Going on Holiday? Don’t Forget About Your Gas!
Packing your bags, booking your flight and getting ready for a well-deserved holiday is not all sunshine and roses when you have a million things to remember before you jet off!
And midst the flurry of excitement, one question might pop into your head: “Should I turn off my gas when I go on holiday?”
As a gas company in Centurion, we understand South Africans love the convenience and efficiency of gas cooking and heating. From whipping up a quick braai to boiling a pot of rooibos tea, gas delivers a responsive and controllable flame that makes cooking a pleasure. And aside from that, gas is often a lot more cost-effective than electricity, especially when those winter evenings call for that extra dose of heat.
However, safety is a must and not something you should brush off. A gas leak, no matter how small, can be a serious hazard.
So, what’s the verdict when you’re going on holiday? Turn it off or leave it on?
Here’s the answer: it depends.
If you’re only going to be away for a weekend or a few days, there’s generally no need to turn off your gas entirely. But it’s still a good idea to be extra cautious. You should double-check that all appliance knobs are firmly in the “off” position, and you can also think about turning off the main gas supply valve. This will provide an extra layer of security, especially if you have any concerns about faulty appliances.
For longer holidays, exceeding a week or two, turning off your gas supply is the recommended safety measure. This minimises any risk associated with potential leaks while your home is unoccupied. Again, you should go to your main gas supply valve and turn it to the “off” position.
Gas safety is such a big concern, especially for those who are not so familiar with using gas and as such feel a little nervous. If you are one of those who worry about gas bottles leaking, here are some additional gas safety tips to remember:
- Do Regular Inspections: Have a qualified gas installer inspect your appliances and connections at least every year. This will identify any potential problems before they become serious. It is also important that you hire a professional gas installer to do your initial installation.
- Do Regular Leak Detection: Keep an eye (and nose!) out for signs of a gas leak. This could include a hissing sound near appliances or at the bottle, a strong gas odour, or even discoloured flames, from your stovetop, for instance. If you suspect a leak, turn off your gas supply, evacuate the house immediately and call your gas supplier’s emergency number.
Gas is not as scary as it seems, so long as you know how to use it safely. For more information or if you need a reliable gas installer or supplier, you can contact the team at Budget Gas and we’ll help you build your confidence in using gas in your home.
We also offer 9kg gas bottle refill, as well as 19kg gas refill.