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Any gas pipe can leak, especially if it’s old or isn’t properly maintained. However, even with a shovel, plastic pipes are more easily damaged by impact. That’s why it’s so important to have gas lines marked by the utility company before you begin digging for any reason. Some metal pipes, like black pipes, galvanized steel, and copper, aren’t as easily damaged by impact but can degrade over the years, leading to leaks.

In most cases, yes, it’s safe to light a gas water heater manually, but you should shut the gas off first, open a window, and let the space air out for about 10 minutes. Modern water heaters shut the gas off entirely if the pilot light goes out, but airing out the area beforehand is good practice and will ensure it’s safe to relight your pilot light manually. Just make sure you turn the gas valve to “pilot” before lighting. If the light keeps going out or won’t light at all, call in a professional.

No, Teflon tape will not stop a gas leak. In fact, no type of tape is the solution to a gas pipe leak. If you suspect a leak, turn off your home’s gas supply and contact a pro or your utility immediately. Teflon tape is only for preventing leaks during pipe installation, not for repairing existing leaks.

Oil furnaces don’t emit poisonous or highly flammable gases, making them less dangerous in your home than gas furnaces because they have a much lower chance of combusting. An oil furnace does pose the risk of causing a fire if it tips over, but it is generally considered safer compared to a gas furnace.