There are nearly 74 million homes that use natural gas throughout the United States. And while most homeowners use natural gas their whole lives without incident, sometimes, gas lines leak and can wreak havoc if not dealt with quickly.
At Quahog Plumbing, we live and work in your community, and care about our friends and neighbors. Our expert gas line repair technicians are available 24/7 to help you with gas line problems to ensure the safety of your home and family. If you’re in Bristol County and think you have a gas leak, call us at 401-307-5451.
Quahog Plumbing provides safe, effective drain cleaning services.
How Dangerous Are Gas Leaks?
Although most people use gas as a fuel source safely, the fact remains that if not treated with proper respect it can be deadly.
One of the primary dangers of gas is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide typically comes from improper combustion that occurs in furnaces, water heaters, and poorly maintained ovens. The danger with carbon monoxide is it’s odorless and colorless, and the way most people find out they have a gas leak is through the physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nosebleeds
- Eye irritation
The most effective ways to protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning is by installing carbon monoxide detectors and schedule annual maintenance and check-ups of your gas lines and appliances.
Signs Of a Gas Line Leak
Like any part of your plumbing system, gas lines can wear out as they age. Scheduling annual gas line maintenance is an ideal way to maintain healthy and safe gas lines and appliances.
Knowing the signs of a gas leak helps protect your family and property from sickness and disaster. Here are the most common signs to watch for indicating you have a gas leak.
Dying or Dead Plants
Even though gas leaks are difficulty to directly observe, it’s easy to see the effects. If you notice dying or dead vegetation on your property or in the house, it could be due to a leaking gas pipe.
Hissing Sounds
Hissing sounds near gas lines or gas appliances is almost always a sure sign of a gas leak.
Rotten Egg Odor
Natural gas and propan have no natural odor, so companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give gas its distinctive odor to warn people of leaks. If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur in the house, you can bet it’s likely a gas leak.
If you suspect you have a gas leak, get out of the house as soon as possible and call the Somerset gas leak detection
company and a plumber for repairs.
Tired of running out of hot water in the middle of your shower? Call Quahog Plumbing and find out if a tankless water heater is the answer for you.
Reasons To Hire a Gas Fitter
We understand the desire to handle home repairs and maintenance yourself. Doing things yourself saves money and gives you a sense of pride of accomplishment. However, some things should only be trusted to professionals, such as gas line and gas appliance installation, and here’s why.
It’s Mandated By Law
In some states, the law dictates that you have gas lines installed by trained professionals. Leaking gas pipes can quickly turn into catastrophic situations. Even if your state doesn’t require it, failing to install a gas line or gas appliance correctly can have devastating consequences. The bottom line is you don’t want to put your family and home at risk just to save a few bucks.
It’s Safer
Natural gas is highly combustible, and a single spark can lead to fire or explosions. Because of the volatile nature of gas, you’re better off letting a professional who has the training and experience install gas pipes and appliances. Professionals have extensive knowledge of household gas systems, making them the better, safer choice for your family.
Pros Know More Than You
The typical household gas system is complex and must serve various appliances throughout the house. Professional plumbers generally have more experience and education in gas systems than the average homeowner. A pro can look at your gas system and determine if there are problems you can’t see or if it’s underpowered for your needs.
