Have You Noticed Strange Sounds or Poor Performance in Your Gas Appliances? Talk With a Licensed Plumber!
Natural gas is a wonderful resource for heating our homes, enabling cooking appliances, and producing hot water. With that being said, it’s also a dangerous hazard in the wrong conditions. Pipeline accidents lead to severe injuries and even deaths every year. Thankfully, this is a fairly rare incident when it comes to residential gas lines.
“Why is that?“, you may ask. It’s because homeowners like you take special precautions to protect their property and their families in the event of a leak. Knowing how to detect natural gas and how to react during a leak could save lives. It could also save you thousands of dollars in appliance and property damages. To learn more about natural gas, or to schedule gas line repair in Copperas Cove & Killeen, TX, give our dedicated team a call at 254-246-7913. You can talk with a natural gas plumber from Patriot Plumbing Service Inc., who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Signs of a Gas Leak
Water leaks can be frustrating, but gas leaks are downright dangerous. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to identify a leak. The most obvious sign is a nasty sulfuric smell that reminds most people of rotten eggs. You can thank your local gas company for that smell because natural gas is naturally odorless. This is a safety mechanism to warn you about the presence of a leak.
You can also listen for audible signs. Hissing sounds from pipes or clanging from a gas appliance could indicate a leak. Faults in your gas line can take a toll on your appliances, causing them to accelerated wear. Plants also suffer from the presence of natural gas, which is just one more reason for storing potted plants around the house!
Sometimes leaks are so small that they go unnoticed for an extended time. You might not see or hear any of the signs above. If all else fails, your excessive gas consumption on your utility bill should give you a hint of the leak. When that time comes, you’ll want to talk with an expert gas plumber about scheduling a checkup for your home.
Physical Health Effects
Natural Gas Exposure Can Mimic Certain Symptoms of the Flu. Pay Special Care if You Smell Sulfur.
As mentioned before, natural gas is dangerous for your home. But it’s also a threat to your health. The first leak symptoms resemble those of the flu, including:
- Headaches
- Heavier breathing
- Weariness
- Nausea
- Throat Soreness
- Eye Irritation
- Dizziness
Extended exposure can be deadly. Inhaling large volumes of natural gas can cause individuals to lose consciousness. Because the gas replaces oxygen when inhaled into your lungs, it is very possible to die of asphyxia. That’s why it’s so important that you remove family members and pets in the event of a major leak.
Other Potential Dangers
Besides asphyxiation, natural gas also poses severe fire risks. Natural gas is highly flammable, and in large volume may even result in an explosion. That’s why natural gas lines require ample care and maintenance, and why you should clear the area in the event of a large leak. When you call your natural gas plumber, make sure to leave the affected area first. Minor discharges in your phone and other devices can ignite the gas.
Additional Steps to Take
There are certain preventative steps you can take to avoid the majority of gas leaks. Most are caused by faulty appliance connections and seals. Having old appliances inspected and ensuring new appliances are installed correctly will save you a lot of worries. You can also install a carbon monoxide alarm for advanced warning.
As for after-the-fact leak precautions, one of the best things you can do is shut off the supply at your gas meter. Opening doors and windows will help disseminate the gas and reduce the likelihood of ignition. Make sure any appliances with a pilot light are turned off, and don’t use (or turn on/off) any electrical devices until your gas plumber gives the okay. Better to be safe and overcautious than to start a fire by accident.
Natural Gas Line Repair
Gas Appliance Connections are a Common Source of Leak Problems in Residential Areas.
The first step in addressing the problem is calling your gas plumber. They’ll walk with you through the detection and repair process so you know what to expect. You may also call your natural gas company to shut off the supply (if necessary).
At Patriot Plumbing Service Inc., we’ll start the process with a gas line pressure test to confirm the leak. Afterward, our plumbers take special “sniffing” equipment that detects gas. Once your personal expert has identified the leak, they’ll carefully repair the damaged pipe. If necessary, they’ll replace that section of the line.
Call Now For Gas Line Repair!
Need assistance with a potential leak? Contact our team today for Copperas Cove & Killeen, TX gas line repair! We’ll locate the source of the leak and make sure your family and property are safe. Call us at 254-246-7913 to get started. At Patriot Plumbing Service Inc., we’re happy to provide for all your emergency plumbing needs!