Gas Leaks – Insurance Nightmares!

When getting a gas-powered appliance installed, it’s important to get it done by a professional you can trust to have the best chance to minimise future disasters. This is why using a certified technician is vital. Should a gas leak spring and it’s found out by insurance that you cut corners, you could end up with your claim rejected.

Here are some of the ways improper installations and half-completed jobs can affect your home.

• A slow and steady gas leak causes damage to surrounding appliances or other fixtures of the home.
• The gas leak is caused by an ageing appliance that you’ve failed to keep up with routine maintenance.
• A gas leak can occur due to a connection issue in an appliance that was improperly installed.
• The gas leak occurs due to damage to an appliance struck by a natural disaster that is not covered (e.g., flood, earthquake, or mudslide).

Be smart – follow safety protocols

Most, if not all, gas installations require proper certification. From gas hot water systems to stoves and ovens, you are covered as long as you adhere to these guidelines.

If you are using gas in any of these ways then you will need to make sure that your chosen technician has a Certificate of Conformity. This regulation is stipulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

All gas installations need to be carried out on a smooth and flat surface with your gas bottles safely and securely locked in a cage. This is one of the most important things to do to ensure compliance with your insurance policy.

Always be aware of your gas appliances and take necessary precautions to ensure that they are regularly turned off when not in use and that all of your gas bottles are safely and legally stored in a secure place.

Safety Guidelines for proper installations

A certified and professional technician will already have these points memorised. However, these are also important for homeowners to take note of. Be aware that gas installations have to adhere to the following guidelines.

• 1m sideways from doors and windows.
• 1m from the property boundary wall.
• 1.5m from any light bulb.
• 2m from drains and air vents.
• 3m below windows.
• 5m sideways from a switchable electric point or plug switch.

The savvy homeowner’s queries

Are you unsure about gas safety and certification but still want the job done right? Consider asking these questions.

• Are your gas systems and appliances annually checked by a certified technician? If not, you could be at risk of owning appliances that could void your policy.
• Are you properly insured against all forms of fire damage?
• Should significant damage be done to your property due to a gas leak, is your home properly covered for the cost of demolition? Such events can be dire in terms of personal cost and not all insurers automatically include these in their clause.
• Should the damage be severe enough that you need to move to temporary lodging, does your insurer cover the costs?

Keep up with the routine maintenance, too. You as the homeowner are considered responsible for maintaining the safe working order of appliances in your home.

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