gas line vs screw

wobblybowl

I recently remodeled a room and took the room down to the studs. I found a gas line and marked it on the floor so I would not hit with any drywall screws. I was very careful and did not hit the gas line while hanging sheetrock. However I was hanging a ledger bracket for some shelving at the top of the ceiling and after I was done I noticed I have a screw right where I marked the floor for the gas line.

So my question is do I pull everything and open the wall to see if I hit the gas line?
Do screws deflect off gas lines?
No smells, but should I unscrew the screw and see if it smells?

House built in 73 so gas line is the black metal type -- iron i guess
Screw used deck screw – Philips II type
Screw at a slight angle
Mark on the floor may be a little off, I did not plan on getting this close

Any ideas – don’t want the house to blow.

Thanks

Charles

Clutchcargo

I doubt you punctured a black pipe with a screw. I would still remove the screw. If the pipe expands and contracts differently than the wall that the screw is in, I suppose it may be possible that a hole could eventually wear through.

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kenmac

doubt you hurt the black iron pipe.. Instead of taking down drywall. You can turn off any appliance you have that is gas.. Go out & look at the gas meter.. There will be 1 or 2 test hands.. Watch the smallest hand for any movement... No movement....... no leaks

wobblybowl

Thanks for the help.

I did look a the meter just as you sugested right after I put the screw in -- no movement of any hands

Pulled the screw out and smelled for gas from the hole and have no smell. Also dont know if this helps but the screw I used is tan in color, with a very sharp tip. The screw is not deformed or bent in any way.

I have a buddy who just told me I dont have the physical strength to put a screw through an Iron gas pipe. He said when this happens to him it takes a couple of screws -- hope that is all true, kind of freaked out.

kenmac

It would be hard to put even a sheet metal screw through sch. 40 steel pipe without a hole drilled in the pipe as starter hole

Termite

The code has no protection requirements for black iron gas pipe and galvanized pipe for this very reason...It is pretty much impossible to penetrate it with screws without intentionally trying to do so. If you don't smell mercaptan you're more than likely fine.