Replace gas hoses and stoves when they reach their expiration date; never modify the piping yourself, and you may decline any unsolicited sales pitches from gas companies

Cost: A compliant gas hose costs only a few dozen yuan. Stoves should be replaced every few years; during replacement, check whether they’ve passed their expiration date.

In plain terms: A compliant gas hose costs just a few dozen yuan. Replacing it when it expires is a user obligation clearly stated in the “Regulations on Urban Gas Management.” The same regulations explicitly forbid users from modifying piping or removing gas meters on their own. Additionally, the regulations state that gas companies cannot require customers to purchase specific products or services. Therefore, you may freely decline any sales pitches claiming that replacement is mandatory.

Benefit: The regulations designate “promptly replacing gas appliances and connecting hoses that have been phased out by the state or have exceeded their service life” as a user obligation; this means you must replace any stove or hose that has reached its expiration date or been discontinued. The same regulations also classify “unauthorized installation, modification, or removal of indoor gas facilities and metering devices” as prohibited actions, which includes any DIY attempts to alter piping or remove gas meters. Furthermore, the regulations explicitly forbid gas operators from mandating that users purchase particular products or accept specific services.

Evidence grade: A

Sources:国务院 (2010). 城镇燃气管理条例（国务院令第 583 号）第二十七条：「燃气用户应当遵守安全用气规则，使用合格的燃气燃烧器具和气瓶，及时更换国家明令淘汰或者使用年限已届满的燃气燃烧器具、连接管等」；第二十八条禁止行为含「（一）擅自操作公用燃气阀门」「（二）将燃气管道作为负重支架或者接地引线」「（四）擅自安装、改装、拆除户内燃气设施和燃气计量装置」；第二十条燃气经营者不得「（六）要求燃气用户购买其指定的产品或者接受其提供的服务」；第二十九条用户可就收费、服务向燃气管理等部门投诉，「有关部门应当自收到投诉之日起15个工作日内予以处理」. http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2010/content_1758214.htm；深圳市住房和建设局 (2024). 安全用气小知识（二）：「立即关闭家里的燃气总阀门」「迅速开门、开窗进行通风」「一定不要开、关家里的电灯、抽油烟机等电器」「人员应该迅速撤离，转移到安全的地方，并且及时拨打燃气公司的报警电话」. https://zjj.sz.gov.cn/zcjzts/content/post_11882410.html；张家港市应急管理局 (2024). 燃气安全使用知识：「不要情急之下打开排气扇进行通风」「应远离现场之后才能打电话求助」. https://www.zjg.gov.cn/zjgszwz/yjaqzs/202411/72b4fad7399c48378302460c6ce2d55b.shtml

Notes: Some individuals pose as gas inspectors and, after performing a check, attempt to sell self-closing valves and alarms. However, Article 20, Clause 6 of the regulations bars gas companies from requiring you to buy their designated products; you may decline such offers or even file a complaint. If you detect a gas odor, first shut off the main gas valve; in the case of bottled gas, close the cylinder valve as well. Then open doors and windows to ventilate the area, but avoid using exhaust fans. Do not turn on or switch off any electrical appliances—including lights and range hoods—and refrain from using lighters. After that, leave the premises immediately and call the gas company’s emergency line from a safe location. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a separate issue; refer to Section 13 for details.