(Undated)– With over a foot of snow on the ground now, local utility providers are reminding their customers to make sure gas and electric meters are cleared of snow and ice, along with furnace exhaust and sewer vents.
Utility officials say natural gas meters have a vent on regulators that allows gas to escape. They say the flow of natural gas through the line into the house could become compromised if the vent is blocked by snow or ice.
They add you should use your hands, not a shovel, to clear snow and ice from a meter and to never bang on the meter or pipes. Any icicles hanging above a meter should also be removed.
Furnace and water heater exhaust pipes should also be checked. Any blockages caused by snow or ice could cause the appliance to malfunction or shut down entirely.
Clogged sewer vents could result in sewer gas entering your home.
