Have you noticed your gas line warning signs? It can be presenting signs that it is struggling and needs a service. Gas lines are essential to provide heat, water, and electricity. However, gas lines can be dangerous if not properly maintained. If you suspect an issue with your gas line, knowing the warning signs and how to resolve them is important.
When in doubt, Certified Plumbing of Brevard is here to help with gas leak detection and gas line repair or replacement. We are proud to be trusted in Brevard county for over 33 years. Don’t worry about any plumbing trouble when we’re around. Call for a service, maintenance, or repair for longstanding quality!
Dangers of a Gas Leak
Health Risks
The most severe danger of natural gas leaks is the health risk associated with inhalation. Natural gas contains methane and other hydrocarbons, which are odorless but can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to high levels of natural gas can even lead to death in extreme cases. It’s important to get out of any area where you suspect a natural gas leak and seek medical attention if necessary.
Explosion Risk
When ignited, natural gas can cause explosions that are very destructive. If a building has an undetected natural gas leak, it could be disastrous with a flame or a spark. Anybody near the site of an explosion caused by a natural gas leak could suffer serious injuries or death as a result.
Property Damage
Natural gasses like methane are heavier than air, so they tend to sink into lower areas such as basements and cellars, where they can accumulate in large concentrations unless properly ventilated. In some cases, this accumulation can lead to structural damage, such as cracking walls or floors due to pressure buildup from the leaking gasses over time.
Gas Line Warning Signs
There are several gas line warning signs that you may signal a leak in your home or business. These include:
Unusual Smells or Hissing Sounds
One of the most common signs of a gas line issue is the smell of natural gas in the air. Natural gas companies add an additive called mercaptan to their product which gives it a sulfur-like smell. If you smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs within your house, this could be an indication that there is a natural gas leak in your home. Don’t ignore this smell. Leave your house immediately and call the fire department or your local natural gas supplier right away.
Listen carefully for any hissing sounds coming from appliances, pipes behind walls, or under floors that can indicate a gas leak. Strange, abnormal sounds like escaping is not a good sign and should be investigated immediately. Call your gas company and your plumber.
Pilot Light Going Out
The pilot light ignites the main burner and allows for an easier flow of fuel through the appliance. If your pilot light keeps going out even though you keep relighting it, or if it’s only a low flame, it could be a sign that something isn’t working correctly in terms of your gas lines and should be looked at by a professional.
Rising Gas Bills
Unusually high gas bills without increasing usage could be another gas line warning sign. Although, there are multiple reasons why energy bills increase, such as weather conditions, rising gas supply rates, outdated appliances, etc. There can be many reasons behind your higher bill, but if you notice a higher bill along with one of the other indicators included on this list, it is important that you contact your plumber for an inspection.
Certified Plumbing of Brevard provides inspections for all of your plumbing needs and also includes 24/7 service for emergencies!
Dead Plants or Soil Discoloration
Dead patches of grass or soil discoloration above a natural gas line running underground could indicate another gas line warning sign. Gas leaks cause oxygen levels in the soil to drop significantly, leading to plant death or discoloration in the grass due to a lack of chlorophyll production. Contact professionals to check for any potential issues with the piping system around your home or business.
How To Resolve A Gas Line Problem
Call Your Gas Company Immediately
If you suspect a gas line leak, the first thing you should do is call your gas company. They will send out an inspector who will check for signs of a gas leak, such as hissing sounds or strange odors in the air. The inspector may also use special equipment to detect the presence of natural gas in the air. Do not attempt to repair the line yourself.
The Dangers of DIY Gas Line Repairs
Gas lines contain combustible gasses that require special knowledge and experience in order for them to be repaired safely. Working on a gas line without the proper training or equipment can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly.
In fact, even experienced professionals must use extreme caution when working with gas lines due to their highly combustible nature. If you attempt a repair on your own, you risk having an explosion or fire in your home or business that could cause serious damage or even death.
Contact a Local Plumber
After you’ve called your gas company, call a professional plumber right away. Hiring a professional plumber with experience dealing with gas lines is the best way to ensure your safety and get the job done right the first time. Experienced plumbers have extensive knowledge about how gas lines work and how they should be installed for maximum safety and efficiency. Request a quote from Certified Plumbing of Brevard for your gas line repair.
Steps Your Plumber Will Take:
Identify the Problem
Your plumber will first identify where the leak is coming from. They will look for the common signs discussed earlier: an odor of sulfur or rotten eggs, whistling or hissing noises coming from the pipes, bubbles in standing water near the pipe, or dead vegetation surrounding the pipe itself.
Shut Off the Gas Supply
If you have not turned off the gas supply, your plumber will to prevent further damage to your home and reduce fire and health hazards. The shut-off valve is typically located on the main water line near the meter.
Find and Repair the Leak
Your plumber will use specialized tools such as infrared cameras or gas detectors to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies within your plumbing system. Once they’ve identified the source of the leak, they can then use specific techniques such as welding or clamping to replace faulty parts and seal up holes in order to ensure that no further leakage occurs in the future.
Depending on the severity of the issue, they may need to replace part or all of your existing piping system with new pipes suitable for natural gas lines.
Once your gas line has been diagnosed and resolved, annual maintenance is critical to optimally maintain your system to prevent future problems.
Certified Plumbing of Brevard for Any Plumbing Issue!
Take care of your gas line warning signs by addressing the issue head-on by calling your gas company and local plumber. Certified Plumbing of Brevard has over 33 years of experience repairing and reinstalling gas line pipes in this county. Choose safety and quality by calling Certified Plumbing of Brevard professionals at 321-676-0812 to restore your gas lines.
