PSE&G has released a new advisory this morning for inspections of gas metering equipment and appliances.

Flickr User Doug Orleans
Flickr User Doug Orleans
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The following is a press release from PSE&G:

To safeguard the public’s safety, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) is inspecting customer gas piping, metering equipment and appliances in 26 municipalities that were flooded as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Towns affected include:  Bayonne, Bogota, East Brunswick, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Hackensack, Harrison, Hoboken, Edgewater, Jersey City, Kearny, Little Ferry, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Newark, New Milford, River Edge, Ridgefield Park, Rutherford, Sayreville, South Amboy, South Brunswick, South Hackensack, Teaneck, Wallington and Weehawken.

PSE&G needs entry and clear access to the gas meter area in customer homes to inspect gas facilities and equipment, such as gas water heaters and HVAC systems. If PSE&G cannot gain reasonable access to a customer’s gas meter, the utility may be required to turn off gas service until the equipment can be properly inspected.

Electric service must be restored to ensure proper operation of natural gas appliances. PSE&G will ensure that any flood-related hazards are appropriately identified during the inspection.  This work is being done in conjunction with local construction officials, and will be occurring over the next several days.

During an inspection, PSE&G will:

  • Repair or replace PSE&G’s gas facilities that may have been impacted by flooding
  • Apply violation tags to gas appliances damaged from floodwater (damaged heating equipment and water heaters will be disconnected from gas piping).

If PSE&G’s inspection reveals that a natural gas appliance was exposed to floodwater, a violation tag will be issued, and gas supply to the appliance will be shut off or disconnected (gas heaters and water heaters) until the affected unit is replaced.  PSE&G will not turn on or repair any gas appliances where floodwater has reached the equipment controls. To remove the violation and correct any unsafe conditions, customers will need to:

  • Have gas appliances replaced by a licensed plumber or installer that meets the requirements of the municipality or township.
  • Have customer owned (interior) gas piping repaired by a licensed plumber or installer that meets the requirements of the municipality or township.
  • Have the municipality or township local code officials complete inspections on all replaced equipment as required by code.
  • Call PSE&G at 1-800-350-7734 to schedule an appointment for gas service to be turned on to verify that the violation has been corrected.

PSE&G asks customers to understand that safety is our first priority.  While this process may seem lengthy, the utility must ensure that all equipment is operating correctly to keep customers and employees safe.

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