There safety at home can be guaranteed with constant and regular behavior and monitoring. In this regard, one of the crucial aspects to consider is the expiry of gas pipes. Particularly those yellow and rubberconnected to the kitchen stove (and in some cases to the cylinder), which are the most visible and easy to monitor.
However, deadlines are not enough, it is necessary maintenance and control. Let’s discover, in a few simple steps, how to check if the time has come to replace the gas pipes and what are the signs to watch out for every year.
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How to understand if the gas pipes need to be changed
When we talk about methane pipes or other domestic fuels, It’s not just the replacement deadline that’s important of the tubes. The constant monitoring and maintenance they can prevent problems, larger expenses, and in rare cases even accidents due to possible gas leaks.
In general, experts recommend checking the condition and integrity of rubber hoses at least once a year.
THE signs of a deteriorated gas pipe they can manifest themselves to the eye or smell, through:
How to understand if there is a gas leak?
When signs and maintenance are neglected, rubber gas hoses and the internal steel hoses can present other symptoms that should not be underestimated. Even some small gas leaks from the pipe can manifest themselves in the following ways:
- unpleasant odor;
- physical symptoms: feelings of malaise, headache, dizziness, nausea or fatigue may be felt in case of exposure to the gas;
- pressure changes: in the first cases you may notice a decrease in gas pressure in the kitchen, in the hot water or in the heating. Later, the formation of small bubbles may indicate the presence of a leak.
To locate gas leaks, one of the most widespread home methods is the so-called “soap method“. It consists of preparing a solution of water and liquid soap and applying it to the fittings and connections of the gas pipe.
The training of small bubbles in the soap solution applied to the systems may indicate the presence of a gas leak.
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How do you tell if your gas hose has expired?
Gas lines may appear to be intact, unaffected by cracks or leaks. However, land deadlines must be respectedand, especially when home safety is at stake. To understand if the gas pipe has expired, you need to check the production date printed on the surface of the yellow rubber tube.
For other gas pipes, including the yellow ones in the kitchen, Periodic monitoring is important to check if there are one or more anomaliesamong which:
- presence of cracks;
- cracking;
- visible signs of wear.
The lifespan of gas hoses varies depending on the material. Rubber hoses, for example, have a lifespan of approx 5 years from the date of production, precisely reported on the yellow conduit. While those made of steel, or other materials, can last between 10 and 15 years.
To keep the gas pipes in good condition, it is advisable have them checked by a qualified technician at least once a year, or at most every two years.
