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January 16, 2007
Disconnected Stove Safely?
A very new and inexperienced coop owner here -- Just sold my old stove, which unbeknowst to me was still connected to the gas pipe (line) last night. The movers disconnected the stove b/c my bldg mgmt seems to be very unhelpful w/ these matters. That's another posting. Anyway, what should I do to ensure the gas is off? Do I need to put some type of cover on the pipe until new stove arrives (next week)? Gas isn't a separte utility in the coop bldg. Please offer some advice b/c I'm very concerned. I'm at work having visions of my building going up in flames and me ending up in jail. Unfortunetly my contractor is MIA today.
Comments
You should have the flexible pipe removed and have a steel plug put in the outlet of the shut off valve. Don't mess with the meter.
Posted by: Master Plvmber at January 16, 2007 12:27 PM
By code, your gas supply must have a shut off valve immediately next to an outflow connection. This valve should be in the off position before disconnecting any devices. Without actually being on hand to determine if I'm correct, I'm guessing that if the valve is open (or not present) and gas is flowing freely, you'd know about it by now due to its distinctive odor.
That said, many gas lines have old valves which may leak ever so slightly. To be safe, you should ask your super to come up and have a sniff to make sure that you're not leaking a tiny amount. If you are, you should talk to him/her about capping it for the duration.
Posted by: Anonymous at January 16, 2007 12:32 PM
thank you!!
Posted by: anon at January 16, 2007 12:59 PM
I'm assuming there's a shutoff valve where the flexible pipe was connected? There should be.
Unless they were extremely rough/incompetent when removing the old stove, it's probably fine and you would know it if there were a leak (see above comment about the distinctive smell).
If the valve is turned to the off position and you're still feeling paranoid about leaks, put some soapy water in a spritzer bottle (dish soap works well) and spray the pipe joints until wet. If you see any bubbles forming around the points of contact between pipe fittings, call your gas utility immediately.
Still, this is pretty unlikely or you probably woudn't be here reading this comment.
Hope this helps...
Posted by: Anonymous at January 16, 2007 5:41 PM
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