Q: Is pipe size inside or outside diameter?

• <div><p>The size of a pipe isn&rsquo;t always the outside or inside diameter. Rather, it&rsquo;s a nominal diameter that depends on the type of pipe. For male pipes, you&rsquo;ll need to measure the outside diameter. For female pipes, you&rsquo;ll need to measure the inside diameter. You&rsquo;ll then need to use a nominal diameter conversion chart to get the actual pipe size you&rsquo;d buy in the store.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs of a gas leak?

• <div><p>Having gas appliances in your home can be convenient&mdash;you benefit from faster water heating, more efficient clothes drying, and more affordable home heating. However, you need to be aware of the signs of a gas leak so that you and your family can take precautions to be safe around these versatile appliances. </p><p>Signs of a gas leak include:</p><ul><li><p>Hissing sounds</p></li><li><p>Rotten egg smell</p></li><li><p>Higher than usual gas usage</p></li><li><p>Physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Question 1

How do you reset an earthquake gas shut-off valve?

Accepted Answer

•

The best way to reset this valve is to contact your utility provider to do so safely. If the pipes are damaged and you reset the valve anyway, it could lead to a gas leak. It’s important to call in a pro as soon as you can to reconnect your gas supply after an earthquake and ensure the device will work again the next time there’s a quake.

Question 2

Is pipe size inside or outside diameter?

Accepted Answer

•

The size of a pipe isn’t always the outside or inside diameter. Rather, it’s a nominal diameter that depends on the type of pipe. For male pipes, you’ll need to measure the outside diameter. For female pipes, you’ll need to measure the inside diameter. You’ll then need to use a nominal diameter conversion chart to get the actual pipe size you’d buy in the store.

Question 3

Can you cap a gas pipe with a compression fitting?

Accepted Answer

•

No, you shouldn't cap a gas pipe with a compression fitting because they aren't designed for gas lines and can pose serious safety risks. Gas pipes require threaded caps that create a secure, leak-proof seal capable of handling gas pressure. Using a compression fitting could lead to dangerous gas leaks—a hazard you definitely want to avoid.

Question 4

Can you vent a gas water heater out the side of the house?

Accepted Answer

•

You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides.

Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.

Question 5

What are the signs of a gas leak?

Accepted Answer

•

Having gas appliances in your home can be convenient—you benefit from faster water heating, more efficient clothes drying, and more affordable home heating. However, you need to be aware of the signs of a gas leak so that you and your family can take precautions to be safe around these versatile appliances.

Signs of a gas leak include: