Q: Is it safe to manually light a gas water heater?

• <div><p>In most cases, yes, it&rsquo;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&rsquo;s safe to relight your pilot light manually. Just make sure you turn the gas valve to &ldquo;pilot&rdquo; before lighting. If the light keeps going out or won&rsquo;t light at all, call in a professional.</p></div>

Question 1

How long do gas lines last?

Accepted Answer

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Gas lines are built for longevity, so they can last up to 50 years when installed properly. However, normal wear and tear are possible, especially in moderate climates. Having a plumber or local gas company inspect your gas lines every year is best to ensure there are no hidden leaks or other dangerous problems.

Question 2

How long does it take to convert from an oil to a gas furnace?

Accepted Answer

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A few factors determine the amount of time it takes to convert from an oil to a gas furnace, mainly adding in the gas lines, updating your appliances, removing the old oil system, and installing a chimney line. These projects can vary, but you should expect them to take at least two or three days to complete.

Question 3

How much does it cost to run or repair a gas line?

Accepted Answer

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Running a natural gas line costs between $260 and $820, with an average cost of $540. Gas line repairs cost between $15 and $25 per linear foot, and the cost depends on the type of fittings and connectors, the piping needed, and the mounting hardware. The pipe’s location also matters as it will take more time and labor to access underground pipes than aboveground pipes.

Question 4

How long does it take to install a gas line?

Accepted Answer

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Installing a gas line is no simple task. From start to finish, you’re looking at anywhere from six to 12 weeks to acquire the correct permits, dig a trench, and connect your appliances. Naturally, the longer the gas line, the longer it will take to complete. If your plumber needs to hire additional contractors to dig trenches and navigate around or remove obstacles, this could put you at the longer end of the timeframe.

Once the land is prepped and licenses acquired, installing the actual line may only take a few days to a few weeks, weather permitting.

Question 5

Is it safe to manually light a gas water heater?

Accepted Answer

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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.