Four Mistakes To Avoid With Your Gas Plumbing

If you have a gas appliance or plan to install one in your home, then you need to make sure that you are taking all of the necessary safety precautions. Gas plumbing is a bit different from regular plumbing, and if you aren't careful, this can lead to some major problems. Here are four mistakes to avoid making with your gas plumbing:

1. Making Your Own Gas Plumbing Repairs

If your gas appliance stops working or develops a leak, it is important that you don't try to repair it yourself. If a pipe is leaking, it can be very dangerous because it could release poisonous gases into the air. If your gas appliance will not turn on, you may need to light a pilot light or replace some parts. None of these tasks should be attempted by someone who doesn't know what they are doing. Instead, contact a gas plumber who specialises in gas plumbing and has the experience and knowledge to get the job done safely.

2. Ignoring The Smell Of Gas When You Have Gas Plumbing

One of the biggest advantages of using natural gas is that it has its own specific odour. This is so that people will be able to tell when there is a leak and seek help before something bad happens. The smell is usually described as being rotten eggs or sulphuric in nature. If you notice this smell around you need to contact a professional gas plumber right away to address the issue because it could lead to an explosion if left alone.

3. Using The Wrong Fittings With Your Gas Plumbing

One big thing to know about gas plumbing is that it is not interchangeable with water plumbing. Gas is propane, which is pressurised and combustible, while water is not. You wouldn't think you'd need to know that, but people do make that mistake. Because of this, there are certain types of fittings that you can't use with gas pipes and vice versa. If the fittings are different, they won't even fit together, so you'll know right away if you're making a mistake. There are some exceptions: flare fittings can be used for both water and gas pipes and there are some quick-disconnect fittings that can also be used for both purposes, but for the most part, you'll want to stick to using only the proper fittings for each type of pipe.

4. Installing Too Many Gas Plumbing Appliances With One Line

The biggest problem with installing too many appliances on one line is that you won't have any control over when they turn off. If all your appliances are connected to the same line, they will all be turned on at once. This means that if one of the appliances is malfunctioning or has a leak, your entire line will shut down until the issue is resolved, preventing you from using any of your other gas appliances while it's being fixed. Furthermore, if one of the appliances is located somewhere out of sight, it could leak into your home without you realising it.

Avoid the gas plumbing mistakes above to keep your home and family safe. For more information on gas plumbing issues, contact a gas plumbing expert today.