Your water heater’s gas connection plays a crucial role in the appliance’s safety and functionality. It safely delivers natural gas or propane from your home’s gas supply to the water heater. The connection consists of several components, including a supply line and a shut-off valve. Professional plumbers should handle most tasks associated with preparing your water heater’s connection. However, there are some simple tasks you can safely perform as part of the process.
Locate the Gas Shut-Off Valve
The gas shut-off valve is a vital part of your water heater’s gas connection. As a homeowner, you and other residents in the home must know its location. The valve is usually a lever, and you’ll typically find it within a few feet of the water heater.
The valve allows you to stop the flow of gas to the appliance immediately. Homeowners typically use the valve only in the event of an emergency. However, it can also be turned off if you’re leaving the home for an extended period. Professional plumbers will shut off the valve when performing water heater maintenance, repairs, or installations.
Check For Physical Damage
Performing self-inspections of your water heater is strongly recommended. It helps you detect issues early, such as leaks or malfunctioning components. Checking for damage can prevent system breakdowns and safety hazards. During your inspection, check the gas line and connections for loose fittings, cracks, and rust.
If you notice any potential problems, never try to fix them yourself. This could result in you accidentally hurting yourself, starting a fire, or damaging the water heater or gas connection. Attempting DIY repairs may also void the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you responsible for paying for future repairs out of pocket.
Conducting self-inspections isn’t just essential right before winter to prepare for peak use. You’ll want to continue the practice throughout the year as part of your water heater maintenance. Regular checks, ideally every one to three months, can help you keep your system in excellent condition. These checks also allow you to notice minor problems before they develop into serious ones.
Schedule Any Necessary Repairs Immediately
When you suspect damage to your water heater’s gas connection, don’t delay repairs. This could put your safety, well-being, and home at risk. Gas leaks are a serious safety hazard, leading to fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Several signs can indicate you need to schedule an emergency repair. For example, you may hear a hissing sound or notice a rotten egg odor. Experiencing physical symptoms, such as dizziness or headaches, is also a sign.
Don’t stick around to locate the source of the problem or attempt to fix it yourself. If you notice signs of a potential gas leak, open windows quickly to ventilate the area and then leave your home immediately. Don’t use any devices that could produce sparks, and avoid using your cellphone. Once you’re at a safe distance, call emergency services followed by Midstate Plumbing & Air .
Schedule a Professional Inspection
We recommend that homeowners schedule an annual plumbing inspection. The best time for the appointment is during the fall, so we can make sure your system is ready for winter. This is particularly important as Bridgeport can experience temperatures below freezing. The average January low temperature here is 21 degrees Fahrenheit, which can take its toll on essential home systems.
Our plumbers perform various tasks during the appointment, including checking the water heater and the corresponding gas connection. We look for cracks and other signs of trouble that indicate repairs or replacements are necessary. If we notice any problems, we’ll report our findings and recommend an appropriate solution.
Clear the Area
Clearing the area near the water heater is an essential preparation step. There should be several feet of clearance on all sides, allowing for proper ventilation. Keep flammable items, such as paint cans, pressurized cans, boxes, and clothing, away from the appliance. Removing items from the vicinity gives plumbers room to work during an appointment and provides you with space to conduct self-inspections.
Take steps to prepare your water heater’s gas connection today. Midstate Plumbing & Air in Bridgeport, WV, provides reliable inspections and repairs of both tank and tankless water heaters. Call us today to schedule an appointment or book services online through our website.
