Gas Line Safety Checks Before Winter | Brimer Plumbing Blog

Gas appliances—furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves—work harder when temperatures drop. A pre-winter safety check ensures connections, vents, and regulators are ready for the season. In Tahoe and Truckee, where homes may sit vacant for stretches and then see heavy use during holidays, a professional inspection can catch issues before they become emergencies. A thorough check typically includes verifying gas pressure at the meter, inspecting visible piping for corrosion or damage, testing appliance connections with a leak detector, and confirming that venting is clear and properly terminated. Furnace and water heater flues are especially important; blockages from nesting animals or debris can cause carbon monoxide backup.

Homeowners can watch for warning signs between professional visits. A persistent sulfur or “rotten egg” smell near appliances or along gas lines warrants an immediate call—never ignore it. Hissing sounds near fittings or pipes suggest a leak. Yellow or flickering flames on a gas stove or furnace (instead of steady blue) can indicate improper combustion or venting. If you’re reopening a seasonal home, run each gas appliance briefly and check that pilot lights stay lit and flames look normal. Schedule a professional inspection if it’s been more than a year, if you’ve had work done on the system, or if anything seems off. Gas safety isn’t something to defer until something goes wrong.

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