Wisconsin Public Service Corporation is recommending that natural gas customers keep their gas meters free of ice and snow to prevent the potential for a dangerous natural gas pressure buildup in their homes.
With the recent snows accumulation of ice and snow on or around natural gas meters can lead to a dangerous natural gas buildup inside a house or other buildings. Snow and ice on roofs and in trees can melt and drip on meters, then refreeze, increasing the potential for a meter malfunction.
WPS also recommends that appliance vents, often located on a home`s roof, be kept clear in order to operate properly. The natural gas meter`s regulator vent is especially vulnerable to plugging any time there is a combination of snow and ice buildup and fluctuating temperatures. A plugged vent can adversely affect the operation of the gas pressure regulator, resulting in a potentially hazardous condition by preventing the proper flow of natural gas.
WPS asks that customers very gently remove snow or ice from the gas meter and any associated piping and the roofline above the meter. Also check to ensure that melting snow or ice is not dripping on the meter from the roof or nearby trees, which can plug the vent if it refreezes.
