Should I DIY Gas Appliances?
So, the time comes to install new or repaired gas appliances in your home, and you want to know if it’s possible to save yourself some cash by doing the work yourself. Working with gas comes with unique risks and dangers, which we’ll talk through in this article.
Also, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of doing it yourself, helping you decide what’s the best course of action for installing, repairing, and maintaining your gas appliances.
Can You Install a Gas Line Yourself?
All gas appliances need to be connected to a gas line. Honestly, attempting to DIY this could be catastrophic. Making a mistake here could be life-threatening to the people in your home and neighbors.
While it will cost to get an expert plumber or gas specialist to do the work, it’s not worth the risk to take on the job alone.
Do You Have the Necessary Skills & Experience?
Working with gas requires a particular set of skills that only professionals have the experience and knowledge to execute effectively. Often, jobs come with their own unique challenges. When adding to previously installed systems or repairing malfunctions, an expert will know exactly what needs to be done, how to safely complete the job, and how to test that everything is working as it should.
Put it this way, to complete gas work experts have to be certified — don’t assume you can easily do it yourself.
Are You in Possession of Specialist Tools & Materials?
Gas lines and pipes are completely different from those used for your plumbing systems. To complete an effective installation of gas appliances, you’ll require a range of specialist tools and materials to ensure pipes are cut and secured correctly, leaving no leaks.
Is It Worth the Risk to You, Your Family, & Your Home?
As mentioned, incorrectly installed gas appliances put you, your family, your property, and your neighbors at risk — especially if you live in an apartment.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
When installed incorrectly, gas leaks can go undetected, especially if you haven’t installed a carbon monoxide alarm. Over time, the gas leak will cause illness and potentially death amongst those in the home who have inhaled gas for as little as two hours in an enclosed space.
Explosions
Gas is flammable and highly dangerous, and explosions are commonplace. A DIY installation drastically increases the risk. With an explosion, your home, family, and surrounding buildings are at risk of impact.
Who Can Install Gas Appliances?
Overall, we suggest always enlisting an expert to install gas appliances. When you consider all the potential risks, it’s only a small price to pay. The obvious dangers can be costly and life-endangering — don’t do a DIY gas installation!
Get in touch with us today for all your gas appliance requirements and a free quote.
