Here''s a conversation starter and food for thought... Con Ed is on a shut down frenzy and it's going to get worse!

As many are aware, all buildings need to be tested and inspected by a licensed professional, with certifications beginning whenever your specific community Board schedule mandates.

Many pre-war or war era buildings could never pass a pressure test if put to it, and if a line is suspect, they will pressure test it and shut it down.

The inspections right now are simple visual inspections followed by an ambient gas leak detector scan around all visible lines (my assumption is that within a couple short years they will amend the law to include a 5 year pressure test). Only if something is suspect does it become an issue. I was informed by one of our plumbers that Con Ed is wanting them to have special waist clipped detectors that are automatic and will contact Con Ed autonomously if ambient gas is detected. This can be a nightmare since it does not give the opportunity to resolve a simple issue before getting Con Ed involved.

Whats the solution? There isn't one that I know of, butt what I am doing in all my buildings is equipping the supers with personal gas leak detectors and performing constant in house inspections. preemptively replace anything that seems suspect and start making plans and budgets to replace individual lines.

Anyone else have any ideas, thoughts or preventative measures to suggest?

~AR