Print
Nov 10, 2008 10:55 am US/Eastern
Angie's List: Flexible Gas Lines
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
If you live in a newer home there's a chance your house may have gas piping that can be a potential fire hazard. In this week's Angie's List report, Jim Donovan shows you why it's so important to make sure those gas lines are properly installed.
We're talking about a flexible line called corrugated stainless steel tubing or CSST. It works great and is safe, as long as it's grounded properly.
Many consumers don't even realize whether their house has a CSST line or not.
According to a recent Angie's List poll 44% of the respondents said they didn't know. But keep in mind that half of the houses, new houses that are built each year, have CSST lines. And don't forget just because you live in an old house it doesn't mean you don't have one because if you're house has been remodeled, you might have one in that scenario as well," Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks.
If you've got it, you need to be sure it's grounded.
"If the CSST is not grounded properly, if you have a thunderstorm that has lightning near your house and the lightening strikes, the lightning can penetrate that gas line causing a gas fire in your home. The best way to determine if you have CSST lines in your house is to call a certified plumber or electrician who is certified in CSST installation. They'll be able to tell you if it's grounded properly and fix it if it's not," said Hicks.
Angie's List offers some tips to keep your house safe from lightning-related fires:
· Know what type of gas line you have in your home. If you are looking yourself to see if you have CSST piping, you will typically find the flexible pipe encased in a yellow plastic covering. CSST is often connected to appliances, such as a water heater. It also can be seen in attics and basements, and along floor joists. If you do have CSST lines, contact a qualified electrician or plumber who is certified to work on CSST, to ensure it is properly bonded and grounded.
· If there is lightning in your area, unplug appliances and turn off your air conditioner. Avoid using the telephone or running water. Draw blinds or shades over windows to help shield the inside of your home and your family members from breaking glass.
· If your home is struck by lightning, turn off the gas at the main shutoff valve. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately and call emergency services.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
