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

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.

Question 2

What do I do if there’s a gas leak?

Accepted Answer

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If you think your home might be experiencing a gas leak, you should immediately leave your home and call a professional natural gas line plumber for assistance. Natural gas is dangerous and highly flammable, so you shouldn’t stay inside your home if you think there might be a gas leak.

Question 3

Can I convert my existing natural gas furnace to propane?

Accepted Answer

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Some natural gas furnaces can be converted to propane with a conversion kit, but not all models are compatible. Consult a licensed HVAC pro to determine if conversion is possible and cost-effective for your system. The process involves changes to burner orifices and safety controls, and must be completed to code.

Question 4

What tubing should I pick for my new natural gas line?

Accepted Answer

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If you're connecting your gas line to appliances, the pro doing the work may recommend flexible corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CCST). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another relatively inexpensive material commonly used for residential pipes. Ultimately, you'll need to find out what is permitted based on the code requirements in your area.

Question 5

Can you cap a gas pipe with a compression fitting?

Accepted Answer

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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.