East Bay Gas Lines Danville - Making gas connections to steel gas pipe

 

Make connections to steel gas pipe

Older houses often have threaded steel gas pipe. If your old appliance is connected with a steel pipe and you're installing a new appliance, buy a gas appliance connecting kit and replace the steel pipe with the flexible stainless steel tube. But remember, you can't connect the flare fitting on the flexible gas line directly to a steel pipe thread. You have to install the flare fitting that's included with the kit.

Also replace old-style gas valves (photo below) with modern ball valves that are labeled for use with gas. Before you replace an old valve, you'll have to find and turn off the main gas valve to the house. It's usually located near where the gas line enters the house. When you turn the gas back on, remember to check all your gas appliances to see if they have pilot lights that need relighting.

The photo shows how to use common plumbing parts to join a new ball valve and a flexible stainless steel connector to steel pipe. Coat all threaded pipe connections with pipe thread compound before assembly. The valve shown has 1/2-in. female pipe threads on both sides. If necessary, use a bushing to reduce the existing 3/4-in. female pipe thread to 1/2 in. Use a 90-degree elbow at the stove to avoid kinking the gas tubing when you push the stove against the wall.

 

Steel pipe gas connections

Proper Connections to Steel Pipe

Use the fittings shown for safe connections.

 

Old style gas valve

Old-style gas valves can leak. Replace them with approved ball valves.

source: http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Plumbing/Plumbing-Skills/how-to-connect-gas-pipe-lines/View-All#step1

 

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

 

East Bay Gas Lines - Most Expensive Grilling Products Ever

Most Expensive Grilling Products Ever

Whether it's a stainless steel free-stander the size of a Ford F-150, or a complete outdoor kitchen with the beer bar built right in, some men measure each other's mettle simply by the quality of their backyard equipment

Keith PandolfiThis Old House online

 

Worth the Money

 

Men—like boys—love to show off their toys. From their perfectly polished Porsches to their plasma-screen televisions, nothing pleases guys more than keeping up with the Joneses—except outdoing and humiliating them as well. This is especially true when it comes to their grills. Whether it's a stainless steel free-stander the size of a Ford F-150, or a complete outdoor kitchen with the beer bar built right in, some men measure each other's mettle simply by the quality of their backyard equipment. With that in mind, we thought we'd show you the best lip-smackin', bank-breakin' barbecue products in the world.

 

Lynx Power Burner

 

 

About $1,775

Sometimes burgers and dogs just aren't enough to satiate your friends and neighbors. So how about cooking up a pot of chili, or some red beans and rice as a side dish? Or, heck, deep fry an entire turkey for that matter. This bad boy 46,000 BTU burner is big enough to accommodate a fat stock pot. Or, if you'd like to add some international flavor to your backyard, you can remove the center grate and slap down a commercial-grade wok. 

 

Backwoods Competitor

 

 

About $2,900

Sure it was designed for professional barbecue contests, but the Backwoods Competitor is also perfect for the man who likes to entertain the masses. This stout and smoke-stacked machine, which looks fittingly like a safe where one would store precious valuables, can cook a half dozen one pound turkeys, or 32 slabs of baby back ribs all at once. And what's more valuable than that?

 

Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven

 

 

 

About $6,500

Say goodbye to Papa John's once and for all. This stainless steel pizza oven will fire up a thin-crust pizza in just five minutes right in your own back yard, and the heat can be adjusted to cook the pie of your choosing—from Chicago deep dish to Neapolitan. With all that money you save on ordering pizza, this $6.5K machine will pay for itself in—well—never, really. But your neighbors will think you're cool.

 

Kalamazoo 900 Series Hybrid Grill

 

 

 

About $15,900

Don't be surprised if you end up parking this stainless steel beauty in the driveway and Turtle-Waxing her like a 1936 Bugatti. The Kalamazoo 900 has 144,000 BTUs of cooking power—that's more power than most home furnaces, by the way. It's also got 864-square-inches of grilling area, and (best of all) cooks with charcoal, gas, and even wood.

 

 

 BBQ Concession Shed with Log Cabin Kitchen

 

Starting at about $24,650

Wanna make barbecuing into more of a profession than a pastime? This concession trailer from Southern Yankee Bar-B-Q could serve as your own small business—or at least a terrific tailgating tool. It comes with an 8-by-8-foot kitchen equipped with a fridge, sinks, and storage, as well as central AC, and some heavy-metal-worthy stereo speakers.

 

 

source; Keith PandolfiThis Old House online

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20369275_20784793,00.html

 

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

 

 

 

East Bay Gas Lines Danville - All About Gas Fireplaces

 

 

There's only one thing better than a roaring fire on a wintry night: a roaring fire that needs no tending, requires minimal cleanup, and doesn't leave the rest of the house freezing cold. That's what you get with today's gas fireplaces. Long gone are the anemic blue flames and unconvincing "logs." Modern versions burn much more realistically, with glowing red embers and tall orange-yellow flames that dance and flicker around ceramic-fiber logs molded from the real thing.

Gas fireplaces come in three types: inserts, for folks who want to retrofit a wood-burning firebox with something more convenient and efficient; built-ins, for those who want a fireplace where there isn't one now; and log sets, basic burners that sit in existing, open fireplaces. Both inserts and built-in fireplaces are reliable heat producers, filling your room with a mix of warm air and radiant heat. Log sets are usually more for looks than warmth. With each type, you have a choice between models that vent the flames' fumes outside or vent-free versions that discharge all their heat, and exhaust, into the house. 

How much do they cost?
Expect to pay $2,000 to $5,000 (including installation) for a heat-producing insert or built-in fireplace. Decorative log sets run about $400 to $1,000.

Natural gas or propane?
Gas fireplaces can burn either type. Natural gas is less expensive and produces about 5 percent more heat. Choose propane where natural gas isn't available.

DIY or hire a pro?
For the safest, most efficient, and best-looking installation, leave the work to a local National Fireplace Institute-certified technician.

How much care?
For about $150, have your certified technician come once a year to clean and adjust the burner, ensuring that you have realistic, soot-free flames.

How many Btus?
A gas fireplace's heat output, in Btus, should match your room size, climate, and your house's insulation level.

Why Choose Gas?

 

Wood-burning fireplaces provide great ambience, but they can't beat the easy, no-fuss efficiency of gas.

• You don't have to split, stack, season, or haul logs.
• There are no ashes to bag, no smoky smells, no chimney to clean.
• You can start, adjust, and snuff out fires with the touch of a remote control.
• The fire needs no tending and won't die out from neglect.
• A wall thermostat can control the flame size—and therefore heat output—to maintain a specific temperature setting in the room.
• The fixed glass panels covering direct-vent fireboxes ensure that the furnace- or boiler-heated air in the rest of the house doesn't escape up the flue, as it does with a wood fire.
• You can get as much as 75 to 99 percent of a fuel's energy back as heat, instead of the 10 to 30 percent for wood fires.
• Gas fireplaces can go almost anywhere—in an upstairs bathroom, in a basement, or outdoors—without needing a chimney.

What to look for-

These upgrades enhance a fireplace's convenience, comfort, and good looks.

1. Variable-flame height adjustment. Allows you to dial in just the amount of heat you need, from a whisper of a flame to a roaring fire. (The best units adjust down to 30 percent of full output).

2. Wall-thermostat control. Automatically adjusts the fireplace's heat output to the temperature that you set manually or with a handheld remote.

3. Electronic ignition. Eliminates the need for a pilot light, saving up to $10 a month in fuel.

4. LED accent lighting. Adds a realistic flickering effect inside the firebox.

5. Battery backup. Ensures the fireplace will light during a power outage.

6. Built-in fan. Pulls indoor air into the space behind the firebox and pumps hot air out, heating a room in a hurry.

How Much Fire Power Do You Need?

 

Gas fireplaces have a wide range of heat output, from about 7,000 to 60,000 Btus. Use this formula to determine which models generate enough heat to warm your room. The formula assumes that your house is well insulated and has tight windows, and that you like the temperature set at 72 degrees F.

By JOSH GARSKOFTHIS OLD HOUSE MAGAZINE

Source: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20431996_20859244,00.html

East Bay Gas Lines Danville - Winter Gas Saving Tips

A few small changes can add up to a whole lot of savings. Use PGE’s online Progress Tracker to keep track of your gas usage. Reduce your gas usage throughout December and January and you could get up to a 20% bonus credit on your PG&E bill.

See below for a whole range of ways to lower your gas costs in the “tips” section below.

·         Lower the thermostat by 1° F (if it’s set between 60° and 70°F) and you can save as much as 5 % on heating costs.

·         In the winter, open your window coverings on sunny days to help warm the rooms.

·         Save on heating costs. Keeping your thermostat set at 68º F during the daytime and 55º F at night can reduce your heating costs by up to 20%.

·         Dishwashers with booster heaters will let you lower the water temperature on your water heater, resulting in energy savings.

·         Wrap older water heaters with an insulating jacket to minimize excess heat loss. And, don’t forget to leave the air intake vent uncovered when insulating a gas water heater. Savings of up to 10% can be achieved on water heating costs.

·         In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor to produce an updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down into your working space.

·         Properly sealing and insulating your business can save you up to 20% on heating costs

·         Replacing your old windows with high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15%

·         Have a licensed HVAC contractor check your central heating/cooling duct system for leaks. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating system by as much as 20% — and sometimes much more.

·         Replace your pre-1977 gas furnace (probably 50-60 percent efficient) with the most efficient model and you could cut your natural gas use by up to 33%.

source: http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/wintersavings/

Gas Line Work East Bay - How to Read Your Gas Meter - East Bay Gas Lines Danville

 How to read your gas meter

Your gas meter tells us how much gas you’ve used and helps us to give you accurate energy bills. Reading your gas meter is easy once you know how. Use our simple instructions to find out how your gas meter works.

Imperial meters

If your meter measures in cubic feet (ft3) the display panel will show four digits before the decimal point.

Metric meter

If your meter measures in cubic metres (m3) the display panel will show five digits before the decimal point.

Digital meter 

If you have a digital meter please remember the following points when you take a reading:

Record main digits only – main digits will be shown in black on a white background, or in white on a black background

Ignore red digits

Ignore digits inside a red border

Ignore printed zeros – 0

Ignore any numbers after a decimal point

For example, the reading for the digital meter shown below should be recorded as 6653.

Dial meter

If you have a dial meter, please remember the following points when you take a reading:

Adjacent dials rotate in opposite directions

Ignore dials marked ‘100 per rev’ and the large dial

Ignore red dials

Read the other dials from left to right; write down the number that the hand has passed

If the pointer falls between two figures, write down the lower figure. If the pointer falls between 9 and 0, write down 9

For example, the reading for the dial meter shown above should be recorded as 6653.

source: http://www.edfenergy.com/products-services/for-your-home/my-account/how-to-read-your-gas-meter.shtml

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

East Bay Gas Lines - Natural Gas: Earth and Sky Friendly

Natural Gas: Earth and Sky Friendly

Natural gas – the ultimate “alternative” fuel of the future? Yes, the same natural gas first commercially used in the United States in western New York in the early 19th century. When it comes to dealing with issues surrounding pollution and the environment, carbon management and energy security, natural gas is part of the solution, not part of the problem. Yes, natural gas is a “fossil fuel.” But natural gas is far more environmentally attractive than oil, coal, and electricity produced with fossil fuels. Of the major sources of energy in the United States, natural gas is the cleanest, most efficient, cost effective, and abundant, producing less pollution and fewer greenhouse gasses than its counterparts.

Source: Energy Information Administration: Fuel and Energy Codes and Emission Coefficients

Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

The primary byproducts of burning natural gas are carbon dioxide and water. But natural gas produces LESS carbon dioxide than other commonly used energy sources. According to the federal Energy Information Administration (EIA), natural gas emits 45 percent LESS CO2 than electricity and nearly 30 percent LESS CO2 than fuel oil. In fact, the U.S. is now a world leader in carbon reductions, having reduced carbon emissions by 7.7% since 2006, the equivalent of removing 84 million cars from the road. As acknowledged by the chief economist for the International Energy Agency, the replacement of coal by shale gas was a key factor driving the carbon emission reductions in the U.S.

Cleaner:

Natural gas generates less sulfur dioxide (a cause of acid rain), less nitrogen oxides (that can produce smog) and less particulate matter than oil or coal, which is primarily used for electric generation. The cleanliness of gas means that not only does it produce less pollution, but also environmental controls on gas equipment are usually much less expensive than for other fuels. Additionally, technological progress allows cleaner energy production today than in the past. Natural gas use means cleaner air whether used for home space heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and in the case of natural gas vehicles, cars, trucks, buses, and commercial and industrial processes.

Pounds of Air Pollutants per Billion Btus of Energy
POLLUTANT	NATURAL GAS	OIL	COAL
Carbon Dioxide	117,000	164,000	208,000
Carbon Monoxide	40	33	208
Nitrogen Oxides	92	448	457
Sulfur Dioxide	1	1,122	2,591
Particulates	7	84	2,744
Mercury	0.0000	0.0007	0.016

Source: Energy Information Administration

More Efficient:

Natural gas appliances are more energy efficient than their electric counterparts, and natural gas users thus conserve energy resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the American Gas Association (AGA), while the number of natural gas residential customers increased 71 percent since 1970, the average customer today uses 39 percent less natural gas than they did 38 years ago. By using energy wisely, weatherizing homes, using energy-efficient appliances and installing programmable thermostats, customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

source: http://www.nationalfuelgas.com/natural_gas_environment.aspx


http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

East Bay Gas Lines - YOU'RE ALWAYS COMFORTABLE WITH NATURAL GAS RANGES & COOKTOPS... - East Bay Gas Lines Danville

YOU'RE ALWAYS COMFORTABLE WITH
NATURAL GAS RANGES & COOKTOPS...

Nothing compares with natural gas for cooking. There's a wide selection of natural gas cooktops, ovens and ranges with all kinds of special features for cooking convenience. And, you can cook even when the electricity goes out, since you can light the cooktop burners with a match if needed. Consider all the benefits and it's no wonder most professional American chefs prefer natural gas.

Whether you need a cooktop or range, there's a natural gas unit to fit perfectly with your kitchen plan. Free-standing ranges come in a variety of sizes, including apartment-size, and offer a variety of options including combination oven/broiler, cooking surfaces with four to six burners, and the ability to convert burners to a griddle, grill or work surface. These options are also available in the slide-in ranges. Slide-in ranges are available in several widths.

Superior natural gas features mean superior results!

• Maximum heat in an instant
• Instant cool-down - cooking stops the instant you turn off the natural gas flame, unlike an electric element that keeps cooking as it cools down.
• Precise temperature control
• Greater cooktop flexibility, since the adjustable flame makes every burner suitable for any pan size and any type of cooking that is being done
• Faster, more even cooking with the open flame
• Easy clean-up, since all grates, knobs and burners are dishwasher safe
• Optional sealed-surface cooktops for easy cleaning
• Clean, smoke-free broiling
• Pilotless ignition
• Automatic igniters instead of standing pilots for higher efficiency
• Cooktop burners that can be lit with a match, so you can cook even when electricity goes out.

Cooking with natural gas is more economical - in fact, it costs about half as much as cooking with electricity. You'll enjoy long-term saving built in to natural gas cooking appliances, such as extra insulation which makes self-cleaning ovens more energy efficient and pilotless ignition systems that uses 40 percent less natural gas for cooking than older models with standing pilots. And, natural gas cooktops and grates are built to last, with fewer parts to fail than electric appliances.

source:  http://www.okaloosagas.com/cooking.aspx

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

East Bay Gas Lines - Natural Gas and it Uses - East Bay Gas Lines Danville

How is Natural Gas Formed?

Natural gas is made up of just two elements - carbon and hydrogen. It is part of a family of chemicals known as hydrocarbons, which also includes oil and gasoline. As its name suggests, natural gas comes out of the ground as a gas; oil, gasoline and other hydrocarbons are recovered mixed together in a liquid called crude oil.
Stage 1 -

All of the natural gas we use today began as microscopic plants and animals living in the ocean millions of years ago. As these microscopic plants and animals lived, they absorbed energy from the sun, which was stored as carbon molecules in their bodies. When they died, they sank to the bottom of the sea. Over millions of years, layer after layer of sediment and other plants and bacteria were formed.

Stage 2 -

As they became buried ever deeper, heat and pressure began to rise. The amount of pressure and the degree of heat, along with the type of biomass, determined if the material became oil or natural gas. Very high heat or biomass made predominantly of plant material produced natural gas.

Stage 3 -

After oil and natural gas were formed, they tended to migrate through tiny pores in the surrounding rock. Some oil and natural gas migrated all the way to the surface and escaped. Other oil and natural gas deposits migrated until they were caught under impermeable layers of rock or clay, where they were trapped. These trapped deposits are where we find oil and natural gas today.

How is Natural Gas Used?

• Natural gas meets 24 percent of U.S. energy demand.
• Natural gas now heats 51 percent of U.S. households. It also cools many homes and provides fuel for cooking.
• Because natural gas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, many companies and municipalities are deploying fleets of natural gas-powered cars, trucks and buses to reduce emissions. There are over 120,000 natural gas vehicles operating on American roads.

source: http://www.api.org/oil-and-natural-gas-overview/exploration-and-production/natural-gas/natural-gas-uses.aspx

East Bay Gas Lines - Testimonials

Melony Newman, President and CEO of the Danville Chamber of Commerce, experienced a break in her sewer line located underneath a custom tile walkway. Guaranteed Plumbing meticulously cut the tiles, excavated the concrete, located the break, trenched, and removed and repaired the broken lines.

“Forgive me if I am overflowing with enthusiasm, but I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Marcus Madrid and Guaranteed Plumbing! I originally was working with a nationally-known plumbing company, and the “issue” continued and was escalating. I was given a wrong diagnosis and a very expensive quote. I contacted Gaylor Construction for a local referral, and I am so grateful for the decision. They referred me to Marcus, who quickly assisted with the correct diagnosis and resolved the issue in a fraction of the time the other company quoted and at a fraction of the cost! The team was professional, courteous, very careful to clean up after themselves each day, and solved the problem. The job took about a week. Working with Marcus has been a wonderful experience.”

Melony Newman, President & CEO of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Luckhardts were experiencing a leak under their kitchen sink. We sent our service technician to their home and received an email the same day.

“We just wanted to let you know that Damen did a terrific job. He is a very polite and efficient young man. He came right on time, found the problem right away, fixed it, cleaned it up like it never happened and was on his way.”

Ruby and Wade Luckhardt, Owners of FastSigns

 

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

East Bay Gas Lines - Natural Gas Safety Tips

 

Natural Gas Safety Tips

You can help prevent emergencies and unnecessary service interruptions to you and your neighbors by following these tips:

 

􀏢 Natural gas lines should not be installed from the meter to any other buildings in which people live

􀏢 No building or other structure may be built over any natural gas pipeline

􀏢 After a flood or other disaster, check for the odor of gas before entering any area. If gas is detected, leave the area immediately and call your local gas company from another location. Replace any appliance submerged in water

􀏢 Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions in operating and caring for natural gas appliances, and use each appliance for the job it was intended

􀏢 Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids indoors or in the same room or area as a gas appliance or other ignition source

􀏢 Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Assure that fuel-burning appliances are installed, maintained and used properly and safely. That includes having an annual inspection of heating and venting equipment by a “qualified technician” prior to the heating season, and the use of a carbon monoxide alarm that meets current standards

􀏢 Ensure gas space heaters are installed by a qualified professional and used and maintained properly

􀏢 Use a broom to keep gas meters, pipes and other service equipment clear in winter. Chimneys and vents for gas appliances must be cleared after snow and ice storms to ensure proper venting and prevent carbon monoxide accumulation

􀏢 Don’t use gas lines to hang heavy clothes or other items and don’t allow children to swing on the pipes as it could cause a gas leak

􀏢 Set your water heater temperature to the manufacturer’s recommendations (generally 120 degrees or lower). Check the water temperature before placing a child in the bathtub, and never leave a child alone or with other young children in the bathtub

 

source: http://www.consumersenergy.com/uploadedFiles/CEWEB/YOUR_HOME/Newsline,_Inserts,_Multimedia,_Brochures/natural-gas.pdf

 

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Gas Lines East Bay - Gas Fire Pits - East Bay Gas Lines Danville

Gas Fire Pits

Pros and cons of fueling a fire pit with natural gas





Natural gas has become an incredibly popular choice for fire pits because of its convenience and safety. With a natural gas fueled fire pit, you can have a nice fire going in no time at all and without hassle. A natural gas fire pit can be lit with the turn of a key or the flip of a switch.
Prior to constructing a natural gas fire pit, a gas line will need to be run to the planned location. If you want to install a gas fire pit on an existing patio this step will prove more difficult. Ask your landscape designer or contractor what the best solution for your situation is.

Pros	Cons
Lights Easily	Not ideal for cooking or roasting
No smoke	Provides less warmth as wood
No sparks or embers	Fire rings may clog
No ash to clean up
Provides ambiance source: http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/fire-pits/gas.html http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

 

Gas Lines Repair East Bay - Fuel Options for Outdoor Fireplaces - East Bay Gas Lines Danville

Fuel Options for Outdoor Fireplaces

The pros & cons for installing a wood burning or fuel burning outdoor fireplace

 

Wood burning fireplaces provide great atmosphere and put off a lot of heat. The Green Scene in Northridge, CA.

Wood Burning Fireplace

Pros: puts off a lot of heat, natural ambiance, don't need to run a gas line Cons: chimney, storage, safety concerns, hard to start, smoke, may be harder to get permits

 

Gas Fueled Fireplace

Pros: easy to light, safer than wood, no chimney necessary, no smoke Cons: doesn't produce as much heat as wood, need to run a gas line, not authentic

A fireplace fueled with gas doesn't require a chimney and is incredibly easy to light. Zaremba and Company Landscape in Clarkston, MI..

 

source: http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/outdoor-fireplace/fuel-options.html

 

http://www.eastbaygaslines.com

East Bay Gas Lines Danville - How a Gas Log Safety Pilot Works

How does a gas log safety pilot work?

Aside from the electronic ignition systems, the basic premise for the safety pilots used on gas logs is the same as those used for decades with wall heaters, hot water heaters, and nameless other gas appliances.

How do you light a gas log safety pilot?
You turn the control knob to the pilot position, push the knob in, light the pilot with a match, then hold the knob down for 30 seconds or so until the pilot stays lit by itself. Once the pilot light will stay lit on its own, you can then move the knob to the "On" position. For manually operated gas logs such as the one pictured to the right, this will turn the logs on. For remote controlled gas logs, this will put the valve in the necessary position for the remote control to actuate the burner.

What if the pilot will not stay lit?
If you cannot get the pilot to light at all, meaning you hold the button down in the pilot position and hold a match up to the pilot and nothing happens, then either the valve is bad or something is abstructing the gas from coming into or going through the valve. If you can get the pilot to light with a match, but it will not stay lit on its own after holding down the knob for 30 seconds, then put the knob back into the off position, wait 5 minutes and try again. If it still will not light, then something is definately wrong and you should have a professional check it out. This page is not meant to be a trouble-shooting guide for gas logs, but in general, if you cannot get your safety pilot to stay lit, It could be that the pilot flame needs adjustment, the thermocouple has gone bad and needs to be replaced, the entire valve has overheated and must be replaced, or something is abstructing the gas line. In any case, it is probably time to seek the assistance of a professional. Any plumber or heating and air conditioning service man who deals with gas appliances with a safety pilot should be able to help you.

How does a safety pilot actually work?
Although most of us have learned how to light one of these things at some time or other, few of us have any idea as to how this ingenious little safety system actually works.
So here is a brief, but hopefully useful explanation of how gas log safety pilots work so you can decide if it is something that you want or need. You may also find this information helpful for any other device that has a similar safety pilot.

Gas Logs that have a safety pilot have a valve body that is attached directly to the burner. This valve body that has 2 separate valves inside that control the gas: The valve to the main burner and the valve to the pilot flame. When the pilot is lit, the flame directly hits what is called a thermocouple (or thermopile). The thermocouple is the ingenious device that makes the whole system work. The physical properties of the thermocouple are such that it actually generates electricity when there is a great enough difference in temparature between the tip of the thermocouple and the base. If the pilot flame is too hot, then the entire thermocouple gets hot and there is not enough temperature difference to create a current. If the pilot flame is too low or not coming into direct contact with the thermocouple (or simply blown out), then there is not enough heat to generate a current. This is why the proper adjustment of the pilot flame is necessary for gas appliances that have a safety pilot.
Now, on to how the pilot system works. The electricity from the thermocouple is used to power an electromagnet that holds the pilot valve open, thus allowing the pilot to stay lit by itself. The amount of electricity needed must be within a certain range of millivolts in order for this to happen. If there is not enough electricity (or no electricity) being generated, then the electromagnet no longer functions and the pilot valve shuts. When you turn the knob to the pilot position and push it in, you are in fact manually opening the valve to the pilot flame. Once the pilot gets the thermocouple hot enough, the electromagnet engages and keeps the valve open. This is why you need to keep the knob depressed for about 30 seconds.

After the pilot is lit and stays lit on its own after releasing the pilot know, you can then turn the knob to the "ON" position. With manually operated safety pilots, turning the knob to the on position will light the logs and you can adjust the flame height using the control knob. With remote controlled systems, turning the knob to the on position simply puts the main valve in a position to be opened and closed buy whatever means the remote control uses. In the case of a remote controlled valve, some will have a battery operated device that opens and closes the valve to the main burner, thus turning the logs on and off. More sophisticated systems (called variable flame remotes) will have a battery operated motor attached to the flame adjustment knob that will allow you to adjust the flame height as well.

The main burner valve is designed such that if the pilot valve is closed, no gas can flow through the main valve, even if you have it in the on position. So as long as the pilot light is on and heating the thermocouple properly, the system is operational and gas can then be allowed to pass through the main burner valve. If the pilot light gets turned off or blown out (or in some cases gets too hot), then all valves are closed and no gas can pass through the system.

When the main burner is turned on, either by a remote controlled unit or by manually turning a knob, gas flows through the main valve and comes out the holes in the burner. The flame from the safety pilot is positioned just above the first several holes in the main burner, so when gas flows out of the main burner and reaches the safety pilot, it automatically ignites.

So again, if the safety pilot is not lit (or for some reason the safety pilot gets blown out), the system automatically closes both valves so that no gas will flow through either valve until the safety pilot is re-lit. This prevents the system from allowing gas to flow freely into your home at any time in the event that the safety pilot blows out, or someone turns on the gas to your fireplace without lighting it.

 source: http://www.hansenwholesale.com/gas-logs/how-safety-pilot-works.asp

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East Bay Gas Lines Danville - What is Carbon Monoxide?

What is carbon monoxide?

Like any fuel, natural gas needs enough oxygen from combustion air to burn safely and completely. Without enough oxygen, the burn is incomplete and carbon monoxide (CO) results. CO is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. Because you can’t see, taste or smell it, CO is known as the silent killer.

CO is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, displacing oxygen, eventually resulting in brain damage or death. Dangerous levels of CO can especially affect unborn babies, infants and people with anemia or a history of heart disease.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
Physical symptoms of CO poisoning vary, depending on the amount of CO absorbed into the bloodstream. The more CO in the air, the less oxygen in the blood and greater the danger.

Mild exposure	Medium exposure	Severe exposure
Slight headache	Severe headache	Unconsciousness
Nausea	Drowsiness	Convulsions
Vomiting	Confusion	Cardiac/respiratory failure
Fatigue	Rapid heart rate	Death

What to do if you suspect CO in your home or business:

• Leave the premises and get fresh air immediately.
• Call 9-1-1.
• If experiencing the flu-like symptoms of CO poisoning, seek medical attention.
• Call East Bay Gas Line for an emergency inspection.
• Do not return to your home or business until the source of CO has been discovered and the problem has been corrected.

How do I reduce the risk of CO poisoning?
You can prevent CO poisoning through proper appliance installation, maintenance and use. Follow these steps to protect you and your family.

• Have a qualified professional annually inspect your heating and cooling equipment. The contractor should check appliance vents for corrosion and blockage. The appliance itself should be checked for cleanliness, proper adjustment and approved connectors.
• Never operate a vehicle, lawn mower, snow blower or other fuel burning equipment in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Do not use your gas range or oven for heat. Never burn charcoal indoors.
• When camping, do not operate a fuel-burning heater, lantern, or stove inside your tent or camper without proper ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Make sure your clothes dryer is properly vented and free of lint.

Why should I open a window when I have a fire in the fireplace?
It’s important that your home has adequate outside air for combustion when you have a fire in the fireplace. Insufficient air for combustion may result in a back-venting condition where outside air is pulled into the home through the furnace and water heater vents, spilling the products of combustion from these appliances into the room.

Newer homes in have been required to have a fresh air duct from the outside to the cold air return of the furnace. This is designed to provide adequate air for the combustion process in the furnace and water heater. However, the air duct may not be sized to also provide sufficient outside air for a fire in the fireplace.

Therefore, when you have a fire in your fireplace, it’s important that you crack a window one to two inches.

Why install a carbon monoxide detector?While the first line of defense against CO poisoning is a regular inspection of your heating and venting systems by a qualified contractor, a CO detector can be a useful second line of defense.

Like smoke detectors, there are many CO detectors to choose from. When you purchase a CO detector, be sure it conforms to Underwriters Laboratories standard (UL) 2034. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions. Mount your CO detector in or near bedrooms and living areas, so you can hear the alarm from all sleeping areas. Look for these CO detector features:

• Audible alarm that stops automatically within minutes when CO dissipates.
• UL 2034 approved or American Gas Association certified.
• Light indicating power is on. Digital display that signals low levels of CO.
• Test button to verify that the detector is working.
• Manual hush/reset button that silences alarm, but sensor remains active so the unit continues taking readings.
• Manufacturer’s warranty – indicates life of equipment.
• Peak level memory button.
• Intermittent alarm to indicate a problem with the circuitry.

source: http://www.csu.org/residential/safety/Pages/co.aspx

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Gas LInes East Bay - Natural Gas Lines - East Bay Gas Lines

Utilities companies jobs are to ensure the safe reliable delivery of natural gas to your home or business. They operate and maintain an extensive network of pipeline, which includes miles of natural gas pipeline beneath city’s streets, sidewalks and yards.

Customer safety is our top priority, especially when it comes to keeping your home or business safe from the potential dangers of natural gas.

What are you responsible for?
Owning a home or business comes with a number of maintenance responsibilities. We understand that some of these responsibilities may even come as a surprise to you.

Customers are responsible for the maintenance of all natural gas lines extending after the meter to and within the home or business. Even though, in some cases, the natural gas service lines that run from the meter to your home or business are buried, maintenance is still required.

Our natural gas system is governed by Federal regulations which recommend that customers with natural gas lines buried from the meter to the primary structure should be:

• Periodically inspected for leaks;
• Periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic; and
• Repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered.

If natural gas lines are not properly maintained, they may be subject to potential hazards of corrosion and leakage. While the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations do not require that you inspect or maintain your natural gas service line, Utilities companies along with the DOT recommend that you periodically inspect them for corrosion and leaks.

source http://www.csu.org/residential/safety/Pages/gaslines.aspx

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East Bay Gas - Lines Smart Tips for Natural Gas Safety

Smart Tips for Natural Gas Safety

More than half of the homes in the United States rely on natural gas for clean and efficient heating and cooking. Natural gas lines and appliances are relatively safe, but for the protection of your home and family you should be aware of the possible hazards of natural gas.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. The number one natural gas safety issue is the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is also a safety issue with heating oil, propane and other combustible fuels. If a faulty furnace or other gas-fueled appliance does not burn the fuel properly, or is not vented properly, carbon monoxide can begin to build in the home.

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is odorless, and robs the victim’s brain and organs of the oxygen necessary to function properly. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to those of the flu without a fever. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should get out of the house and call 911, the fire department, or emergency medical services immediately.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of your home
• Have a qualified repair person check appliances that use natural gas once a year.
• Inspect the vents, flues, and chimneys of all gas water heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces for proper ventilation of exhaust.
• Never heat the house with your oven. This can damage the oven and cause carbon monoxide to be released into the home.
• Never sleep in a room heated by a gas or kerosene space heater that does not have proper venting.

Gas Line Leaks. Natural gas has a “rotten egg” odor added to gas to warn of a leak. Line leaks are rare but can be extremely dangerous. A buildup of natural gas in an enclosed area can make people very sick or cause an explosion.

Gas leaks in the home can be easily prevented by ensuring flexible gas lines are installed properly and inspected regularly by licensed professionals. Gas leaks outside the home are also dangerous. Most gas lines coming into the home are buried underground. Before doing any job that requires digging outside, homeowners should call their local utilities so gas lines can be marked before digging begins.

What to do if you smell the “rotten egg” odor in your home:

• Do not use your cell phone until safely away from your home.
• Shut gas valves off at your home.
• Do not turn on or off any electrical appliances.
• Do not smoke or use any open flames.
• Do not attempt to locate the leak.
• Get a safe distance away from the house, and then call 911 and the utility company.
• If a natural gas line is damaged when digging outside, call the utility immediately. Do not attempt to repair the line

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