5 Questions to Ask before your Gas Logs Installation
What questions should I ask before doing a Gas Logs Installation?
Before your gas logs installation, ask your plumber:
“What types of gas log burner have you installed in the last six months?”
They are likely not qualified if they don’t answer with R. H. Peterson, vented and ventless. There are other questions (below).
Questions to Ask before your Gas Logs Installation
September 29th, 2017
Many people in the trade who install gas logs are fantastic to work with! They’re good people, they can be extremely helpful, and they make sure you are happy with great service.
On the flip side, an unqualified plumber trying to do a gas log installation will make life miserable. And cost you a lot of money.
We sell thousands of gas logs and burners each year, so we’ve heard and seen it all.
We see unqualified plumbers as the biggest problem with gas logs installations. Thank goodness our customers usually take the time to hire qualified people. The problem could be much worse.
That said, some in the trade think installing one gas log set is the same as installing any other in any fireplace.
However, our gas logs are on the high end. They’re high quality - American company R. H. Peterson makes the gas logs we sell. They’re high quality, with high-quality manufacturing processes. When plumbers install our gas logs properly, they’ll last for generations.
But once in a while we’ll hear from a customer they’re unhappy with the install. It often turns out the logs had nothing to do with it, the plumber installed them incorrectly.
There are a few things you can do to find out if your installer is any good before they start. Ask the right questions about gas logs to make sure they know what they’re doing before they mess up your fireplace.
Every handyman and plumber will tell you, “oh yeah, I can install those gas logs, no problem!” when you ask them point blank. The issue is that when problems arise, they can become big issues. It doesn’t happen often, but don’t take any risks.
A good question to ask is, “If I have a b-type vent fireplace, can I install vented gas logs?”If their answer is anything other than a resounding “NO”, you should run the other way.
Don’t walk, I mean run. This is a common problem for installers who don’t know what they’re doing. They try to do a vented gas logs install on a b-vent fireplace. This isn’t just bad, it’s terrible. It will lead to a house fire! If you're luck, it will just be a chimney fire. And if it’s not that bad, at the very least you’ll likely get toxic fumes in your home. A b-vent fireplace can’t handle vented gas logs, period. Any qualified gas logs installation expert will know that.
3) “Are you a licensed plumber?”
Another way to ask this question is to see if they get the proper permits from your city regularly.
We don’t recommend even a skilled DIYer doing a gas logs installation. Gas is too volatile a thing to mess with in your home. Get a pro to handle it.
4) Get it in writing.
This is always a good idea, but almost nobody ever does this. Get your licensed plumber to put their service contract in writing. Make sure you’re comfortable with the contract.
When you have a contractor doing your remodel or new construction, this should be easy. They should be very comfortable adding gas logs installation to their service contract. When you get it in writing, you have something to go back to in case something goes wrong.
You don’t have to do this, but it’s such a good idea. When you have your plumber’s word on paper that they know how to install your gas logs and burner, it's good for you. Have them include programming the remote control, too. If something goes awry, you have a signed document protecting you from major problems.
5) “How do you stack gas logs?”
This should be simple - they should simply follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to a “T”. With vented gas logs, it’s okay to stack them how ever you want. But listen, it’s still best to follow the directions set out by Peterson.
The reason is soot. R. H. Peterson designs their vent-less gas logs and stacks them in a such that the flame never touches the gas logs. When the flame directly and constantly hits the logs, it may discolor them with sooting. It's also possible you may experience unpleasant odors. So it’s best, with either vented or ventless, to follow the directions. Stack the logs as the manufacturer specifies. When you do that exactly, you won’t ever have any of those problems.
They should know all this.
Finally: Trust your gut.
If you feel uneasy about any part of your gas logs installation, it’s usually best to stop right there. You can find somebody else. There are many choices of plumber capable of handling a gas log installation. Take your time, and find the right plumber. It’s much better in the long run.
Trouble Sign: “My product is better, you should buy that.”
No. No, no it’s not. They’re trying to sell you something. 10 times out of ten, they’re product is not better. But if you want to give them a shot, give us a call with the product they’re trying to sell you. If we know the brand, we’ll be able to give you an honest, third party assessment of that brand. Most likely, it’s a cheap product they can sell you for a bit of mark-up to put some cash in their own pockets.
So how do you find a gas logs installer? The best bet is often to ask your friends. People forget bad installers, but once there’s a good one, they don't forget. Trades people who work hard to build a reputation, not for cheap but for quality work, always stick around. You can look on websites, too. But the best is to find people that have a good reputation from your friends.
Thanks for coming by. I hope this helps!
800-201-1193 x136
Gas Logs Installation Expert, Hansen Wholesale