Q: I want to add a fixture to my gas line, like some fireplace logs. Does a job like this need an inspection?
A: Most definitely! Almost all gas work requires a permit and inspection. If you were simply changing out a connector hose on the back of your gas stove or something of that nature you would not need an inspection. Anytime you are tapping into a gas line and adding a fixture, re-routing a gas line, extending a gas line, or work of this nature, you need a permit and inspection. This will assure that the work is done properly and by a professional. Galaxy Plumbing & Drain always obtains a permit for this type of work so call us if you are thinking of adding a gas fixture.

Q: What should I do if I think I smell gas?
A: If you think you smell gas or are sure you smell gas you should turn off the gas to the appliance that you believe is causing the smell. If the gas is coming from a location where there is no shut-off valve or you are not sure how to shut-off the gas, you should call either your local gas purveyor, or better yet Galaxy Plumbing & Drain (since your gas purveyor is not going to fix the problem but merely shut off the gas). In the meantime keep the area well ventilated until a technician arrives. If the gas is flooding the area because of a break, leave the area and call 911!

Q: What does B-T-U stand for?
A: B-T-U stands for British Thermal Unit and is the amount of energy required to heat 1 pound of water 1 degree fahrenheit. If you took a pound of water at 59 degrees and placed it on a hot stove and heated it until it reached 60 degrees, you would have used 1 BTU.

Q: How can I check for leaks in my gas system?
A: Let's say that you had some work done recently or maybe you just changed out a flexible gas connector at your gas stove. The best way to check for leaks is to go to a plumbing or mechanical supply house such as Ferguson's, Noland's, Thomas Somerville, Northeastern, Grainger, R.E Michel Co., etc. and buy a small bottle of gas leak detector. It will be about as big as a childs bottle of bubbles and have a dauber with it. You just wipe each gas joint with the liquid and check to see if any bubbles form from gas flowing out of the joint. You can also make a homemade solution by mixing dishsoap and water in a sprayer bottle and just spraying it onto the joints but that method is not prefered because of chemicals that could possibly be in the dishsoap that may not be suitable for the gas line material composition. Over long periods of time the soap's composition could cause a breakdown of the protective layers, or pipe itself. If you are having trouble finding the leak in your gas piping system or just don't feel comfortable looking, please call Galaxy Plumbing & Drain. We will find and fix the leaking pipe for you.