Is Your Stove a Ticking Time Bomb? Install a Gas Shut Off Valve
That nagging gas smell coming from your stove isn't something to ignore. Undetected gas leaks can have disastrous consequences. Protect your home and family by installing a gas shut off valve specifically for your stove.
A gas shut off valve gives you the power to quickly stop the flow of gas to your stove with the turn of a handle. This added safety device could prevent a gas leak from turning into an explosion or fire. Read on to learn why you need a stove gas shut off valve, how to install one yourself, and signs you shouldn't ignore of a potential gas leak.
Why You Need a Gas Shut Off Valve for Your Stove
Here are the top reasons every home with a gas stove needs a separate shut off valve just for that appliance:
- Quickly stops gas flow in an emergency - If you smell or suspect a gas leak, you can shut off the stove's gas supply immediately.
- Allows gas shut off when servicing the stove - Easily turn off gas to the stove when repairing or moving it without shutting off other appliances.
- Required by building codes for safety - Gas shut off valves within 6 feet of an appliance are mandated.
- Prevents gas leaks and potential explosions - Properly installed valves stop leaks before they become hazardous.
How Gas Leaks Happen
Gas leaks aren't always dramatic explosions like you see in the movies. More often, they develop slowly over time from invisible issues like:
- Age and wear of gas lines and stove connectors - Seals and fittings can degrade over years of heat and vibration.
- Loose pipe fittings - Vibration can loosen connections that were initially installed correctly.
- Faulty valves and regulators - Components corrode and break over time.
- Damage to lines and pipes - Accidents, pests, earth movement, and more can crack pipes.
Dangers of Gas Leaks
Left undetected and uncontrolled, gas leaks pose multiple threats including:
- Fire hazards - Leaked gas combined with an ignition source can fuel explosions and fires.
- Explosion risks - Enough concentrated gas can explode from just a spark or flame.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning - This colorless, odorless gas causes illness and death when inhaled.
- Suffocation - Gas displaces oxygen in the air leading to asphyxiation.
| Number of House Fires Caused Annually by Cooking Equipment Failure or Malfunction: | 169,500 |
| Number of Injuries Caused Annually by Gas Leaks and Explosions: | 9, orthogonal |
| Number of Deaths Caused Annually by Gas Leaks and Explosions: | 86 |
Signs of a Gas Leak
Be aware of these common indicators that gas may be escaping somewhere:
- Rotten egg smell - Natural gas is odorized so leaks smell like sulfur.
- Hissing or whistling sounds - Escaping gas makes a distinctive noise.
- Dead plants near appliances - Gas can displace oxygen plants need.
- Dirt blowing from a hole in the ground - Sign of an underground leak.
- Flames coming from the ground or burning in an unusual location.
- Bubbling in wet areas like ponds or rivers - Gas may be leaching into water.
Where Gas Shut Off Valves Should Be Installed
Gas shut off valves provide the most safety when installed according to code:
- Behind or adjacent to the stove - Allows quick access in an emergency.
- Within 6 feet of gas appliance - Meets most building code requirements.
- Accessible location - Can't be obstructed by storage or furniture.
How to Use a Gas Stove Shut Off Valve
Using a stove's gas shut off valve is simple. Follow these steps in an emergency or when servicing your stove:
- Locate valve adjacent to stove - Often behind or beneath.
- Turn valve clockwise to shut off gas supply - Perpendicular to pipe stops flow.
- Turn valve counter-clockwise to restore gas flow - Handle parallel to pipe is open.
Choosing the Right Gas Shut Off Valve
Pick a durable valve suited for your needs:
- Ball valves - Quarter-turn to operate, tight seal, durable for gas lines.
- Gate valves - Fully open/close design ideal for main supply lines.
- Globe valves - Allow some flow control in addition to fully open/closed.
- Diaphragm valves - Flexible disc enables precise flow regulation.
Installing a Gas Stove Shut Off Valve
Adding a gas shut off valve is an intermediate DIY project with potentially hazardous consequences if done improperly. Follow these general steps or hire a pro:
- Gather materials - Valve, fittings, pipe segments, pipe wrenches, pipe sealant.
- Turn off main gas supply and disconnect stove - Turn off all pilot lights too.
- Cut pipe and insert valve using proper fittings - Apply sealant to prevent leaks.
- Check for leaks before reconnecting stove - Coat joints with soap solution to spot bubbles.
Hiring a Professional Plumber
Benefits of having a gas valve professionally installed include:
- Experienced with gas line installation and repair - Familiar with codes.
- Licensed and insured - You're covered in case of damages.
- Handles permit process - Required in some areas before gas work.
- Ensures proper code compliance - Gas work often needs inspection.
Typical costs include:
- Valve itself $100 - $300 depending on type and capacity
- Plumber installation $200 - $500 for labor
- Total cost $400 - $700 on average
A small price for greatly improved gas safety. Don't put it off - install a gas stove shut off valve this week!