Natural gas is a wonderful source of energy because it’s cheap, clean, and readily available. In Australia around 70% of homes utilize natural gas, which is about 6.5 million homes! It’s a great option, but if you are thinking of switching your home and appliances over to gas there are some things that you should know first.
It’s very important that a natural gas installation be performed by a professional service like a plumber in Leichhardt who will ensure that the entire process is accomplished legally and safely. Improperly installed gas lines are a health and fire hazard, so take no chances, go with the pros!
The following is a brief outline of the terminology and technology that are associated with home natural gas so that you will have a better understanding of what to expect from an installation:
The Building Line which supplies the gas to your home runs across the property from the Main Line under the street to the house’s wall. From that juncture, branch Lines run to your various appliances. Branch Lines can either be Drop Lines from out of the ceiling, or Riser Lines coming up through the floor.
A Drip Pocket and Sediment Trap that will catch any unwanted foreign materials or water that have infiltrated the gas is placed at the connection point. These catch any liquids or solids before they can enter your appliance.
The piping materials used in a natural gas system are generally steel, brass, and copper. There are some government restrictions regarding these, your installer will know what’s required for your region.
Flexible Connectors attach appliances to gas piping along with a Shut-off Valve mounted at the piping link. It’s important that this valve be located next to the appliance in the event an emergency stop to the gas flow becomes necessary. Natural gas is very safe, but precautions must still be in place!
These Flexible Connectors can’t be concealed, and their length is usually limited to about one metre, with an exception made for gas ranges and clothes dryers which are able to use to metre lengths. Flexible Connectors are required on all types of appliances in seismically unstable areas since they help prevent leakage or ruptures in the event of an earthquake.
It is important that Gas Piping be bonded to an electric Ground Wire in order to keep the piping at zero electrical potential, which prevents any accumulation of electricity that could result in arcing, which has the potential to ignite the gas.
The homeowner is the responsible party for all piping downstream of the Gas Meter whereas the gas company is responsible for all piping upstream from that point, as well as for maintaining the Gas Meter itself. The meter must be in an easily accessible, but safe place so that the company providing your gas can frequently check it.
The Australian Government has more information for potential natural gas customers. We hope this article has helped you decide whether natural gas is right for your home!