Shut off gas if leaking?

[Andrew W. Hinz]

If I detect a gas leak, sometimes I turn the gas off and other times not. Usually it depends of the severity of the leak. This always worries me either way. I'm curious how other HI's deal with this issue.

[ccurrins]

I'd suggest that you should always turn off the gas. I know I do and sometimes vacate the premises. Even a minor leak is continuous and in a closed environment could result in severe consequence. I would also notify the local utilities.

[relliott]

Andrew ,there is no such thing as a small leak.
They all have the potential to become big leaks .

[Rick Maday]

Originally Posted by relliott

Andrew ,there is no such thing as a small leak.
They all have the potential to become big leaks .

Potential to be a big problem.
Guess that Duct Tape comes in handy, huh Bob! )

[relliott]

Who told you about that that...
Oh you mean on the job.

Seiously, if you have a gas leak and do nothing, you are a nothing in my book.

Peoples gas here in Chicago would shut it down and so should you as a trained professional.

No excuse .Period.Call the Landlord, call the seller, call the gas company, but do not ignore what is due -dillagance.

[Jack L. Gilleland]

How could you not. If something were to happen, well, I couldn't live with myself.

[ccurrins]

So far 5 "inspectors" say they either sometimes or never do anything...

[Ian Gills]

Anyone is allowed, and therefore should, turn off gas even at the meter in the event of a leak. Even me, Joe Public.

But to turn it back on at the meter, most utilities require that only they do this. So it's a one way street.

[relliott]

Funny coincidence ..as I just got a call from someone regarding a stove fire.
He is going to send me pics tonight.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

So far 5 "inspectors" say they either sometimes or never do anything...

I voted "sometimes" because to say you always turn it off in the event of a leak does not take into account every situation.

I have no problem with turning it off but would any you do it in the middle of Winter on a -20 deg day for a very small leak?

In all cases the gas company and owner need to be informed.

If I can safely turn off without putting people and/or property at risk, I do.

[William M. Corbett]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I voted "sometimes" because to say you always turn it off in the event of a leak does not take into account every situation.

I have no problem with turning it off but would any you do it in the middle of Winter on a -20 deg day for a very small leak?

In all cases the gas company and owner need to be informed.

If I can safely turn off without putting people and/or property at risk, I do.

I agree. Always is a strong word. Most of the time would be more appropriate.

[relliott]

Other than being a Home Inspector , I also encourage peope to come to me for help .
I just had this photo E-mailed to me about one hour ago.

This is what can happen if getting involved is to much of a hassle.



I repeat.....
If a gas company or Fire dept employee smells gas the shutoff is used till repair is made.
Is there any reason we should do less?

[Andrew W. Hinz]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I voted "sometimes" because to say you always turn it off in the event of a leak does not take into account every situation.

I have no problem with turning it off but would any you do it in the middle of Winter on a -20 deg day for a very small leak?

In all cases the gas company and owner need to be informed.

If I can safely turn off without putting people and/or property at risk, I do.

I agree with this. Let's face it, some of the small gas leaks that we find with a TIFF have probably been leaking for years. Are you ging to be the one that shuts down the furnace in the middle of winter when it was a tiny leak in the attic or even outside? Always is a strong word. Most of the time is better. Either way, always let someone know. Sometimes I leave a note on the kitchen counter saying "gas has been shut off due to leak."

[relliott]

If a cop stops you at a red light and starts whacking you on the head with his baton, do you ask him to stop, or just slow down.
My tires have been bald for years, so should I just leave them on till they blow.
If a home has unsafe handrails do you say nothing, since they have always been that way.
So what in the world makes you think a small gas leak is ok.?
Do you measure the amount of leakage and determine it is not a safety issue.?
Would you let your kids sleep next to the leak?
Guess it might be ok since they are strangers.
Do you right it off as ok.?

[Michael Larson]

Your "sounding" a bit shrill Mr. Elliot(Bob).