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5u5anD · Feb 19, 2010, 08:55 AM

We have just run out of propane and I was about to phone and have the tank filled but then I started to worry.
The hot water heater, furnace, fire place, and stove are all gas. With the exception of the stove everything has a pilot light that I assume is now off. If they fill the tank does this mean that gas will start coming into the basement with the pilot lights off?
I am thinking they all now need to be lit manually which I guess I could do but not all at once.

Anyone know if I do have a problem here, if so how I should handle this or am I just worrying for nothing?

Thanks
S

smoothy · Feb 19, 2010, 09:10 AM

How old are those appliances?

For example my water heater while the gas jets will obviously be sized differently, my water heater for example has thermocouples which when they sense the pilot light go out the gas is shut off completely. The light up procedure would be something similar to depress and hold the control knob in a lighting position as it is lit, and to hold it for a certain period for the sensor to be heated to maintain the gas flow.

I can't guess about your furnace as mine has no pilot light... as it's a high efficiency unit that's only about 15 years old.

Don't know about the fireplace either.

5u5anD · Feb 19, 2010, 09:31 AM

Hi Smoothy

The fireplace in band new and the furnace and water heater are less than 15 years old I am sure but we didn't put them in and I know nothing of these things.

I could wait for my husband to get home as he would know more about what these appliances pilot lights are going to need but by then getting the gas delivered today would be impossible.

It is true winter here but I guess being cold tonight is better than me blowing the house up this afternoon.

Thanks

smoothy · Feb 19, 2010, 10:25 AM

You should have a gas shutoff outside next to the tank. Have the delivery people show you were it is and how to turn it back on... if you absolutely have no idea what to do that will work until your husband gets home. OR you can ask the delivery guys. Depending on how busy their schedule is... it is possible they my be able to help you.

If they do... it would be nice to tip them for their help, as that typically isn't part of their job.

Be advised they may be prohibited from helping due to liability issues and company rules.

KISS · Feb 19, 2010, 10:32 AM

Actually, there should be a valve at the tank. Have it left off. You could turn off the supply valve at each appliance if your worried.

Most modern appliances have safeties, especially unattended ones.

Older stoves had pilots without safeties, and the amount of fuel burned is small. Older ovens, are more of a problem. I'm talking 1950's or earlier. No safely valves whatsoever. I have a working one. The oven must be lit with a match every time. No gas safeties.