A gas valve helps regulate flow of gas through a system or a series of connected pipelines. It might be located in a storage tank or on a pipeline. Gas valves are required to stop or regulate the flow of gas beyond the valve point. It is usually made of brass material and it is designed such that there is no spark created when it is turned. The gas valve usually comes in a gas supply line which connects to any appliance or on a carburetor of an appliance.
Features of a gas valve
Gas valves that are connected to a gas supply line with an appliance or a carburetor need to be installed and used, keeping certain safety measures in mind. For such reasons you need to have a plumbing Chapel Hill professional who would come in and make the fitment. Home owners should also be educated on the right usage of the valve by such professionals. For instance, the valve on supply line should remain in “off” position when one is working with the appliance. Gas fittings usually come with a counter clockwise thread which is reverse of any fitting. The thread design is such that it can help ensure that no unsafe valve is installed. Hence, shutoff valve for any substance or water are usually made of steel. However a metallic valve in a gas line is not recommended as I can cause an explosion.
Tests for safety
When new fitting or gas valves are being used, a bubble test is usually conducted to ensure that no leaks happen. Bubble test is usually done with a mixture of water and soap. This can be applied to all kinds of gas line connections where such valves are used. Leaking gas will cause bubbles in soapy water. When water heater repair is being done by an experienced plumber, it is important to get the same person look into a gas line connections being made or if new valves need to be fitted.
Gas valves are usually on main supply lines that have a locking lug. This is usually placed along with the valve to ensure that a padlock can be installed. The lock helps to keep the valve in a closed position. The safety device ensures that no accidental gas flow happens into an open line or no tampering happens. This can result in poisoning of people or explosions. Gas valve designs are different for different uses. If you are attempting to fit a valve in a gas connection, it is best to call in a professional to complete the fitting.