YES for a Rs 50,000 phone, but NO to spending Rs 300 on an LPG orange gas pipe. Man shares near-fatal negligence

If you have grown up in an Indian household, you would be aware of the unspoken rule: if it still works, it stays. The unofficial norm is applicable to almost everything, ranging from a rusty mixer making suspicious noises to a decades-old washing machine that only works after you give it a firm thump on the side, indicating that for many Indians, practicality outweighs trends. But such norms are not applicable when it comes to aspirational purchases like buying a flashy smartphone or investing in a swanky new car. This mindset, however, can have serious consequences sometimes, as revealed by a Reddit user recently.

A Rs 300 saving that nearly cost a life

The Redditor in an elaborate post recounted an incident, highlighting the ‘Indian parent’ mentality, which almost became life-threatening for his wife. At the crux of the story was a worn-out gas pipe that had been a part of the family of his in-laws for more than 15 years. He began the post by pointing out the paradox that several families live with: While they are ready to spend lakhs on weddings and other luxuries, a basic household component remains unchanged year after year simply because it appears functional.

According to the Reddit user, the gas pipe had been loose for nearly a year, during a renovation, when it had been removed and reattached to the stove multiple times. Even then, no one in the family felt an urgency to replace it. The man revealed that although the cost of a certified ISI-marked pipe is somewhere between Rs 300 and Rs 500, the perceived need to spend on it never arose. The complacency turned almost tragic when one day the pipe slipped off the stove while the burner was on.

Safety checks are mandatory: Reddit user shares why

Narrating the horrific moment, the man shared that within seconds, his wife’s hair caught fire, but a disastrous accident was fortunately prevented by her immediate reflexes and the quick response of his sister-in-law, who extinguished the flames as soon as they flared up. The near-fatal incident forced the man to question whether the idea of ‘saving’ a few hundred rupees was worth the cost of a life.

Explaining further, the Redditor noted that an LPG or PNG pipe must be replaced every 3-5 years, but most Indian homes fail to follow the process as the item hasn’t visibly stopped working. Citing some precautions one could take, he shared:

• Makeshift electrical wiring, existing for years, should be replaced with permanent fittings by a certified electrician.
• A small fire extinguisher must be kept at home.
• Checking the earthing of the house was mandatory to prevent electrical hazards.
• Overloaded plugs and extension cords must be reviewed thoroughly.

Indian Oil reinforces urgency of timely replacements

The guidelines and safety regulations put forward by Indian Oil support the Reddit user’s story. According to the company, Suraksha LPG Hose (Orange Pipe) must be replaced every 5 years, ordinary Rubber Tube (ISI approved) should be replaced every 2 years and PNG Flexible Hose should usually be replaced based on distributor inspection. Regular checks for wear and tear are mandatory. Use of ‘Suraksha’ LPG hoses is recommended for their higher durability, fire resistance, and 5-year life. The company adds that these pipes must be removed immediately if there are cracks, damage, or feels hard.