My grill is on natural gas from meter. The flame starts up but within a second it is dropping, then you can hear the gas flow again for another second. I am suspecting water in the line, but not sure.

The line is only 5 years old, but runs under my patio next to planter, where ground cover died. I could sligtly smell gas in the area, so I turned off gas line to grill. I think that is when water entered gas line.

Without ripping up patio slab, what are my next steps?

Turn off the gas to that line. Cut the line and permanently cap it. Remove any exposed sections of the line. Start using propane.

Either that or dig up the patio and replace the line.

Very dangerous situation.
Either replace the line properly or render it totally unusable, by yourself or anyone else.

I am with Herald gas leak is very dangerous please open the link below for more information, Thanks.

John

AE Kids : Why Natural Gas is Dangerous (http://www.alliantenergykids.com/PlayingItSafe/NaturalGasSafety/000555)

Yes, turn OFF Gas. Have licensed plumber to examine it and to suggest either repair or replacement.

Milo

The gas is what killed your ground cover, shut it off because it can kill more things like you or pets. You gas company will come out and check for leaks free of charge. However, if they find a leak they may take drastic steps. Propane and a new oriface are your cheapest steps.

Agree with Harold. In my area, Gas Co. will shut off gas and will put a lock on it shutting off gas supply for the entire property. Plumber has to come, make necessary repairs - then call Gas Co. for restoring gas service. Deal with it promptly.

Milo

I hate it when I am unable to do a reply or quote on a thread the reply button is missing.

I want to ask why " Propane and a new orifice are your cheapest steps." and is Propane any safer?

I may be wrong - but I think what Bob meant was that it is cheaper to buy Propane tank for your BBQ + to change orifice in the BBQ ( from natural gas to propane ) - than running new rigid gas line. Abandon leaking gas line completely by capping it off at its source.

Propane is not necessarily safer, but in some situations it may be very convenient to have propane-burning BBQ.

Milo

I think you are right on Milo.

All good above, but I wanted to know where the gas shutoff is in relation to the BBQ. If the shutoff is inside you could shut it off and test the gas line for leaks from the BBQ to the shutoff lusing air pressure and a simple gauge... depending on how handy you are.


Mark

Sorry on the road all day. Yes, propane tank and a propane orifice is just a cheaper way of keeping the grill going without expensive tearing out of the patio.