Gas Appliance Safety Before You Touch Anything

What to do before diagnosing a gas dryer, range, oven or cooktop, and when to stop and call a licensed technician.

Smell gas? Stop

Do not operate switches, lighters or phones. Turn the appliance valve off if you can reach it, open windows, leave the area and call your gas utility. A gas smell is never a diagnostic step.

Shut off the valve, not just the knob

Appliance knobs can leak. Before removing a burner, an oven floor or a gas valve, close the shut-off valve behind or beside the appliance and confirm the burner will not light.

Leak-test after any work

Brush soapy water on every connection you disturbed. Bubbles mean a leak. Never use a flame to test for gas.

Know what is homeowner work

Burner caps, igniter electrodes, oven racks, door hinges and gaskets are reasonable homeowner jobs. Gas valves, regulators, manifolds and combustion adjustments are licensed work.

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