Thinking of fixing mine. Just moved into mine, and it has an older one. Love a fireplace and it could help in an emergency potentially.

[@ProjectBilld]

Not particularly well really. It's mostly for ambiance and emergencies like you mentioned. It heats the room it's in alright, but not much beyond that room

[@luisdeocares2087]

Thanks to your soapy water tip, I was able to verify there was an actual gas leak on my fireplace gas connection! 🙏 🙏🙏 I was not looking for that. I was interested in how you would set up the logs. Then my wife mentioned she smelled gas and I tested it. How about using that specific footage to make a KZbin Short? 😎 It may lives! 😊

[@ProjectBilld]

Glad you were able to detect a gas leak! Never thought about making shorts from my videos, I'll have to look into that

[@luisdeocares2087]

@@ProjectBilld shorts are basically Instagram Reels for KZbin (or similar to TikToks!) think it would be a great way for people to find your content on KZbin. 😎

[@qazer90]

Not supposed to use gas tape on a flared join in Aus.

[@orthobill4020]

Love this video. Content was good, but the editing, speed, direct to the point, is PERFECT! If I watch a video and there is fluff for more than the first 20 seconds.... on to the next video. Well done Bill

[@ProjectBilld]

Appreciate that!

[@mayur8]

Great video! We are renovating our living room area and were thinking about replacing the entire fireplace insert with a new one but after watching this video I'm going to do this and save a significant amount money! Thanks for that. I was wondering if the glass doors you used would work for my fireplace? I have a Desa V42E but I couldn't find anything for it. Mine looks almost identical to yours but not sure... What do you think? Appreciate your help!

[@ProjectBilld]

I can't say for sure, but I'd guess they would as long as you have the track the doors fit in. Looking at your fireplace the oem doors are model VGB42E and when I Google that I get doors that look identical but are out of stock. Order from a place with a good return policy!

Great video! So helpful. Did you use Satin Black or Flat Black paint?

[@ProjectBilld]

Flat black. The specific paint is linked in the video description

[@Christine-cz7kb]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Have you ever converted a double sided (see thru) fireplace into a single sided fireplace? I have a see thru fireplace between my master bedroom & master bathroom. I'm trying to cap off, then drywall the side in the bathroom, in order to build a shower on that side. So far, fireplace stores are telling me I have to replace the entire fireplace, which is very expensive.

[@ProjectBilld]

I haven't done that but unfortunately I can't see it being safe to do without replacing the insert so the fire is contained. Might be worth searching in your area used market for a used fireplace insert that someone is replacing and refurbing it/buying new gas logs for it.

[@robertdickerson7454]

Good info thx

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@J_bui]

Looks great! Did you ever have any issues with fireplace micro switches?

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! Like a millivolt switch? Neither of mine use that type of valve, so not particularly

[@montaeflorence5261]

Thanks man!

[@HUMINT1]

I dig the look of this fireplace. I’m curious about the plastic valve handles and I believe starter button and heat. I would think that the heat would melt said hardware after time. Have you had any issues with this or are they high temp or heat resistant? ✌🏽

[@ProjectBilld]

Haven't had any issues. That fireplace is over 20 years old so if it were going to melt I suppose it would have already

[@HUMINT1]

@@ProjectBilld ah yes I totally agree! ✌🏽

[@Jaye1024]

I've been in my house for 20 years, and it was built in 1956. My fireplace looks like yours. The gas company told me it's old and he wouldn't use it, just replace it. I forgot to ask if it was considered ventless or vented only used it once years ago

[@VDubbi]

This is very helpful. I am wondering what the limits are around what lava rocks to use. Could you use fire glass stones instead? Or is there a reason you have to stick with the rocks? Thanks

[@ProjectBilld]

I just like the look of the lava rock, use what you like as long as it's fire rated!

[@aleefarris9842]

Could I also refresh the paint on the fireplace surround? Should I just use the same paint?

[@ProjectBilld]

Yes you'd want to scuff it up/sand it first to promote adhesion and then roll or spray on the paint, not brush. I'd probably use a different paint, I don't think the paint used in the fireplace would go on smooth. Plus it's overkill as the surround doesn't get as hot. I'd look for a heat resistant latex paint. This also allows you to choose a different color than black if desired.

[@Curradososa]

Nice video

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@yaulkwong3775]

Is there anyway to improve the efficiency for such gas fireplace? I do have about the same one and I though such old fireplace should had some way to improve the efficiency without doing too much reinstallation work on gas.

[@ProjectBilld]

Vented fire places are inefficient by design, most of the heat goes up the vent and outside. They're really more for asthetics than anything else

[@SLatz18]

I have the same one, are there any ways to increase the heat output without replacing the whole fireplace?

[@ProjectBilld]

Off the top of my head a new log set or adding a blower would be your options. The firebox mostly determines what size log set you can use and I wouldn't go through the hassle of replacing that unless yours is defective.

[@mikerla60]

What model is that fireplace and what type of log is that? I have an EC42 that is a match light and I am trying to get a remote controlled log set.

[@ProjectBilld]

The fireplace is a heatilator E36, we also have an E42 in a different room. I don't know about the logset, some old manually valve set. You should be able to put any remote controlled set in yours as long as it fits with reasonable clearances

[@gp8532]

Hey your fireplace looks Gr8 can you share the burner model no if possible

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I think the burner model is temco AD29N and the fireplace unit is heatilator e36

[@gp8532]

Thank you for quick response really appreciate your help 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Did you use more than one can of the Rutland high heat paint?

[@ProjectBilld]

Nope, there was definitely some leftover

[@danielmeals6049]

Dude you should never gas tape a flare fitting. If you tape the threads for a flex line you can cause a leak at the flare because the tape doesn't allow the flared ends to seat as tight as they need to. Otherwise good job. But the tape is very dangerous in this application

[@ProjectBilld]

I agree that's it's not needed for flared fittings and that's a slight oversight on my part. But I don't agree that it's dangerous. As long as you check for leaks there shouldn't be any issues

[@Rockoblocko]

@@ProjectBilldit is dangerous in the long run.

[@change929]

@@ProjectBilld wrong, teflon is a mild lubricant and is direct counter to the friction seal of a flared fitting, very dangerous

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks for the feedback all. I pinned a comment letting others know that this was a mistake on my part and to not do the same

[@evelynberroa6663]

Can you tell me where did you buy the pieces that goes inside of the firebox that you painted?

[@ProjectBilld]

Which pieces?

[@tomperkins5657]

I have a barely used propane gas fire place. The flame, quite frankly, is pathetic. I pulled the logs, etc, out, blew out the line from pilot to gas line. Nada. I just ordered the rocks and wool and am hoping it could generate more flame. There is no second gas line above which really looks great. I'm somewhat embarrassed as I keep trying to fit the logs in the metal templates and the holes which I'm thinking the gas/fire shows. Got pictures, etc. but obviously can't upload them. Just subscribed and will watch your videos. the answers might be in them. Regardless, thanks! Very informative. Oh, when I said barely used, it was barely used (maybe a dozen times).

[@ProjectBilld]

It's possible that you'll need to get a new log set. Can't do much about it only having one burner unfortunately. We have a second fireplace in our house with a bad set I'm going to have to replace

[@tomperkins5657]

Wow. Thanks for the fast reply!@@ProjectBilld

[@viperflyer]

How is the 1200F paint holding up after one season?

[@ProjectBilld]

I wish I knew. Still remodeling that room/part of the house. From what I've read about that paint it holds up well

[@RyanWhiteley-xp8xn]

Where did you get your new fireplace doors. Can you share the link?

[@ProjectBilld]

They are linked in the video description

[@forty05]

Is this a Superior VF6 fireplace? That's what I have and I can't find the glass doors that fit it anywhere.

[@ProjectBilld]

It's not. If you contact me through Instagram or my website contact info I can try to help you find doors that fit

[@JosephWezwick]

What exact paint did you use, and was it flat, matte or satin?

[@ProjectBilld]

Flat black. It's linked in the video description

[@JosephWezwick]

Thank you so much. Great presentation.

[@almarioescoto1749]

Where can i contact you to do my fireplace in Surrey bc

[@bigby6023]

How do i upgrade my gas logs? The ceramic logs are just laying on the metal rack and the flames dont really spread out. There is no burner pan, its just the grates. Do i upgrade the logs and burners together ?

[@ProjectBilld]

Yeah pretty much. Typically you'd buy an entire new gas log set that includes burners and logs. I'll be doing that for the other fireplace in my house as the valve is broken and it has a larger opening that could benefit from a longer log set.

[@gilbertorangel3235]

do you have a link to the glass doors?

[@ProjectBilld]

Yes, look in the video description for aftermarket glass fireplace doors. It will be in the materials I used section

[@Othermails08]

This fireplace looks like it has never been used!

[@giad1526]

I removed the ceramic logs and hose them down with plain water and left them outside to dry, they were still wet the next day? How long before they're completely dry?

[@ProjectBilld]

Were they lightweight fiber logs?

[@giad1526]

@@ProjectBilld no heavy

[@ProjectBilld]

Ok good, sounds like they are the kind that can get wet. I don't know how long they'll take to dry, that depends on the temperature/wind/humidity outside. I'd try to bring them inside to dry if you can

[@giad1526]

Can I burn them while damp?

[@ProjectBilld]

I don't know but I wouldn't. Best case it would release steam and vapor from any cleaning product if you used any which isn't great. I'd worry that they might crack due to the expanding moisture

[@litronadventure1002]

I recently bought a house, it already has that chimney system, but I don't know how to connect the gas bottle, the connection is outside the chimney outside the house, can you help me?

[@ProjectBilld]

It's hard to say without seeing it firsthand. Are you saying there's a propane tank outside? And is there an existing line running to the fireplace?

[@Old_Sailor85]

You do not put "tape" on a flared fitting!