Natural gas and propane gas storage, usage, and repairs are a critical safety consideration for your business or home.  An unlicensed contractor or unqualified contractor can leave you with sub-standard work – a costly mistake that will not be a bargain in the long run.  Gas lines will fail if the proper procedure and materials are not used when the installation process is completed.  Specific permit procurement is required and must be completed to ensure that the proper inspection of the work is completed.  The outcome of an improper installation can be gas leaks, premature corrosion and propane tank failure. 

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AROC) published information explains:  “Since most unlicensed contractors are not bonded or insured and do not pay into the residential contractors’ recovery fund or pay any unemployment compensation for their workers, they can often under bid the licensed professional.  This bottom line may at first be attractive to the property owner, as a way to lower costs and save money.  Most of the time, it is not.”

This problematic trend in the gas plumbing industry is not only unethical, but truly dangerous.  An unqualified contractor may possess a license, but it may not be applicable to gas pipe work (such as a general landscaping license).  An unlicensed contractor carries no license or insurance at all.

Be sure to verify with AROC that your contractor is licensed and qualified for gas line and propane tank installation. Only then can you be certain that the workmanship, materials, permits and inspections are completed to the highest safety levels.  Anything less is certainly not a bargain.

Check with AROC online at www.azroc.gov or by calling 602-542-1525 or toll free 1-877-MYAZROC  (1-877-692-9762).

For the safety of your business and staff or your home and family, it is important to spot and repair any gas pipe corrosion before it becomes a leak.  Trained gas pipe plumbers can not only spot problems now, but also determine areas that are likely to become problems in the future.  A proactive approach to safety ensures a worry-free home or business for you.

Corrosion will never stop, reverse, or minimize by itself.  Since a chemical reaction is taking place, a planned resolution is needed to combat the corrosion.  In technical terms, preventing or minimizing corrosion is accomplished by cathodic protection in which the anodes (actively corroding sites) are converted to cathodes (passive, non-corroding areas) by the application of an alternate source energy or materials such as magnesium, sleeving or coating.  In other words, salt or other chemicals/minerals that may react with the pipelines must be countered by adding a protective measure to stop the corrosive process.  Only then can repairs be effectively undertaken.

Combating corrosion is an important process.  Choosing the lowest priced bid may not ensure that your gas line contractor has the experience and technical knowledge to make a complete repair.  Often the lower bids will not factor in important costs such as permit fees or inspections, which will simply be added to the total price later on.

And while it may be possible to skimp on natural gas or propane gas plumbing inspections and repairs for now, the damage caused by corrosion will turn up on later inspections such as when the sale of a home or property is in progress.  And, of course, once the corrosion results in a leak, everyone is at risk.  The cost of repairs and liability at that point will be much higher than proper maintenance in the first place.

New construction projects are fun and exciting.  Dreaming of how the finished project will look and function is the best part of any plan.  But anytime there is gas line piping involved, you will need to involve a professional gas line plumber to help you determine what gas sources and gas lines are nearby.  This is not just a practical suggestion.  In nearly all areas of the United States, failure to accurately locate underground utilities can result in a fine or criminal charges.  Repair and emergency charges would also be levied if damage is done or a dangerous situation is created.

An experienced gas piping company will do more than simply locate the natural gas and propane gas sources and gas pipelines.  They will also inspect the gas pipe installation for needed repairs and recommend the safest, most efficient ways to reroute any gas pipe plumbing to meet the needs of the new project.  With these decisions accounted for early in the project, the final plan will be more effective and more complete.

When conducting your search for a gas line service company, be sure to hire only gas line contractors that are licensed with the state and local authorities and are in good standing with the better business bureau and governing contractors association.  In the Phoenix, Arizona area and throughout AZ, that is the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, or AROC.gov.

As the holidays fast approach, now is the time to make sure that your gas fireplace is functioning correctly.  Whether your gas fireplace is natural gas or propane gas, a year’s worth of inactivity could mean there is an undetected problem. 

Before your family and holiday guests arrive, schedule an annual fireplace service call with a reputable licensed propane gas plumber or gas line company.  These trained professionals will visit your home and review your propane gas fireplace or natural gas fireplace for safety and wear.  An experienced gas line expert will ensure that your gas fireplace is not only safe, but also that the appliance is efficient in gas consumption and that the flame is appealing and natural-looking.

During the annual fireplace service call, the gas line should be checked for leaks and wear.  The pilot flame may need to be relit, and should be checked for accuracy and safety.  And the pressure and flame in the fireplace itself should be adjusted for the most safe and efficient burn level.

A gas line professional will also ensure that the flue and exhaust systems are clear of any debris and working correctly.  This is a critical step to ensure that no carbon monoxide or other combustion by-products from the fireplace will be present in your home or business.

The safety, security, and peace of mind knowing that your fireplace has been thoroughly inspected are priceless.  You will enjoy the gas fireplace free from worry during your holiday entertaining, and your friends and family will appreciate that cozy and appealing fireplace as well as the care you took for their safety.

1. Check the integrity of the gas line.

I If you have a propane tank directly attached to the gas appliance, it is a good idea to check that the line is still intact after a winter without use. You should also check the supply line of a natural gas grill. Use the steps below to confirm that the line is not leaking.

2. Leave plenty of space around the grill.

The appliance should be at least 10 feet from the nearest structure. Stay clear of tree branches and shrubs, too.

3. Store propane grills and propane tanks in open areas.

It is dangerous and illegal to store or use propane on a balcony, terrace, or roof. Use only in a well ventilated outdoor area.

4. Plan an emergency extinguishing method.

Never attempt to put out a grease fire with water, as this will cause the flames to flare up. Have a working fire extinguisher on hand whenever flames are to be used. If the fire involves or is near the tank, DO NOT attempt to extinguish it. Evacuate the area and call the fire department.

The connection lines from small 20 pound propane storage tanks to gas grills are the primary spot for gas leaks and fires. To check for leaks, first prepare a small amount of soapy water. With the tank valve in the full off position, rub the soapy water on all parts of the storage tank and the gas line. Turn the tank valve on and observe for several minutes. If gas is leaking, bubbles will form at the spot of the leak. It is also a good habit to check the natural gas supply line running to an outdoor grill or fire pit.

With a few simple safety precautions, this barbeque season can be focused on fun and good company. If you have questions about propane gas safety, contact a licensed gas piping contractor or the local fire department.

In Arizona, you must have a permit for any gas line work and allow the work to be inspected.  You should obtain a permit from the local board or authority.  The office or representative will explain the necessary procedures, including the length of time the permit covers, the inspections that are necessary, and the “Green Sticker” requirement for a legally compliant installation.

DIY installation may invalidate your appliance warrantee.  Most manufacturers will not warrant an appliance unless it was installed by a licensed contractor in good standing with the local regulatory board.  The reason for this is simple.  The expectation is that an appliance will have a longer life without need of repair or replacement if all necessary details were professionally reviewed, such as proper gas line pressure, thorough check for joint leaks, and adequate ventilation.  The manufacturer’s assumption is that a do-it-yourselfer may not be familiar with the needed standards.

DIY installation may invalidate your home owner’s insurance.  This standard can vary by insurance carrier and by state, and many homeowners are unaware of the possibility.  But it is certainly a serious concern and worth the phone call to your agent or insurance company.  In the event of an accident – even if not related to the DIY installation – it would be devastating to discover that your insurance would not pay for repairs.  Protecting your family and your property is a priority for you, and this important consideration should not be overlooked.

DIY gas line installation can be a daunting task.  If it is your first plumbing or piping project, you should give appropriate thought to the advisability of your choice as well as to the safety measures needed.  Even if you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, be sure to act on these recommendations before you begin the project.  For the safest possible outcome, contact a licensed and qualified gas piping contractor.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AROC) explains the problem this way:  “Property owners often look for the lowest price when looking to build or remodel a home.  Since most unlicensed contractors are not bonded or insured and do not pay into the residential contractors’ recovery fund or pay any unemployment compensation for their workers, they can often under bid the licensed professional.  This bottom line may at first be attractive to the property owner, as a way to lower costs and save money.  Most of the time, it is not.”

RP GAS PIPING has witnessed first-hand this growing and problematic trend in our industry, which is not only unethical, but truly dangerous.  Homeowners allow critical work to be performed by unlicensed contractors or by contractors with different licensing – such as general landscaping – that does not qualify them for gas line piping work.  We are often contracted to fix the problems that result from these types of hiring decisions.  Gas lines will fail if the proper procedure and materials are not used when the installation process is completed.  Specific permit procurement is required and must be completed to ensure that the proper inspection of the work is completed.  The outcome of an improper installation can be gas leaks, premature corrosion and propane tank failure.  At best the consumer will pay for the gas line service twice, and at worst, a dangerous accident could occur. 

RP GAS PIPING cannot overstate the importance of hiring the proper contractor that is licensed and qualified for gas line and propane tank installation and of verifying a contractor or landscaper’s claim of qualification.  The AROC website offers free information for consumers about how to locate and choose a licensed contractor.  The website further explains that, “… with a licensed contractor, you as a residential property owner have significant protections not available to persons utilizing an unlicensed contractor.  This is your guarantee should the workmanship be below standard or in violation of existing codes.” 

Fortunately for consumers in Arizona, AROC makes it easy to check on the licensing and good standing of all contractors in the state.  Check a contractor’s license number online at http://www.azroc.gov/ or by calling 602-542-1525 or toll free 1-877-MYAZROC  (1-877-692-9762)