Gas Piping

Checking for gas leaks is important. Make sure the connections in your gas line are tight and that they don’t leak any gas. Start by using plenty of pipe dope during assembly – it’s cheap, and you can always wipe off the excess. When you turn the gas back on, check for leaks by brushing a 50-50 mixture of dishwashing soap and water on the joints. Leaks will show up quickly in the form of bubbles. Never test for leaks with a burning match. A small leak is enough to start a fire. A medium-sized leak can put enough gas into the air to cause a small explosion. And you never know - the leak you discover could be a large one.

Natural gas, like most fuels, is safe when it's used properly. But accidents can happen. That's why it's important for you and everyone in your family to know all you can about natural gas safety, from where your gas shut-off valve is and how to detect a gas leak, to what and what not to do in an emergency. Natural gas is odorless, colorless, non-toxic and has no taste in its natural state. It is 40 percent lighter than air. So if it isn't contained, it rises, seeking its way into the atmosphere where it dissipates.