As a homeowner, staying on top of your gas line maintenance is one of the essential housekeeping jobs you should never forget. Any problems in the gas line can cause danger to you and your family’s health and the appliances at your home. If you aren’t careful, a gas line problem could quickly escalate into a pricey dilemma for everyone in the house.
The main problem with gas lines is the possibility of leaking. While you can undoubtedly hire gas fitter and installation services for maintenance checkups, it’s still helpful to know the causes of a gas leak and how to tell if you have one for when a professional isn’t around.
Here’s what you need to know:
Causes of a Gas Leak
The cause of a gas leak can come from a number of reasons. A common one is having old pipes and poor maintenance in your home. Worn-out pipes are already a recipe for disaster when it comes to your gas line, but when you add poor maintenance into the mix, your house becomes especially prone to gas leaks.
Another reason for a leak is having appliances with poor design or installation. These two things matter a great deal when it comes to keeping your house safe for you and your family. If your machines are inadequate, it can affect their gas line and flow. It’s important to employ expert gas fitters and installation services to ensure you won’t have to encounter problems.
High-quality service also means you won’t have to worry about bad or loose fittings, another common cause of gas leaks. While appliances naturally go bad on their own due to age or damage, an experienced professional can ensure your gas lines’ connections and fittings are done right and will last you a long time.
Signs of a Gas Leak
Now that you know the causes of a gas leak, it’s time to learn how to tell if you do have a leak in your home. The first thing you might be thinking about is that you can tell through your sense of smell. It is true for strong-smelling gas, but other types, particularly natural gas, barely have an odor.
The other ways you can tell if you have a gas leak are, first, by paying attention to any nearby plants, your pets, and your family members. If you notice their health is declining, you may not immediately figure out why it may be because of a gas leak. Plants are often clear indicators of anything unusual. In pets and humans, lethargy is a common sign that can tip you off.
Another way you can identify a gas leak is by listening to any strange noises. A gas leak will usually emit a steady hissing sound. If it’s big enough, you may even notice things flopping around near the leak point.
Poorly working appliances can also indicate the presence of leaks, such as your stove not working or the dryer failing to put out hot air. Other than those, check your house’s carbon monoxide levels and your gas bills. If you have gas lines installed, you should have a carbon monoxide detector fitted as well, and it will help you determine any unusual spikes in the carbon monoxide levels in your home. Gas bills can also increase if there’s a leak.
ConcProfessor Plumblusion
You must stay on top of your gas line maintenance to avoid dangerous risks like gas leaks. Being knowledgeable on the causes of these risks is always a good way to be a responsible homeowner, and it’ll make it easier for you to keep your house and your family safe. Employing regular maintenance of your gas lines is also highly recommended.
Professor Plumb is a veteran-owned professional plumbing company. We offer gas fitter and installation services in Columbiana and Birmingham, Alabama. Visit our website now for more information.