Flexible Gas Line Connector Safety Bulletin
If your home uses natural gas to heat and cook, you very likely have a flexible gas line connecting those appliances to the gas source.

Properly installed, these bendable gas lines are safe and convenient. The problem begins when the appliance is moved in and out for either cleaning or service. What happens is that small leaks occur at either the connections or in the corrugations on these flexible pipes. Another serious problem is the corrosion of the flexible connector over time.

Over the last ten years we have heard more and more about explosions in homes that have seriously injured people not to mention the destruction of the home. Many times people are in the process of moving an appliance when the flexible connector fails completely causing a massive natural gas leak in the home.

So the question becomes “What can you do to prevent problems with natural gas flexlines?”

We strongly recommend the use of flexible gas lines only as a connection to an appliance as recommended by the manufacturer. If you need to extend the natural gas service in the home, we recommend that trained personnel install rigid gas pipe as required by Building Codes.
Do not use galvanized water pipe for gas service. Use only pipe rated for gas service, we recommend you call a licensed professional plumber.

Limit movement of all appliances that are connected using a flexible gas line.
The flexible gas line should be replaced any time you replace the appliance.
All appliances with flexible gas line connectors should have a shut off valve at the appliance. This not only allows the gas service to be shut down to the appliance only, but in an emergency; you can shut down the valve quickly at the problem.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, we recommend you replace all copper / old flexible gas lines connectors with stainless steel or gray rubber covered “new style” flexible connectors.

If you have any questions regarding gas line connectors, please contact either the Gas Company or the Prospect Heights Fire District at (847) 253-8060