If we have heating in our home, one of the things we should always be on the lookout for are gas leaks. Gas is connected to heating appliances to keep the house warm during cold days, heating water, and cooking through a series of pipes. It’s a lot like how plumbing systems bring water in and out of our homes–the only difference is, they carry gas.
Water pipe leaks are a big headache, often because we only notice them when the problem is worse, and there are physical signs of damage in our homes, such as moulds and water-damaged ceilings. Nevertheless, the problem is even worse when it’s a gas pipe leak as it could become dangerous in just a short while.
But, when there’s a gas leak, should I find emergency plumbing services near me? How do we know if there’s a gas leak in the first place?
Can Plumbers Fix Gas Leaks?
Since gas lines flow through pipes, do we call for plumbers to fix gas leaks? Or are there other professionals we can call? Can we DIY fixing these gas leaks as we do with busted water pipes?
Homeowners across Australia can call plumbing experts close to them for emergency services. Most professional plumbing companies have gas fitters working with them and have gas fitting services among their professional plumbing services. Moreover, most expert plumbers have undergone the basics of gas fitting, so they may be able to provide some solution on-site with the supervision of fully licensed gas fitters.
Basically, gas fitters are experts when it comes to gas pipes.
Nevertheless, there’s a difference between the two. Plumbers can work on gas pipes, but gas fitters can’t work on water pipes.
Not all plumbing services will also have this type of service, so it’s better to check if the plumbing company around your place offers every service you need, from gas pipes to sewer pipes and water pipes.
Can You DIY Repair Gas Leaks?
Gas leaks can be hazardous–you should NEVER attempt to repair these types of leaks on your own.
When it comes to busted water pipes, the worst-case scenario is flooding your entire place. But when it comes to gas leaks, there is a potential for explosion, which would not only wipe out your home but might also be fatal.
Moreover, gas leaks can also lead to asphyxiation, which is the leading cause of death from undetected gas leaks. Natural gas may not be poisonous, but it could replace the oxygen we breathe, disabling us from breathing correctly within our homes until we lose consciousness and stop breathing.
Because of the danger, it’s imperative to call a professional, open the windows and doors, and get out of the house. Don’t attempt to do gas leak repair lewisville tx as you might make matters worse and escalate the problem even more.
How to Detect Gas Leaks
If your home has a gas plumbing system, it’s good to know how to detect a gas leak. Here are the telltale signs of one:
- There is an unusual smell in your home, which often resembles rotten eggs or garbage.
- Check for any indoor plants that may have died suddenly, looking droopy or are discoloured. Gas leaks often kill vegetation.
- Listen for hissing or whistling sounds in your home as it could be the sound of gas coming out of a punctured pipe.
Besides knowing how to detect a gas leak, it’s also essential to have a gas leak detector, especially if you have installed a natural gas line on your property. This device measures the amount of natural gas in your home. Once the device detects an unusually high natural gas level, make sure to open windows, get out of the house, and call an expert as soon as you can.
As much as possible, never do the following once you detect a gas leak:
- Turn your air conditioning system on
- Light a candle, match, or lighter
- Turn electrical appliances on
- Turn on the lights
- Start your vehicle
Lastly, make sure that you call a plumbing company for regular maintenance and inspection of your plumbing systems at home, including your water, sewer, and gas lines, to prevent these problems or detect them before they become an issue.
