Columbia Gas of Ohio reminds customers: Don’t DIY

June is National Safety Month, and Columbia Gas of Ohio is sharing an important reminder with customers: when planning and carrying out home improvement projects that involve natural gas equipment and lines - don’t do it yourself (Don’t DIY).

“Whether you need a natural gas appliance tune-up or to address a house line concern, please do not attempt to do it yourself,” said Columbia Gas of Ohio president and COO Robert Heidorn. “Qualified natural gas professionals across Ohio can identify and remediate natural gas concerns safely, keeping your home and loved ones secure while maintaining your peace of mind.”

Columbia Gas of Ohio owns and regularly inspects the gas lines up to customers’ gas meters (service lines), including the meters themselves. All lines from the meter into a home or business (house lines) are the responsibility of the customer.

What to take into consideration when working with a qualified gas professional on home installations:

• Never install a furnace where someone sleeps.
• Contact a qualified professional if you notice any change with your appliances, such as no heat or overheating from your furnace/boiler, a yellow flame or the presence of soot around a burner on your gas stove, or the furnace or water heater fan often kicking on and off.
• Make sure equipment is properly vented and adjusted by a professional and that it has an adequate supply of fresh air for safe, efficient combustion.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation and care for your equipment.
• If you have flexible appliance connectors, do not reuse them. Connectors should be replaced with the appliance.

For more safety information on installing natural gas appliances and equipment, visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/safety/home-safety/appliance-safety/safe-appliance-installation. To find a qualified natural gas contractor near you, visit here.