While water pipe leaks are a pesky problem that can cause
damage in your home, gas pipe leaks are a potential safety hazard requiring
immediate attention. Therefore, if there is a leak in the flexible brass gas
line your water heater, you need to correct it right away. Fortunately, this
common problem is relatively easy to fix. Read on to learn how.
Significance
Gas leaks in the home can lead to asphyxia, which occurs when your body does not get enough oxygen. This condition can cause breathing troubles, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and in severe cases, death.
Detection
Although natural gas is naturally odorless, an odor is added to it so that individuals can detect leaks. The main signifier of a water heater gas leak will usually be a gas odor around the appliance or in the home.
Materials Required
Copper pipe
Flexible, polymer-coated brass gas line
Time Required
About 30 minutes
Steps
- Turn off the gas. When troubleshooting a water heater, it is also a good idea to turn off the power and the water to the appliance as well.
- Take out the threaded pipe that goes from the temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve.
- Replace the threaded pipe with a new copper pipe. The new pipe should be threaded at one end only so that you do not mistakenly cap the end off.
- Remove the gas line.
- Replace the gas line with the new flexible, polymer-coated brass gas line. Make sure that the new line terminates no closer than 6 inches to the ground, and no farther than 2 feet off the ground.
- Make sure all connections are tight, and turn the gas back on.
For any pipe gripes or appliance gripes that you can’t fix yourself, enlist the services of a trusted plumbing and electrical contractor.
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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
(Photo via Flickr)
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