When a tough economic period lingers on as this one has, many consumers feel pinched beyond what they can bear. They put off doing maintenance, repairs, and additions hoping to feel less stretched later on. Or worse, if the repair absolutely cannot wait, they choose the lowest priced bid that they receive. When it comes to gas line piping, gas plumbing, and gas appliances, choosing the lowest bid can lead to disaster. Often the lowest bids come from unlicensed and unqualified contractors.
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).
Tags: Arizona, AROC, corrosion, gas appliance, gas leak, gas line, gas line installation, gas line piping, gas pipe, gas plumbing, gas pluming, installation, Natural Gas, Propane Gas, propane tank, propane tank failure
