diff --git a/code/ATMOSPHERICS/pipes.dm b/code/ATMOSPHERICS/pipes.dm
index 52aae83099d..863923b1023 100644
--- a/code/ATMOSPHERICS/pipes.dm
+++ b/code/ATMOSPHERICS/pipes.dm
@@ -341,7 +341,8 @@ obj/machinery/atmospherics/pipe
 
 		New()
 			initialize_directions = dir
-			air_temporary.update_values()
+			if(air_temporary)
+				air_temporary.update_values()
 			..()
 
 		process()