Gas Line Repair

Gas leaks can be deadly in a commercial or hospital setting. They aren’t just an inconvenience; they can also be a health hazard. Many business or hospital owners know the risks associated with gas leaks, but they might not know how to prevent these adverse effects. This is why you need to call in experts for Gas Line Repair.

The gas line, or gas main, is an often overlooked part of a home’s plumbing system. It carries fuel to appliances throughout the house, so it is essential that these lines are correctly installed and maintained. Without proper maintenance, faulty gas lines can lead to explosions and other dangerous situations.

A gas leak can happen in any building, but it is hazardous when it occurs in a business or hospital. These buildings contain large numbers of people and sensitive equipment that can be damaged by the dangerous gases emitted from a leak. A gas leak could cause asphyxiation (or even death), as well as severe damage to expensive equipment like computers and servers.

How Do I Know If I Need To Repair Gas Line?

A gas line carries natural gas or propane to various appliances in your home, such as stoves, furnaces, or water heaters. It’s important to ensure that your gas line is in good condition to prevent leaks, which can be hazardous. Here are some signs that you may need to repair your gas line:

Smell of gas: Natural gas has a distinct odor, often described as a rotten egg smell. If you notice this odor, it could indicate a gas leak. Take immediate action if you detect a gas smell, as gas leaks can be extremely dangerous. Evacuate the area, avoid using electrical switches or open flames, and contact your gas utility provider or emergency services.

Hissing or whistling sounds: If you hear hissing or whistling sounds near your gas line, it could be a sign of a leak. Gas escaping from a damaged or loose connection can create these noises. Again, if you suspect a gas leak, follow the safety precautions mentioned earlier.

Dead vegetation: If there is a gas leak underground, it can affect plants and vegetation above the leak. If you notice a patch of dead or discolored vegetation in your yard, it’s worth investigating further.

Increased gas bills: If your gas bills have suddenly skyrocketed without any apparent change in your usage habits, it could indicate a gas leak. Leaks can cause gas to be wasted, leading to higher consumption and increased costs.

Pilot light issues: If the pilot light on your gas appliances frequently goes out or has an irregular flame pattern, it may be due to an issue with the gas supply. While this could be caused by other factors, it’s worth considering the possibility of a gas line problem.

Corrosion or physical damage: Inspect the visible sections of your gas line for signs of corrosion, rust, or physical damage. These issues can weaken the line and increase the risk of leaks. If you notice any significant damage, it’s best to contact a professional to assess and repair the gas line.

It’s important to note that gas line repairs should be handled by qualified professionals who are trained to work with gas systems. If you suspect a gas leak or have concerns about the integrity of your gas line, contact your gas utility provider or a licensed plumber to inspect and address the issue.

How Gas is Used

Gas lines function in a variety of ways at a medical facility. Many patients and visitors don’t realize that these systems play a role in the daily functions at a Medical Office Building or facility.

These systems are subject to regulations imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Operational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), so hospitals must properly maintain these vital gas lines.

The FDA plays a role in gas lines at a hospital due to its use in medical gas. Medical gas is a standard treatment for patients, so gas lines must be thoroughly inspected and maintained for optimal functioning.
The following are just some of the systems that rely on medical gas:

• Surgical equipment
• Preservation equipment
• Patient oxygen equipment
• Anesthesia
• Laser surgery
• MRI machines
• Pulmonary nebulizers
• Lung diffusion testing
• Cryosurgery
• And more!

Each piece of equipment uses a different type of gas, which is why every part of the gas line should undergo inspection. A thorough inspection ensures that all of these systems will continue to function as intended.

Types of Gases Used

Hospitals use the following types of gases in their day-to-day functions:

• Nitrous oxide
• Oxygen
• Helium
• Medical air
• Carbon dioxide
• And more!

These gases all depend on the overall gas line to best function. They rely on proper distribution and storage to remain inert. If any of these gases escape, they can present potentially deadly consequences, such as explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more.

It is best to work with a certified plumbing and gas service to prevent these adverse side effects. A plumbing and gas service can ensure that these systems function as intended and present no potential leaks.

While it may be tempting to check for leaks independently, the results of this test may not be conclusive.

Problems Associated with a Gas Leak

Methane, for example, is an odorless gas that can cause fatalities. Methane is lighter than air; it will rise to the ceiling area, which could have accumulated without being noticed. As Methane comes into contact with various lights, it emits a blue-colored flame. This color of light first gave away the presence of Methane in a clinic last year.

The gas leaks could be caused due to corrosion on underground pipes or defectiveness at equipment joints and welds. The reason behind the failure may not always be known until an investigation takes place. 

Once an incident occurs, there are two common responses:

1) Shut down all operations immediately

2) Continue using the system while employees are evacuated from the affected facility

3) Address the issue and call a repair specialist

A gas leak can be harmful to medical staff and personnel, as well as visitors.
There are a few ways that staff and gas professionals can diagnose a potential leak, including:

• Damage to pipe structure
• Bubbling in the water
• Sulfuric smells
• Whistling noise coming from the gas line
• Air appears cloudy near the gas line

These signs can start very small when the leak first occurs. Most of the time, an increase in gas bill cost precedes these symptoms.

These symptoms aren’t just confined to issues with the gas line, as they can also impact patients and visitors.
Common symptoms associated with gas leaks include:

• Dizziness
• Breathing pains
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Chest pains
• Lightheadedness
• And more

These symptoms could impact patient health and risk management, which is why an expert should repair gas leaks immediately.

How to Handle a Potential Leak

If a hospital has experienced some of the following issues, a gas leak has likely occurred.
At Certified Plumbing, we recommend the following steps in the case of a potential leak:

1. See if the suspected leak is noticeable upon entering and exiting the building.
2. Take note of any smells or noises associated with the gas line
3. Turn off power to the gas line, if possible
4. Call an emergency gas repair service

These steps are critical to follow, as they ensure that no one will experience any adverse effects from exposure to gas. If an employee has a hunch about a leak, staff should acknowledge it.

OSHA and the FDA regulate these systems to keep patients safe, which is why it is essential to stay on top of maintenance and inspection services.

Certified Plumbing of Brevard can ensure that a hospital or medical office building has functioning gas lines, which will help the facility’s day-to-day functions.

How to Respond to a Gas Emergency

Sometimes, gas emergencies can occur, which can drastically impact a medical facility.
During these events, we recommend following these steps so that staff and patients can remain as safe as possible:
Evacuate the Facility
Ensure that all people are safely outside of the facility.
Call a Specialist or 911
It is best to call a plumbing specialist or emergency services to ensure the issue resolves completely. An emergency plumbing service can be on the scene immediately, assisting medical personnel with their gas leak.

How a Professional Can Help

Since medical facilities and hospitals are usually extensive, it can be hard to narrow down where the leak is exiting.

Additionally, most leaks happen when people can’t usually see behind drywall or ceilings or floors. A plumbing and gas specialist knows where to look, and they can use their expertise to help medical professionals target the source of the problem.

Personnel should not attempt to turn off appliances or diagnose the leak on their own. There are significant health risks associated with exposure to gases.

A trained professional should diagnose the situation and look for ways to mitigate the issue. Hospital staff should seek shelter during this time to ensure all people are safe.
A professional gas plumbing service can help with all of the following:

• Finding and diagnosing leaks
• Repairing malfunctioning equipment
• Streamlining a hospital’s day-to-day functions
• Keeping employees and patients safe from gas leaks
• And more!

Certified Plumbing of Brevard has been working with hospitals and medical facilities for over 30 years. Our dedicated team of plumbing and gas specialists can help a hospital target and repair leaks effectively.

Certified Plumbing of Brevard’s plumbing and gas experts are here to answer any hospital staff questions about their gas line. We know how complex these repairs can be and strive to provide our clients with quality results that will last.

Call Certified Plumbing of Brevard

At Certified Plumbing of Brevard, hospital owners can expect quality results and prompt service. Our team of gas line and plumbing specialists is here to help a healthcare facility with its day-to-day operations.

Our customer service and transparency have helped us serve Brevard County’s hospitals and facilities for 33 years. We know our community inside out, and we’d be happy to provide the quality gas line repair services Brevard County deserves.

We service hospitals, healthcare facilities, and medical buildings, making it easy for owners to have peace of mind that a gas repair expert will repair their various gas lines. The size or scope doesn’t deter us; we offer quality service no matter how large or small the facility is.

We would love to help you with your hospital gas line repair and inspection needs. To make things easier for you, we offer traditional and 24/7 service. Whether you need a free quote or emergency repair services, our expert team is here to help.

If you have any questions about our gas services or quotes, you can give us a call at (321) 676-0812. We would love to help you with all of your gas line repair needs.