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Industrial Gas Pipework Extensions for New Machines — Preston & Lancashire Factories
Published 2 October 2026 · SMR Gas Maintenance Ltd
Buying a new gas-fired machine is the easy part. Getting gas to it safely, at the right pressure, without starving the plant you already run is where many factories come unstuck. Industrial gas pipework extensions in Preston need proper design, testing and paperwork.
SMR Gas Maintenance Ltd installs and extends gas pipework for factories and workshops across Preston, Lancashire and the North West. Gas Safe 562186.
Why you can't just tee into the nearest pipe
Pressure and capacity
Every appliance on a pipework system shares the same supply. Adding a machine can drop pressure at the burners already on the line, which leads to poor combustion, lockouts and wasted gas. The existing pipe size, meter capacity and total load all need checking first.
Material and condition
Older steel distribution may have corrosion, poor supports or undocumented changes. We survey what's there before connecting anything new.
Isolation and access
Each new appliance needs its own isolation valve in a sensible, accessible place, and the new run needs proper support, protection and labelling.
How SMR handles a pipework extension
- Site survey of the existing pipework, meter and appliances
- Load calculation for the new machine plus existing plant
- Pipe sizing and route agreed with your production team
- Installation in suitable material with correct supports and valves
- Tightness testing and purging to industrial procedures
- Commissioning the new appliance and rechecking existing ones
- Written records and updated pipework drawings where needed
Planning around production
Most factory pipework work needs the gas off for part of the job. We plan the isolation window with you, often early mornings, evenings or weekends, so the line takes one short planned stop.
Common jobs we do
- Gas supplies to new ovens, dryers and process burners
- Extensions for warm air heaters and radiant tube heaters
- Replacing corroded sections of steel distribution
- Adding isolation valves and emergency shut-off
- Upgrades where the meter or main is undersized
FAQ
Can you connect to our existing steel gas pipe?
Usually yes, once we have checked its condition, size and capacity. If the existing pipe can't carry the extra load, we will tell you what needs upgrading.
Do you need to turn the whole factory's gas off?
Often only for part of the job. We plan the work to keep the shutdown as short as possible.
Will you commission the new machine too?
Yes. We can connect and commission the appliance, or work alongside the machine supplier's engineer.
How quickly can you quote?
Send photos of the meter, existing pipework and the new machine's gas details, and we can often give a guide price before visiting.
Get a quote for industrial gas pipework
Call 07882 898492 (24/7), email andy@smrgasservices.co.uk or send us your details on our contact page and we will arrange a site survey.
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