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>

Q: Who installs propane lines?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s no secret that natural gas differs from propane, but you&rsquo;re in luck&mdash;licensed plumbers can also install propane gas lines. When you speak to a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/natural-gas-plumbers/">gas plumber near you</a>, be sure you specify that your project will be for propane gas, not natural gas. Propane lines are slightly different than natural gas lines, so clear communication is key to ensure that your project is completed without a hitch. </p></div>

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

Why am I using gas when the heater is off?

Accepted Answer

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If your home uses more than one gas appliance, you'll continue to use gas, even outside of the heating season. Your water heater, gas stove and oven, and gas dryer will all use some gas, although typically much less than a furnace. Additionally, those appliances may also have a pilot light that is lit continually, using a small amount even when no one is at home.

Question 2

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:

Hissing sounds
Rotten egg smell
Higher than usual gas usage
Physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea

Signs of a gas leak include:

Hissing sounds
Rotten egg smell
Higher than usual gas usage
Physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea

Question 3

How long does it take to replace a gas valve?

Accepted Answer

•

Replacing a gas valve on a water heater will take a professional plumber between 1 and 1½ hours. However, they may require extra time to diagnose the problem with your water heater, particularly since so many of the surrounding parts work together. Speak with your plumber before the job to confirm the pre-hour price and the approximate length of the job.

Question 4

Who installs propane lines?

Accepted Answer

•

It’s no secret that natural gas differs from propane, but you’re in luck—licensed plumbers can also install propane gas lines. When you speak to a gas plumber near you, be sure you specify that your project will be for propane gas, not natural gas. Propane lines are slightly different than natural gas lines, so clear communication is key to ensure that your project is completed without a hitch.

Question 5

Is it safe to manually light a gas water heater?

Accepted Answer

•

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.