Restoring gas service after flooding: What New Jersey customers need to know

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"The flood water is gone. Why can't my gas be turned back on?" It's one of the most common questions PSE&G hears after flooding impacts a neighborhood.

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If your gas service has been shut off because of flood damage, restoring service may take time, even after the water recedes.

Floodwater can affect boilers, furnaces, water heaters, gas piping and other equipment in ways that are not always obvious or visible. Equipment that appears normal on the outside may have damaged components or safety controls internally that make it unsafe to operate.

Floodwater can also affect gas piping and appliance controls, creating risks including equipment failure, carbon monoxide hazards and other unsafe operating conditions.

That's why restoring gas service after a flood involves several steps and requires trained professionals to inspect, repair and restore your service as safely and quickly as possible.

Why can't my gas service be restored right away?

According to FEMA, "flooding remains the country's number one disaster and can potentially affect everyone and every property."

Even when there are no obvious signs of flood damage, PSE&G needs to confirm that floodwaters have not affected the gas system in a way that would make it unsafe to operate before gas service can be restored. Depending on the situation, that may involve inspections, repairs and verification that your equipment is ready for service. These steps help reduce the risk of problems after service is returned and help ensure that you can safely return to your everyday tasks that involve using your gas service as normal.

What should I do after a flood?

Your safety always comes first. Always follow instructions from local emergency management officials and evacuate if directed to do so.

If evacuating, shut off the natural gas supply valve to any gas appliances. The valve is usually found on the gas line to the appliance. Gas is on when the when the indicator is "in line" with the piping showing flow can pass through. Gas is off when the indicator is perpendicular to the piping, showing that the path is blocked by the valve.

Do not attempt to turn gas off to your home.

After a flood:

• Do not attempt to restore gas service yourself and do not attempt to relight your own appliances.
• Follow all local emergency and safety guidance before returning to your property.
• Do not use any gas appliances or equipment that may have been submerged. For example, water damaged internal components and safety controls of boilers or furnaces can lead to an overheated condition which is extremely dangerous.
• Remember that pools of water may become electrically charged. Appliances in standing water may also become charged, so do not touch them after they have become surrounded by water.
• Don't go into basements with standing water, raw sewage or obvious electric hazards. Stay away from the breaker box in a flooded basement.
• Contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor if you suspect flood damage to gas appliances or piping.

For additional flood preparedness and recovery information, including gas and electrical safety tips, read more on our Flood Safety page.

Why do I need a licensed plumber or contractor after flooding?

If floodwaters reached any gas appliance, heating equipment, water heater or gas piping in your home, you should contact a licensed plumber, qualified contractor or PSE&G WorryFree technician before attempting to use that equipment again.

This inspection is required to identify any flood-related damage, complete necessary repairs and verify that appliances, controls and gas piping is safe to return to service.

Once any required repairs are completed, the restoration process can move forward.

How is gas service restored after a flood?

Every property is different, but the restoration process typically follows these steps:

1. Once floodwaters recede, the property will be assessed. Make sure someone over 18 years old is home for the inspection
2. Ensure clear and safe access to appliances, meters, and basements. If safe, ensure debris is not blocking meters.
3. If your boiler, furnace, water heater, gas piping or electrical equipment that serves your gas appliances (such as an electrical panel or related electrical components) were exposed to flooding or water intrusion, do not attempt to operate them until they've been inspected. Call a licensed plumber or contractor or 1-800-880-PSEG (7734) and PSE&G will inspect it for free. Please note, flooded water heaters generally cannot be safely restarted and often must be replaced.
4. If an inspection determines that a gas appliance is unsafe to operate, PSE&G will tag the appliance and disconnect it from the gas supply to protect your home and community. The appliance must be repaired or replaced before it can be reconnected. PSE&G crews will verify that required inspections and repairs have been completed, inspect the integrity of your gas piping to remove any water contamination if present and perform required leak testing before service is restored.
5. Following the completion of all inspections, gas service will be restored. Only appliances that were not submerged or otherwise affected by floodwater may be returned to service. Eligible appliances are relit by PSE&G or eligible contractors and confirmed to be operating properly.

The exact process and duration may vary depending on the extent of flooding and the condition of equipment at the property. Depending on the number of affected homes and the extent of flooding, inspections and restoration may take time, ranging from several hours to several days based on the impact to communities.

Why do PSE&G crews inspect every home after a flood?

Every home is different, and the flooding experiences differ even among neighbors. Because of this, restoration timelines and steps may differ even between homes.

Some homes in a community may not have experienced any flooding. Others in the same neighborhood may have water damage to appliances, piping or mechanical systems. Going house to house allows PSE&G crews to assess conditions at each location and determine the safest path to restoration with care.

PSE&G crews evaluate each situation individually because gas safety decisions are not one-size-fits-all, especially after a flood event, and what is safe for one home may be different for a neighbor based on unique conditions.

Safety comes first

Recovering from a flood can be stressful. PSE&G understands you want to get back to normal as quickly as possible.

The steps involved in restoring gas service are designed to help protect you, your families, your homes and communities from flood-related hazards to gas systems and equipment.

Important reminders:

• Overheated boilers are extremely dangerous. Signs of an overheated boiler include: boiler will not turn off, leaking steam, rumbling noise, burning smell, red glow, high pressure, or high/overheated temperature. If you identify one, evacuate your home immediately and contact us.
• If you smell gas, immediately exit the building and move at least 350 feet away. Once you are at a safe distance, call 911 ASAP, then call us at 1-800-880-PSEG (7734) to report a potential gas leak. You will not be charged for reporting a potential gas leak.

By working together with our customers, licensed plumbers and our field crews, we can safely restore service and help our communities recover after severe weather impacts.

To learn more about preparing for floods and staying safe after severe weather, visit PSE&G's Flood Safety page.

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