In theory, it is very good when the utilities in the house change the gas pipes for new ones. You get reliable, modern communications and don't pay anything for it. At first glance, solid pluses, right? But in order for the process to go well and not end in damage to personal property, you need to carefully prepare for it.
We have found out how the repair / replacement of gas pipes in an apartment building is going on and we will tell you in detail everything that will help you calmly survive the repair activities.
The content of the article:
- What are the reasons for changing the gas pipeline?
- Rules and regulations for work
- Requirements for the materials used
- How are gas pipes changed?
- A few tips for residents
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
What are the reasons for changing the gas pipeline?
The official program, developed by government agencies, provides for major repairs and free replacement of gas pipes in old apartment buildings.
The reason for the work may be:
- a fixed gas leak (in this case, the equipment is changed in the apartment where the problem was discovered);
- visually noticeable damage to the outer coating of pipes, which can lead to a violation of the integrity of the gas pipeline (change in the area of the welding joint, thinning of the walls above the norm);
- the expiration of the service life of communications (relevant for houses built more than 50 years ago).
Gas utilities report that the replacement of gas supply equipment is a planned procedure and is being carried out according to an approved schedule. During the renovation period, each apartment owner at a clearly designated time undertakes to provide free access to his home.
It is strictly forbidden to interfere with the work of the craftsmen, since they do not work with personal equipment of each tenant, and with public utilities, which are on the balance sheet of the communal enterprises.
If the owner refuses to let workers into his territory for personal reasons, it is not possible to completely replace the riser at the entrance. Then the masters cut off the gas supply to the problem housing until the situation is clarified or the permission for access to the apartment is obtained through the court.
Usually, on the eve of the start of repair activities, residents are notified through announcements or by phone call. Additionally, the relevant information is posted on the website of the gas service organization. The text clearly indicates the date and time of the work.
Rules and regulations for work
The current legislation says that only employees of the gas supply company have the right to repair gas communications. To determine the scope of work, a preliminary check is carried out. Craftsmen go around all apartments, inspect communications and make notes regarding the level of wear of networks and locking elements. Based on this information, a decision is made regarding the procurement of materials and the forthcoming scope of work.
When leaving the facility, the team is supplied with a prescription sheet, which clearly indicates a list of planned activities. All craftsmen have with them certificates of employees of the company with a photograph and a hologram.
Residents in apartment buildings are prohibited from assembling / dismantling gas supply communications on their own. If such a case is identified, an administrative fine is imposed on the apartment.
The work is carried out at public expense in accordance with current regulatory requirements. Old pipes are removed and heavy-duty new ones are installed in their place. They are selected depending on the pressure level in the city network. All shut-off valves are changing in parallel. Residents are not charged for this.
Requirements for the materials used
The contractor purchases everything necessary for the replacement of gas communications on his own. To ensure the proper level of fire safety, three types of pipes are suitable:
- steel;
- copper;
- polypropylene.
These materials have the desired physical characteristics and a high level of strength. In the process of connecting into a single network, they ensure proper tightness of the seam and completely eliminate the leakage of blue fuel from the system. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Allows you to safely use the gas network for domestic purposes.
There are some additional requirements for steel pipes. According to SNiP information, for organizing the supply of household gas to apartments in multi-storey buildings, they are suitable products from low-carbon calm steel grades St2, St3 and St4, capable of withstanding powerful hydraulic blows. These properties must be confirmed by special certificates. Read more about gas pipes. here.
Subject to building codes, basic installation requirements and operating rules, gas pipes made of steel will reliably serve from 30 to 40 years. Repair of a steel gas pipeline may only be required as a last resort
All fitting elements must clearly comply with the requirements of the current GOST.
The following types of parts of factory origin are suitable for work:
- cast iron couplings, elbows and tees with cylindrical threads;
- steel locknuts and sleeves with cylindrical threads;
- metal transitions and plugs.
During the overhaul of gas networks in apartment buildings, shut-off valves made of ductile gray iron, alloy and carbon steel, brass and bronze can be used. The choice of the correct option depends on the ambient temperature and the gas pressure level.
In networks where the gas pressure does not exceed 1.2 MPa, it is allowed to install polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 20 to 400 mm. Such communications are very durable and can last up to 80 years.
Gas service technicians are obliged to strictly follow the requirements of regulations governing overhaul and equipment replacement measures. In the event of improper work, problems or leaks, the contractor is solely responsible.
How are gas pipes changed?
Usually, the process of replacing pipes in a multi-storey building lasts from 3-4 days to a week. At this time, the owners of the apartments are in the house and provide the masters with the opportunity to access communications. Before starting work, the employees of the repair company turn off the gas supply and only then begin to replace the pipes.
At the first stage, old communications are cut using special equipment. The gas pipeline is purged for 2-5 minutes to completely remove the remaining gas.
Gas workers use special tools and devices to cut pipes. Work is carried out in strict accordance with regulatory requirements and safety rules
At the next stage, the wizards begin to prepare the site for the installation of new communications. The edges of the outgoing pipes are thoroughly cleaned from dirt and corrosive manifestations.
If products with a wall thickness of more than 4 mm are used for installation, special slopes are made in the edge area. Such processing makes it possible to achieve rapid melting of the steel.
The connection of new communication elements with the main gas pipeline is carried out by means of gas or electric welding. The docking area remains visible and is not obscured by decorative elements, so that it can be checked for tightness at any time
Next, the burner is moved counterclockwise, passing through the areas that have not yet been welded. When the connection is complete, the seam is carefully examined. After processing, it should be free of scale and metal splashes. Burn-throughs, cracks and undercuts on the pipe surface are categorically excluded.
If defects are found, gas workers should replace the pipe again. Any violation of the integrity of communication products leads to the formation of a leak, endangers the operation of the gas pipeline as a whole and threatens the safety of apartment owners.
At the end of the repair measures, the apartment owners sign an act listing the changes made to the system. This procedure should be considered carefully and thoroughly checked each item. The signature will mean full acceptance of the work and agreement with the quality of their implementation.
According to the rules for the technical operation of household networks, after replacing the pipes, a safety check is carried out. Gas workers treat the zones of welded seams with a concentrated soap emulsion and assess their tightness.
Then inspect for the presence of stubs, gas taps and assess the serviceability of the communications connection in each apartment. If no problems are identified at the site, gas is released through the new communication system.
We also recommend reading our other material, where we talked in detail about how to move a gas pipe in an apartment. Read more - read Further.
A few tips for residents
Access to the gas pipes to be replaced must be convenient and free. Furniture or interior fragments blocking the approach to communications are dismantled by the owner of the premises on his own.
It is this moment that often causes the greatest number of complaints. The owners of real estate, who have made major repairs in the kitchen, do not want to disassemble kitchen sets, move household appliances, disrupt the decoration of walls and ceilings. However, this cannot be avoided if the repair of gas pipes in an apartment building is already planned.
During the period of work from the kitchen, it is better to remove most of the breakable objects and small household appliances. This will avoid accidental damage to property during repairs.
To minimize the negative aspects associated with replacing gas communications, you need to properly prepare the premises for the visit of the masters. It is better to close the front of the cabinets with something tight so that workers do not accidentally scratch the doors. If a glass hob is installed in the kitchen, it must be especially protected.
Rugs, table and chairs should be taken out for a while. The same applies to fragile decor items, vases and table lamps. Of course, this is not very convenient, but in this way you will reliably protect your property from any surprises.
It is not advisable to leave the brigade unattended for a long time. The owner constantly appearing in the doorway will make the craftsmen not delay the process and do their work much more accurately.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
A gas leak is one of the most compelling reasons for replacing gas supply lines. Why shouldn't you use the services of amateurs?
How communication networks are checked to determine the need for major repairs:
How to repair in-house gas supply communications in Moscow. All the details and nuances of professional work:
The planned replacement of gas pipes in a residential apartment building is an excellent government initiative. It makes it possible to increase the safety of using gas in everyday life and improves the quality of the living conditions of citizens living in old buildings.
If you have recently made repairs and are worried about the safety of your property, just carefully prepare for the arrival of the craftsmen and provide them with convenient access to the place of work. Then the event will take place without any problems and will not cause significant inconvenience.
And if you have already had to deal with the replacement of gas pipes in the house, please tell other visitors of our site about it. Perhaps there are nuances of replacing equipment that we did not mention in this article? Share them with our readers - leave comments in the block below.
