Uncapped natural gas lines and valves

1. What is an uncapped natural gas line or valve?

It is a gas line into your house or on your deck that was once hooked up to an appliance such as an oven or natural gas clothes dryer or a gas barbecue. Sometimes, when people move out, or renovate or change their barbecue these gas lines are left open or uncapped.

2. Is an uncapped natural gas line or valve dangerous?

Yes. Open lines and uncapped valves can be extremely dangerous as they can allow natural gas to leak into your home. Although it is non-toxic or poisonous - natural gas is highly flammable. For your safety, a smell much like rotten eggs is added to natural gas so you can detect even the smallest leak - either indoors or outdoors. However, just to be on the safe side, we encourage you to check behind your appliances to see they aren't hiding an uncapped valve or open line.

3. Where do I look?

The most common place for an uncapped natural gas line or valve is usually behind existing electric appliances like your stove or clothes dryer. Someone who owned the home before you may have taken out natural gas appliances and replaced them with electric appliances. If they were unfamiliar with natural gas safety, they may not have known the valve or line had to be sealed.

Other common locations include extensions for a natural gas barbecue outside the home, a natural gas heater in the garage or space heater elsewhere inside the home. If those types of appliances were removed check to see if the line was sealed.

If you don't know where a natural gas line leads, DO NOT open the valve!

4. I don't use natural gas appliances. Why would I look for an uncapped valve?

Even if you don't currently use a natural gas oven or clothes dryer, the previous owners or occupants may have. If the line or valve was not properly sealed when those appliances were removed, your appliances may be hiding more than you think.

5. What should I look for?

It's important that you inspect your home for uncapped natural gas lines and valves. There are many types of natural gas valves, but here are just a few illustrations on what an unsealed and properly sealed line and valve looks like.

If you aren't sure what to look for, or are uncomfortable around natural gas, contact a qualified gas fitter or heating contractor found in your local telephone directory.

To order a copy of the uncapped gas lines information brochure, call us toll-free at 310-5678 or email us.

Examples of uncapped natural gas lines and valves
A dryer or stove connector that is left behind This is very common when a natural gas dryer or stove is removed. This brass piece is part of the appliance's connecting hose, yet it is often left on the  natural gas line. If you spot this, the connector must be removed, and the line must be properly sealed.
An unsealed natural gas valve There are many types of valves, but if the end is open, you must have it sealed. If you find an unsealed natural gas valve, or don't know where a natural gas line leads, do not open the valve.
Properly sealed natural gas lines and valves
1) An end-cap For natural gas lines and fittings with an external thread, an end-cap will be used. This is one way to properly seal an uncapped natural gas line. If you are unfamiliar with natural gas safety, please contact a qualified gas fitter or heating contractor to seal the line.
2) A threaded plug Natural gas valves and fittings with an inside thread are sealed with a threaded plug. This is the other way to properly seal an uncapped natural gas valve. If you are unfamiliar with natural gas safety, please contact a qualified gas fitter or heating contractor to seal the line.