It is difficult to imagine an apartment without gas today. Blue fuel guarantees heat and the availability of hot water in the house. However, you must agree that in addition to the benefits of civilization, gas is fraught with danger.
Even a minor leak can lead to tragedy. The only way to prevent an emergency is to regularly check the gas in the apartment, as well as competent maintenance of gas equipment and strict adherence to operating rules.
We will tell you how often gas equipment should be inspected, what the responsibilities of the inspection service are, what rights the consumer has, and how much this service costs. You will also learn everything about the rights and responsibilities of subscribers and whether it is possible to prevent gas workers from entering the apartment.
Changing the frequency of technical inspection of civil defense
Most domestic apartments are equipped with gas stoves, and in houses up to five floors high, housing is also equipped with water heaters or floor-standing boilers. In Soviet times, maintenance of gas processing equipment was carried out free of charge. This scheme was maintained in Russia until 2006.
Later, a separate tariff was allocated for maintenance (MOT) of gas equipment, which was established on the basis of an agreement with residents. The innovation caused a negative reaction from users who did not want to pay for the imposed services.
As a result, no contracts were concluded, and the lack of documents led to the fact that practically no preventive inspection of gas equipment was carried out.
In 2020, unscheduled inspections of gas equipment (gas equipment) began to be carried out on an emergency basis. Such measures are caused by a series of domestic gas explosions in the country and increasing cases of leaks
On September 20, 2020, changes were made to the rules for the use of gas (resolution dated September 9, 2017 No. 1091). One of the most important changes concerned the frequency of civil defense inspections in houses and apartments.
If previously a scheduled inspection of civil defense was carried out once every three years, now, according to the appendix to Rules No. 410, the inspection must be carried out annually. As a result, the cost of services has increased in proportion to the frequency of technical inspection of gas equipment.
According to Article 9.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, for avoiding signing a contract for maintenance and repair of in-house and intra-apartment gas equipment, or refusing access to the premises of representatives of the control service to carry out maintenance, an administrative fine of 1,000 to 30,000 rubles is imposed.
In the absence of documentation confirming the conclusion of an agreement for the supply of fuel and maintenance of gas units, the supplier is authorized to shut off the gas supply.
Concluding an agreement is the responsibility of the subscriber. Without a contract, maintenance is not carried out, which can lead to leaks, accidents, explosions and other disasters
If gas equipment has not passed maintenance, gas supply is prohibited. The resumption of fuel supply occurs after signing a contract for technical inspection of the civil waste. But you will have to pay to reconnect.
What is included in the contract?
The civil engineering maintenance contract specifies:
- basic criteria for the safe operation of gas devices;
- list of works and their cost;
- responsibilities of the inspection company.
Additional information displayed in the contract:
- subscriber information;
- address of the service facility;
- list of civil defense in the apartment;
- information about the company that carries out inspection and repair of civil defense;
- amount and deadline for payment of fees for services provided;
- date of signing.
A document for servicing the total property of residents is concluded by a partnership or cooperative. According to the contract, the gas pipeline on the facade of the building and the internal gas pipe are checked.
The owner of the property enters into an agreement for the maintenance of in-house civil defense independently
The inspection company can be chosen at its discretion.
What is included in civil engineering maintenance?
When an inspection is planned in an apartment building, the regulatory authorities act according to the following plan:
- the quality of pipe fastenings is checked;
- the painted surface of gas pipes is inspected;
- external gas communications are bypassed;
- the integrity of structures through which gas pipes are routed is studied;
- the tightness of the fastening and fitting components of the gas pipeline is checked (using a soap solution or using special devices);
- the installation of the gas pipeline network is inspected, the quality of installation of equipment is inspected (checked with the standard);
- valves are tested (lubrication is checked), as well as the functionality of gas taps;
- if necessary, seals are replaced;
- ventilation draft is checked and adjusted;
- tests are carried out for the presence of combustion air, as well as the quality of the mounting smoke tunnels and exhaust pipes.
During the inspection of gas equipment in the apartment, the following is also carried out:
- identification and elimination of leaks;
- checking the GO and its installation in accordance with the requirements of the project and regulations;
- checking the availability of access to civil defense, as well as gas pipelines located in attics and basements;
- lubrication of locking devices, cleaning of corrosion and lubricant;
- setting up the correct operation of gas equipment;
- cleaning heat exchangers;
- instructing subscribers on the safe operation of GO.
The entire range of work is specified in the agreement. If a service employee discovers serious violations in the operation of gas units, the gas is turned off and a document is drawn up confirming the actions and explaining the reasons.
All additional work is carried out at the request of the subscriber and is paid at a separate rate
If repairs or replacement of components of gas equipment are necessary, payment is made by its owner. Spare parts are also paid for by the consumer.
Self-repair of gas equipment deprives the owner of the opportunity to take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty. The technical documentation for the units stipulates that all operations for which the casing will have to be removed must be performed by representatives of the gas supplying organizations.
Frequency of checking gas appliances
According to the regulations, the frequency of gas testing in the apartment and outside is:
- annual inspection by bypassing gas pipeline routes (underground and aboveground);
- once every three years, inspection of the technical condition of gas pipelines;
- annual maintenance of household gas equipment (if the manufacturer recommends a different traffic flow, in this case exceptions are allowed);
- Cylinder stations are checked every three months.
During maintenance of gas stoves, water heaters and floor-standing boilers, the gas supply is stopped. Residents of apartment buildings are informed about this in advance.
Who should conduct a civil engineering inspection?
All responsibility for the condition of gas pipes and equipment, as well as operational safety, lies with subscribers. Users are required to enter into a GO verification contract with any licensed company.
An organization engaged in servicing gas equipment must have:
- agreement with a gas supplier;
- 24-hour emergency dispatch service;
- certified specialists;
- transport gas to the point of connection to gas equipment.
To avoid misunderstandings with the gas service, the subscriber is recommended to demand from representatives of the inspection service a detailed description of all actions.
During the inspection, it is recommended to closely monitor the actions of representatives of regulatory authorities and not leave the gas worker alone in the room with gas equipment
It is advisable to carefully read the inspection report and ensure that all results and actions are reflected reliably. Since the act is drawn up in triplicate, it is recommended to check their identity. If some points are not clear, the client has the right to request clarification.
Gas equipment inspection report
Upon completion of the inspection of gas equipment, the inspector draws up a report indicating the following information:
- date and place of inspection;
- subscriber data;
- position and personal data of representatives of the gas industry;
- assessment of the current technical condition of civil defense;
- identified defects (if any);
- recommendations for further operation of gas equipment.
If, as a result of the inspection, a malfunction of the gas equipment is revealed, an act is drawn up prohibiting the use of the device, and the user’s access to the gas supply is also limited.
Replacement of equipment, parts, as well as repair work are carried out at the subscriber's expense if the manufacturer's warranty has expired. Cleaning of units is always paid by the user
The supply of blue fuel is resumed after all faults have been eliminated.
How often should a gas stove be checked?
Let's figure out how many times a year gas workers should come to you and whether you can connect the stove yourself.
– The contract for checking the gas stove in the apartment is concluded for 3 years. Why did they come back a year later and ask for 479 rubles again? It turns out that you lit four burners and an oven, everything is in order and clean, but every year you pay 479 rubles for one visit. Isn't it too expensive? And why is payment not once every 3 years, as in the contract?
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 410 establishes the obligation to carry out maintenance of in-house and in-apartment gas equipment (which includes a gas stove) at least once a year.
As Gazprom Gas Distribution Kirov JSC explained, in this case, the terms of the contract and the frequency of such work were obviously confused.
“The contract can be concluded for a period of three years, but maintenance must be carried out annually,” the company clarified.
On the topic
Why instead of nursery groups in kindergartens they made ordinary ones?
2911
In addition, when maintaining indoor gas equipment (VKGO), a fairly large list of works must be carried out (the minimum list is listed in the same resolution No. 410). For example, the integrity and operability of equipment, tightness of connections, gas pressure and the presence of draft in smoke and ventilation ducts must be checked. Also, the specialist must provide instructions on the safe use of gas at home and remind the rules for using gas equipment. The entire list of work required for your equipment must be specified in the VKGO maintenance contract. According to Gazprom specialists, this work is sufficient for an annual check of the performance and safety of gas equipment.
Prices for services in different organizations (there are only 20 of them in the Kirov region) may differ, but they must also be indicated in your contract.
– We installed a new gas stove two weeks ago, I paid for it. Now the time has come to inspect gas equipment. Do I have to pay to have my gas stove inspected again?
If you have gas equipment installed in your apartment, then you are required to enter into an agreement with a specialized organization for its maintenance and repair. You cannot refuse to conclude such an agreement, otherwise your gas supply may simply be suspended (this obligation is enshrined in Government Decree No. 549). According to the concluded agreement, the organization will carry out all work on maintenance, installation, dismantling, repair and reconstruction of gas equipment.
At the same time, as Gazprom emphasizes, carrying out such work independently or with the involvement of third parties is strictly prohibited, since this cannot guarantee the safety of the equipment.
– Installation of new gas equipment does not imply the initial safety of its operation. For example, gas leaks at threaded connections are possible. Especially if the installation was carried out independently or with the involvement of non-specialized organizations, the company noted.
If you nevertheless installed a new stove yourself or used the service of, for example, a store, then you will have to pay for maintenance again when the time comes for the next inspection.
Well, if the stove was connected to you by employees of a specialized organization, then this is tantamount to a full inspection of the VKGO, which means that the next scheduled inspection of the gas stove will be postponed by a year.
– On February 4, we had a check of gas equipment. So the gas workers came, wrote a receipt for 500 rubles, but never approached the gas equipment. The same happened with the neighbor. Is it normal?
Maintenance of VKGO should be carried out by specialists from the organization with which you have an agreement. Otherwise, you may not only give money to scammers, but you will also have to pay twice when the actual inspection of your stove comes.
On this topic
How to distinguish scammers from real utility companies?
3663
When carrying out maintenance of VKGO, the entire list of works listed in Resolution No. 410 must be performed. If the specialist really came from the organization with which you had an agreement, then first of all you need to go there and complain about the poor quality of the service. They will have to conduct a background check. If the issue cannot be resolved in this way, then you will need to write an application to the State Housing Inspectorate.
By the way, if you suspect that your stove is faulty, it is better to immediately call specialists without waiting for a scheduled inspection. And if you smell gas, immediately call the emergency service at 04 (104 from your mobile phone).
Briefly about the main thing:
1. According to Government Decree No. 410, maintenance of gas equipment must be carried out at least once a year.
2. If you have gas equipment, you are required to enter into an agreement for its maintenance and repair (Government Decree No. 549).
3. Carrying out any work on gas equipment independently or with the involvement of third parties is strictly prohibited.
4. Maintenance of VKGO should be carried out only by specialists from the organization with which you have an agreement.
5. If a specialist does not perform all the necessary work (the minimum list is listed in Government Decree No. 410), you should first contact your service organization. If this does not help resolve the issue, you will need to write a statement to the State Housing Inspectorate.
If you have questions that you can't find the answer to, ask us and we will try to answer them.
Photo: Dmitry Kandinsky / vtomske.ru
On this topic
4406
What’s wrong with the current gas equipment maintenance system and will it be changed?
What do subscribers need to provide?
During scheduled maintenance, a representative of the gas testing service may require the following documents from the homeowner when checking the gas:
- agreement on the provision of gas supply services;
- gasification project for the premises;
- act of checking the technical condition of ventilation ducts (if there are devices with the removal of combustion products);
- subscriber and payment book.
After the maintenance, the subscriber must sign the inventory sheet, thus confirming the fact of the inspection.
Cost of maintenance
Prices for all services are shown in the GO maintenance agreement.
Payment for services is made only by receipt. Money is not handed over to the gasman
The total cost of maintenance is calculated individually for each consumer.
The following factors influence pricing:
- the number of gas equipment in the room;
- technical condition of civil defense.
The cost of services changes frequently. The consumer must independently seek information about current prices.
Payment for unscheduled inspections, which are carried out from 2020, will not be charged. The purpose of such an inspection is to prevent accidents and disasters.
Prices are published on the official website of the company, which is responsible for the distribution of blue fuel in the house. Payment must be made no later than the date specified in the contract. In case of delay, payment must be made no later than the 10th of the next month.
Is a contract necessary or not?
Today we will look at issues related to this procedure. But before we dwell on the technical side of the matter, let’s clarify whether mandatory maintenance of gas equipment in a private home is necessary? Are “private traders” always required to enter into contracts for it?
There are directly opposite views on this matter. Some consider this mandatory, others are of the opinion that the main thing here is the desire of the owner. Let's try to clarify. Russian Government Decree No. 549, issued in 2008, states that the resource supply organization (that is, gas workers) has the right to stop gas supply in the absence of such a document.
This is where the origins of the confusion lie. In this case, we mean a valid contract, that is, drawn up before the date indicated above and not expired according to the deadline. If there is a valid contract, the owner is not required to sign a new one. But if there is none, it must be concluded.
This must be done at least for security reasons. Gas equipment belongs to equipment of an increased level of complexity. It is subject to proper maintenance or self-repair only by a person who is a professional in this field. Ordinary citizens are not able to carry out high-quality maintenance of gas equipment in private homes without knowing all its techniques and nuances.
FAQ
Users often have questions regarding the legality of annual scheduled maintenance of gas devices and the need to conclude an agreement. Subscribers are also interested in how to distinguish gas service representatives from scammers. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Is it possible not to let the inspector into the house?
Paragraph 29 on the “Rules for the provision of gas supply services to the population” states that consumers are required to provide access to representatives of the gas supply company to the premises where gas appliances and a gas meter are located.
In addition to the scheduled inspection of the technical condition of the civil defense, gas workers can visit for:
- emergency warnings;
- eliminating gas leaks;
- installation or dismantling of gas meters;
- replacement of gas appliances;
- turning off the supply of blue fuel;
- elimination of violations in the work of civil defense;
- checking the meter and the integrity of the seals on it.
Employees must present appropriate identification and report their visit in advance.
Is it possible to cancel a contract for civil engineering inspection?
Legal refusal is provided in three cases:
- the agreement has already been concluded by the management organization (cooperative, partnership);
- if there is already an agreement with another organization;
- if the apartment (house) has not yet been gasified and there is no supply agreement.
Citizens of the Russian Federation bear responsibility for avoiding signing a maintenance agreement, as well as for refusing access to residential premises to carry out civil maintenance work. For violators, a fine of up to 30,000 rubles or disconnection from gas supply is provided.
How to distinguish gas service representatives from scammers?
You need to be wary if gas workers persistently try to get into the premises even before concluding a contract or begin to demand advance payment for services. Also, scammers often try to oblige residents to buy specific equipment from them (for example, gas analyzers).
If they refuse, they threaten to turn off the gas or impose large fines. Employees of the company with which the contract is concluded warn in advance about their visit, and also present identification when requested.
Where to go in case of an accident?
Regardless of the company with which the contract is concluded for checking the gas, in case of an emergency you should call the emergency gas service. Elimination of gas leaks, localization of emergency areas, prevention of large-scale accidents is carried out around the clock.
Only representatives of the gas distribution organization come to the call, and not employees of intermediary companies. The emergency crew's visit may be made without warning.
