Installation and maintenance of appliances
Installation
When installing a natural gas appliance, make sure that:
- the connection is airtight, and
- the appliance is working properly.
That is why the installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of natural gas equipment and appliances should be done by specialists. Entrust this work to a company:
- that holds a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, and
- that is a member of the Corporation of Master Pipe-Mechanics of Quebec.
Any technician or plumber working on natural gas appliances must hold a natural gas competency certificate from Emploi-Québec.
Gaz Métro has established a network of qualified contractors. We recommend that you entrust the installation of your appliances to a Gaz Métro Authorized Partner.
When installing natural gas appliances, if you do not have one already, why not install a carbon monoxide detector at the same time?
Maintenance
The regular inspection of your appliances helps detect any problem as well as any signs of their deterioration. Poorly maintained appliances may give off carbon monoxide (CO) which can have harmful effects on your health.
The natural gas flame should be blue. Blue indicates that your appliances are performing optimally. However, it is normal that the flame in your gas fireplace has yellow tints.
Avoid using any appliance when the flame is yellow or orange (other than your fireplace) and have it checked right away.
Also maintain the appliance’s air intake and exhaust vents, making sure that nothing is blocking the ventilation or the exhaust of combustion gases.
Emergency situations
In case of a gas leak
1. Avoid flames and sparks.
2. Leave the building immediately or move well away from the leak if you are already outdoors.
3. Call 9-1-1.
For more information, consult the tab In Case of an Emergency.
Flood or water damage
If the situation affects natural gas appliances, close the natural gas shutoff valve and call Gaz Métro emergency service at 1 800 361-4568 or 514 598-3222.
If you have to evacuate your home due to a flood, close the shutoff valve before leaving and alert Gaz Métro.
Snow and snow clearing
The connection to your home must be accessible at all times. The connection must therefore be kept clear of any snow accumulation.
- Never push snow onto a natural gas connection or in front of the air intake and exhaust vents of your natural gas appliances.
- Use a brush or a broom, never a metal shovel, to remove the snow.
- If you notice a significant accumulation of ice on a connection, contact Gaz Métro to have the ice removed safely.