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Corroded Flues nees replacing - Rusted flues create major problems

The other day I noticed the rooftop flue from our gas heater looked a bit corroded. I don’t have to worry about fixing that right now do I? Only if you want to end up like this recent job Sharpe technicians were called to. The flue had rusted so badly rainwater entered the gas heater and blew up its electrics.

So a lot can go wrong up there? The last thing you want is water getting into your roof and heating systems. With ducted gas heating systems we’ve also seen broken seals and cracked ducting. All this is hidden away in the roof so householders only realise their system isn’t working properly when they get a higher gas bill.

What’s the best way to avoid all this? Government authorities stress that gas heating be professionally serviced and tested at least every two years. The unit we fixed hadn’t been inspected within living memory. We have a range of parts to fix most gas heaters and also replacement options for units that can’t be repaired. So get ready for winter now.

Great. I will. What are some tips to be aware of as winter progresses? A couple of weeks ago SA Health warned about carbon monoxide poisoning, saying that the number of people presenting to casualty departments last year was the highest in five years. So make sure you have a quality monoxide alarm.

Signs and Symptoms: Gas Leak Risks

  • Are your gas-powered appliances, heating or hot water service old?
  • Were they serviced a long time ago?
  • Have they been performing intermittently?
  • Any of your gas appliances installed by an unlicensed tradesman?

Increased Heating equals Increased Danger

Any gas appliance can put you at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Every year in Australia, 364 people are hospitalised due to dangerous exposure to Carbon Monoxide. South Australia already has more per capita deaths from the gas than any state.

Just because your heater is flued, doesn’t mean you’re protected. The tragic deaths of Tyler & Chase Robinson happened as a result of a flued but faulty gas heater. The Foundation named after the boys to promote awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide has stated the best thing you can do to protect you and your family is to have your gas systems regularly serviced and tested by a licensed gas fitter.

What are the indications my appliance could produce carbon monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is deadly because you can’t see or smell it, although there are signs that you may be at risk. If you notice black marks or discolouration on your gas appliance or flue, call a licensed gas technician immediately.

If the flames are no longer blue or are excessively large, this means there is incomplete combustion and a high chance of carbon monoxide. Dust or debris around the flue pipe is also a warning sign of blockages.

Worrying Gas Safety Risks

Out of the 960 gas installations audited by the Office of the Technical Regulator, 66 received warnings about significant compliance issues or dangerous work. Considering that an estimated 79,000 residential and light commercial gas installation jobs were completed in Adelaide last year, hundreds could have significant safety issues.

You should always ensure you use a professional gas fitter, with an up-to-date licence and insist they provide you with a Certificate of Compliance with every job.

A Heating & Hot Water Service and Inspection will help you avoid safety issues, and ensure the systems are efficient heating.