Learn these simple ATCO FACTOs and stay safe around natural gas

Like all hot water systems, it pays to give your gas hot water system a quick check over once or twice a year to help avoid expensive repairs.

Leave the area quickly and call ATCO on 13 13 52. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Leave the area quickly and call ATCO on 13 13 52. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If your appliance is vented externally, flue pipes should be checked for damage. If you see any holes or loose fitting joints, you should get them fixed immediately. Call a licensed gas fitter to have it cleaned or repaired.

Take a look at your hot water system’s thermostat – if the temperature’s set too high, you could needlessly be wasting energy.

If you don’t already have one, consider engaging a licensed gas fitter to install a temperature control valve – that way you can limit the bathroom water temperature to 49℃ when in use, and 60℃ when idle.

Cleaning your gas heater is important, but you need to choose the right products to do it effectively and safely. Check that the cleaning products are appropriate for use with your appliance, and be mindful that some cleaners may emit an odour when the heater is in use.

Check your burner and other gas appliances to make sure the flame is blue. If your burner’s flame is yellow or you notice excess soot, contact a licensed gas fitter and have the appliance serviced.

Air filters and fans can become blocked by lint and dust. Depending on the make and model of your gas heater, you may be able to clean the air filter yourself. Please consult your owner’s manual to see if this is recommended and how to do it. If not, leave cleaning to a licensed gas fitter.

Not sure if there are underground pipes or cables where you’re about to dig? It is important for anyone who is going to do any excavation work to Dial Before You Dig. This is a free service providing information on the location of Australia’s network of underground infrastructure.

Visit the Dial Before You Dig website.

You may need to turn your gas meter on or off if an appliance needs servicing or you’re having a new gas appliance installed. It’s quite simple if you follow the instructions on Your Gas Meter website.

Faulty or poorly maintained gas appliances can emit dangerous carbon monoxide. Unlike natural gas, it’s odourless. If carbon monoxide is present, you might experience headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness. If you suspect someone is suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical help immediately.

Check the hose on your portable gas heater, as they can become damaged or deteriorate with age. The bayonet connections should also be examined for damage. If you find any faulty hoses or connections, you’ll need to get them replaced by a licensed gas fitter.

It’s important that you know where your gas meter is, and how to turn it on and off. Your gas meter is generally located in a metal meter box at the front of your property. It may be a gas-only meter box or a combined gas/electric meter box. If you believe a gas appliance is leaking gas, leave the area and call ATCO on 13 13 52 where one of our experienced staff can give you further instructions.

Visit the Your Gas Meter website

You should clean your oven and filters regularly (yes, more regularly than you do now). Give your entire stove and grill a thorough wipe down with warm, soapy water to remove food particles and dust.

Give your BBQ a thorough clean before and after each use to remove accumulated food, dirt and grease. Protect your BBQ from the elements by throwing on a cover for protection between uses.

Never store a gas cylinder indoors. You should store your LPG cylinders upright and outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. Switching to a natural gas BBQ eliminates LPG cylinder storage issues!

Over time, rust and corrosion-causing sediments can build up in your hot water tank. To remove these sediments, drain a few litres from your tank into a bucket via your system’s drain valve.