How to safely manage your home gas supply during an emergency
In short: Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains the function of gas regulators and the specific, rare conditions under which a homeowner should manually shut off their gas supply. This guide clarifies when to act and when to leave gas work to licensed professionals.
Natural gas reaches homes via extensive national pipeline networks that decrease pressure as they near municipalities. To ensure safe delivery, a gas regulator reduces the pressure of the gas entering an individual residence without affecting the service of neighboring homes. Malfunctions in these systems can lead to dangerous outcomes, such as the gas explosions experienced in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
While gas emergencies are rare, homeowners must prioritize safety by evacuating immediately and calling 9-1-1 if they smell gas. Manual shutoff should only occur if explicitly instructed by city officials. In such cases, the shutoff valve is typically located on the pipe to the left of the meter. Using a wrench, the valve must be turned until it is perpendicular to the pipe before evacuating. Under all other circumstances, homeowners should never touch the meter and must rely exclusively on licensed professionals for any gas-related maintenance or appliance work.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Staying Safe with Natural Gas | Ask This Old House
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