Columbia Gas warns against DIY gas work

June is National Safety Month, and Columbia Gas of Ohio is sharing a reminder that will help keep families safe: When planning and performing home improvement projects that involve natural gas equipment and lines, don’t do it yourself.

“Plenty of home improvement projects are safe to do it yourself, but performing work on a natural gas appliance isn’t one of them,” Columbia Gas of Ohio President and COO Bob Heidorn said. “It takes education, intensive training and hands-on experience to safely work with natural gas. That’s why we always remind customers to hire a qualified professional when their natural gas equipment needs attention. Attempting to do the work yourself is never worth the safety risk.”

Columbia Gas of Ohio owns and regularly inspects the gas lines up to your gas meter (service lines) including the meter itself. All lines from the meter into a home or business (house lines) are the responsibility of the customer.

What to take into consideration when working with a qualified gas professional on home installations:

—Never install a furnace where someone sleeps.

—Contact a qualified professional if you notice any change with your appliances such as no heat or overheating from your furnace/boiler, a yellow flame or the presence of soot around a burner on your gas stove, or your furnace or hot water heater fan often kicking on and off.

—Make sure equipment is properly vented and adjusted by a professional and that it has an adequate supply of fresh air for safe, efficient combustion.

—Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and care for your equipment.

—If you have flexible appliance connectors, do not reuse them. Connectors should be replaced with the appliance.

To find a qualified natural gas contractor near you, visit www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com/safety/find-a-contractor.

For more safety information on installing natural gas appliances and equipment, visit www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com/safety/home-safety/appliance-safety/safe-appliance-installation.

To learn more about the pipeline-replacement projects and how they provide long-term benefits, visit www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com/projects.