Gas Red Tags Explained
Updated 2026 — East Hook Heating & Gas Ltd. — TSSA Reg. #FS-R-52587
Finding a red tag hanging off your furnace or meter is unsettling, especially in January. Here is exactly what it means, what you are legally allowed to do, and how we get your gas back on safely.
Type A vs Type B Tags
| Tag | What It Means | Your Move |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Immediate hazard — appliance or gas supply shut off and locked on the spot. | Call a certified gas technician right away. Do not re-open the valve. |
| Type B | Non-immediate hazard or code non-compliance — a correction deadline is written on the tag. | Book a correction well before the deadline; the utility can shut off supply after it passes. |
Common Reasons Systems Get Red Tagged
- —Cracked or suspect heat exchanger with combustion spillage.
- —Improper or blocked venting, including snow-covered exterior vents.
- —Unacceptable carbon monoxide readings during a combustion test.
- —Gas leaks at fittings, unions or an aging line.
- —Undersized or non-compliant piping after a DIY or unlicensed install.
- —Missing drip legs, unsupported piping, or unapproved flexible connectors.
- —Appliances installed without proper clearances or combustion air.
What You Must Not Do
Never remove the tag, cut the lock, or re-light an appliance that was shut off. Beyond the obvious carbon monoxide and fire risk, tampering can void your home insurance and creates liability if anything happens afterward.
How Correction Works With Us
- —We attend, test and identify exactly why the tag was issued.
- —You get a written, itemized quote before any work begins — no upselling.
- —We correct the fault, pressure-test the system and complete combustion testing.
- —The system is returned to service and documented so the tag can be cleared.
Where We Handle Red Tag Corrections
Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Stayner, Elmvale, Barrie, Innisfil and across Simcoe County, plus Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and King City in York Region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas red tag in Ontario?
A red tag is a notice left by a utility or licensed gas technician identifying an unsafe or non-compliant gas condition. A Type A tag means immediate danger and the appliance or supply is shut off on the spot; a Type B tag means a non-immediate hazard that must be corrected within a set timeframe, commonly 30 to 90 days.
Who can remove a red tag?
Only a TSSA-certified gas technician can correct the fault and clear the tag. The homeowner must never remove a tag or re-open a locked gas valve themselves.
How fast can you correct a red tag?
For Type A no-heat situations we prioritize the call. Most corrections are completed in a single visit once the fault is diagnosed and any parts are on hand.
What does red tag correction cost?
It depends entirely on the fault — a loose connection or improper venting fix is a small job, while an undersized or non-compliant pipe run may need a partial re-pipe. We diagnose, quote in writing, then correct.