WSSC Urges Proper Maintenance of Gas Appliances to Protect Against Carbon Poisoning

[Howard Hartman]

WSSC Customers Urged to Properly Maintain Gas Appliances
to Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Laurel – February 7, 2012: In the wake of carbon monoxide poisoning affecting a family in Ft. Washington today, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) reminds its customers of the importance of proper installation, inspection and maintenance of gas appliances.

While WSSC is responsible only for inspecting newly installed or replacement gas appliances, the Commission is committed to public safety and urges its customers to make sure their gas appliances are properly maintained. WSSC recommends that all gas appliances be serviced by a WSSC-registered plumber/gasfitter or a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) specialist on a routine basis. Please consult your appliance’s owners manual for more specific instructions.

Improper installation or improper maintenance of gas appliances can cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas which can lead to life-threatening incidents like what happened in Ft. Washington. These situations can also lead to natural gas leaks which can cause explosions.

The “Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code” for Montgomery and Prince George’s counties requires gas appliances be installed only by WSSC-registered plumbers/gasfitters, that they first obtain permits from WSSC and then schedule inspection of the installation by WSSC. Those appliances include water heaters, gas dryers, gas heating systems and gas stoves.

Consumers considering buying a gas appliance, or who have questions about the safety of an existing installation should review our FAQs on gas appliances. They can also contact Inspection Services Scheduling at 301-206-4004.