Arguably one of the best ways to cook is on a gas cook top. There really is no better control than with a gas flame, electric stove tops just can’t compete. The one thing about gas as opposed to electricity is it can leak and go bang. This is why it scares some folks and they prefer other ways to cook and heat their homes. The truth is gas is safe as long as the equipment is maintained, but above all else has been installed correctly.
Not long ago during a home inspection the buyers and their agent were admiring the newer range in the kitchen. It was a beauty for sure, a top of the line unit from this particular manufacturer. It was stainless steel, with a four burner gas cook top and an electric convection oven.
One thing a gas range needs above all else is, well gas. The gas supply to a range or any gas appliance for that matter requires that certain safety related devices be present. There are also rules as to the type of piping used and how it is configured, all safety and functionally relevant.
Since this was a newer range I was first curious to see the piping used to bring the gas supply to the unit. In the basement I found the new gas supply for the range, a length of CSST.
When ever I see a gas meter on the outside of a home, I look to see if there is a ground wire attached to the piping. This is because if the home has any CSST gas pipe, the system must be grounded per the manufactures.
I saw no ground on the system while outside. I looked on the other piping, nada. Was I surprised? Nope.
Next I went back up to look behind the range, but first I checked the cabinets next to the unit. What I was looking for was a gas shut off for the cook top. You see a shut off valve is required to be in the same room as the appliance. It must be within six feet or less of said appliance and be readily accessible.
I found no valve in the cabinets next to the stove, which was not surprising. What was surprising is I found no valve behind the range either. The installer had connected the appliance connector directly to the CSST without a shutoff valve.
I would bet the company that installed the gas line did so without proper licensing and permits. You see the building departments and the gas company are sort of fussy when it comes to who installs gas equipment.
Can you see why?
James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
2010 - 2011 SNEC-ASHI President
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC
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