Why is a gas line purging necessary?

Purging a gas line is an essential safety procedure that ensures the removal of any air, moisture, or contaminants that may have entered the line during installation or maintenance. When a gas line is first installed or after certain types of maintenance, air can become trapped inside the pipeline. If this air is not purged before lighting an appliance, it can cause a dangerous situation such as delayed ignition or even explosions. This is because natural gas is lighter than air and needs to be in a pure state to ignite correctly.

By removing the air and potential contaminants through purging, technicians ensure a steady and safe flow of gas when the line is put into operation. This step is critical to maintain the integrity of the gas delivery system and to ensure that appliances operate efficiently and safely. Other options do not address the immediate safety concern related to the presence of non-combustible gases in the line.