Gas plumber involves around the fitting of pipes that will carry natural gas or the fitting of gas-based appliances. It is a very crucial job and even a tiny slip can cause a massive explosion. It should not be handled by amateurs and even if an expert is plumbing, she/he has to keep some things in mind.
Things to Remember While Gas Plumbing:
- The piping system should not be exposed to thermal and mechanical stress. Like, from direct sunlight, fires, heating and convector installations.
- The pipes should not be fitted in a damp environment.
- It is advisable to use UV protected pipes as the ultraviolet rays from the sun cause damage to the pipes otherwise and cause them to leak.
- The piping system should not even be subjected to a corrosive environment or aggressive materials.
- Plumber should not be conducted near high tension wires, hot or cold-water pipes.
- Neither should they be constructed in lift cages or places where there are transformers or across chimneys.
- Lastly, piping systems, especially gas pipes, should never be forced into positions.
- The duct openings and mouths of the closure devices must be secured properly. Proper wrenching and fitting of pipes is a must to prevent any mishap. It should be ensured that they are closed and tight.
- During gas plumbing, the infiltration of extraneous substances should be prevented, like dust, dirt, water. Dissolved work residues, like burrs or shavings, must be eliminated. In case anything stays backs, they should be eliminated by blowing inert gas into the pipes.
- The piping system should be as short as possible, with very few connections. The pipes must be positioned in such a way that the chances of mechanical damages are slim.
Apart from these preliminary measures, when dealing with gas plumbing, an additional layer of care must be taken.
#1. Carbon Monoxide: There must be a caution against carbon monoxide. Even though natural gases are clean lack of proper airflow can cause the production of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas plumbers which causes respiratory problems, is fatal to our body and also shuts down our brain and lungs. So, to detect CO production, detectors must be installed around the pipes and routine check-ups must continue. Blocked vents can be a cause of CO production as well and so the vents need to be cleaned and supervised routinely as well.
#2. Gas Leak Prevention: Almost every household now suffers from gas leaks but if preventive measures are taken during gas plumbing, this hazard can be prevented. Some common symptoms of a gas leak include discoloration of plants and bubbling of standing water. Gas leaks also cause fogging and watery formations around the point from where it leaks. Natural gases are generally odorless but when leaking over a prolonged period, they begin to produce a pungent smell. Or sometimes, the smell of rotten eggs. When gas leaks are detected, it is best to phone an emergency helpline and call a plumber.
#3. If there is supposed to be a digging or drilling activity around gas piping systems, it is best to inform the concerned authorities beforehand. Even a slight puncture can cause a very big problem. Or if there is construction work to be done around piping lines, it is best to not cause any obstruction around the pipes. Building structures around the pipes would prohibit the repairing of any future leaks.
#4. There is a provision of private piping and it is opted for by most homeowners. Private piping ensures a direct line of natural gas to the residence and the responsibility of inspecting and repairing gas lines is on the homeowner alone.
Gas plumbing, although it is sometimes underestimated, is a very important and difficult job to accomplish. Gas plumbers are specialized and trained engineers in this course and their job is not to be taken lightly. A host of preventive measures need to be kept in mind while plumbing and the pipes also require surveillance so that any minute slip can be noted and tended to.