Flexible gas connectors are corrugated metal tubes sometimes used to connect gas appliances to the gas piping in your home. Some older uncoated brass connectors can become brittle over time and crack, causing an unsafe situation.
To our knowledge, these connectors have not been manufactured for over 20 years but many are still in use. The older these connectors get, the greater the risk of failure.
Although not all uncoated connectors have this flaw, it is very difficult to tell which ones do. Therefore, any uncoated brass connector should be replaced immediately with either a new plastic coated brass or a new stainless steel connector. Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending, or corrosion. Connectors should always be replaced whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location.
Moving the appliance – even slightly – whether to clean behind it or to inspect its gas connector, can cause the complete failure of one of these older weakened connectors, possibly resulting in a deadly fire or explosion.
Do Not Move Your Appliance To Check The Connector
Only a qualified professional should check your connector and replace it if needed. Don’t try to do this yourself!