Disconnected Vent Pipe Releases Carbon Monoxide Into Residence

Location: Victoria

Regulated industry sector: Gas - Natural gas system

Incident overview

Two occupants of a home suffered carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to a disconnected flue pipe on their gas furnace leaking CO into the home. It was reported the exposure resulted in loss of consciousness, a seizure, and facial injuries. An improperly solvent welded PVC pipe inside a masonry chimney had likely been compromised since installation in 2013, allowing combustion gases to enter the home’s air system via unsealed ductwork. Contributing factors included improper installation, a lack of CO detectors, and undetected negative pressure drawing CO from the chimney into the home.