WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GAS LINE INSTALLATIONS
- DeMarco Mechanical
Gas lines are used to transport highly flammable gasses to various parts of a home or business. Due to the risks that come with handling this type of piping, hiring an experienced and fully licensed gas piping specialist is highly recommended. Gas line installation requires a great deal of training, skill, and knowledge. If done incorrectly, the consequences can be dangerous to your health and property.
Reasons for new gas line installation
There are a few reasons for installing a new gas piping system in your home or business. Here are some of the more common reasons:
Replacing old or damaged gas lines or pipes
If you already use gas in your home, it would be recommended to check on the age of your pipes. Gas pipelines have a lifespan of up to 50 years, but many older homes may have older pipes in use. The entire pipeline may not need repairs, but a line repair is sometimes necessary. If you notice a strange smell, sounds like hissing from the walls, or the grass above a line is dying, call a professional. It can be a leaky pipeline that needs to be replaced immediately.
Installing gas line piping for a new construction
Planning a new home or business is the perfect chance to maximize any energy-saving features, like natural gas. You can also decide if you want an outdoor barbecue, garage heater, or a gas fireplace, all of which use gas. Installing gas line piping adds value to any new home or business because of the added benefits like cost-saving and convenience.
Building an additional structure on an existing property
Constructing a new structure on an existing property may require a new or extended gas line. If the building will be an extended living space, it will need heat and possibly appliances as well. There are safety requirements when installing a new or updated gas line, a specialist should be consulted to ensure those requirements are met.
Switching from oil to gas-powered appliances
Compared to oil, gas-powered appliances offer many benefits. It’s cost-effective because it’s less expensive to run. Gas is also safer and more convenient since oil systems need to be cleaned regularly and oil levels need to be regularly monitored.
In any case, it is recommended that you hire a gas line specialist to install or repair your gas lines on your property. Working with gas lines can be dangerous for inexperienced and untrained individuals who are unaware of what they are doing.
Even though it’s legal in Ontario for owners to install, relocate, repair and maintain gas lines themselves, it’s never recommended because of the serious hazards that are involved. Regardless of the self-work completed, you would require proper permits from municipal agencies and the work will need to be examined by a professional gas line technician or electrician before using it.
Common gas line issues
Household and business gas lines can develop many of the same kinds of issues as water lines. Most commonly, a gas line may spring a leak. These usually occur at the points where two lengths of pipe fit together. Connectors such as shutoff valves, risers, tees, and regulators can weaken or loosen allowing gas to escape. Some of the other common issues could occur if the gas lines are old, poorly installed, damaged or lack maintenance. These may include:
- Rusting, missing or damaged components
- Inadequate support system and use of inappropriate materials
- Weak connection lines
- Exposed piping above grade
- Improper tubing labeling
- Corroded connectors and joints
- Fittings are the wrong size
Any of these problems may have grave consequences. A gas pipe in bad condition could lead to fire or explosion if not handled correctly. These issues may expose you to dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide. Every home in Ontario is required by law to have at least one functional carbon monoxide detector on each floor for this very reason.
Factors to keep in mind while installing piping systems in the GTA
Location of existing gas pipelines on your property
If you have done renovations or construction projects on your home or business, you might know where all the current gas lines are. However, if you haven’t done any major projects on your property you may be unaware of the location of these gas lines. Whether they are underground or above ground. Ontario One Call is a free, province-wide service that will completely assess your property to locate hidden infrastructure such as gas lines. They use little red flags as markers to inform the property owner of the location of these gas lines so you know not to dig there.
Gas lines are properly inspected
Natural factors such as water, outdoor exposure, faulty installation, or safeguards not being followed will cause all metallic gas lines to corrode. For the safety of your family or employees, it’s important to find and fix any gas pipe corrosion before it causes a leak.
During a regular inspection, a gas line professional will evaluate all the gas pipes that are linked to your home to identify any areas where they have begun to rust. An inspection should be completed before and after a project is completed to ensure the gas line is safe to use without any potential damages.
Always use a licensed gas line technician or contractor
Gas line installation, repair and maintenance have a certain amount of danger and should be performed only by a professional with the proper training and certification. In Ontario that is the TSSA-certified classification. TSSA stands for the Technical Standards and Safety Authority which sets the provincial standard for occupations related to boilers and pressure vessels. There are three levels of training to become TSSA certified, G1, G2, and G3 all requiring a minimum passing grade of 75% or higher. Anyone working on or installing a gas line should have this certification.
There are many factors that go into a gas line installation. Certain safety requirements need to be applied to follow the provincial standards. As a homeowner or business owner, if you are considering a gas line installation or facing gas line issues, there is no better option than hiring a certified gas technician.