Recover the Integrity of Your Gas Line
Most of the homes in the Dallas, Texas area have natural gas power for cooking and heating. While natural gas is a clean and safe energy source, it can be dangerous when there is a leaking gas line. Repairs should never be ignored and only be performed by a professional plumber.
What is the life expectancy of a gas line?
A natural gas line can last as long as fifty years, even longer. But, being buried underground, they will corrode, become worn, and start to crack as the metal weakens. This can often start between 20 and 30 years. When you begin noticing a leak, the gas line repairs should be done by a local plumbing professional.
What type of material is used for gas lines?
There are several different materials used for gas lines. Depending the area where you live, there may be restrictions on which material to use. Those different materials include:
- Black iron
- Copper
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- Steel
What are some indications of a gas line leak?
Natural gas is available in abundance. It burns cleaner and heats faster than electricity. But this doesn’t override the dangers of a gas line leak. If you notice any of the following, you need to schedule a plumber immediately that provides gas line repair services:
- Rotten egg or sulfur smell: Natural gas is colorless and odorless in its original state. Gas companies add mercaptan, a chemical that makes it smell like rotten eggs or sulfur. The stronger this smell, the bigger the chance there is a gas leak.
- Hissing noise: When a gas leak is large enough, a gas leak will create a hissing sound. A homeowner needs to check the gas lines throughout their home on occasion which will enable you to find where connections need to be tightened. This will usually stop the hissing sound, but if not, you’ll need to call a plumber for proper gas line repairs.
- Air bubbles: If a natural gas line is leaking underground piping outside the home, it can cause bubbles in any standing water.
- Plants: Plants can be a strong indication of a gas leak. When you have several plants dying or have died. Plants require oxygen and when it is contaminated with gas, it begins killing the plants.
- Higher gas usage: During the winter, if your home is heated by natural gas, it is normal to see an increase in the monthly bill. If you’re noticing it is higher than the winter before, or it is higher throughout the year, you should have a plumber inspect your home for gas line repairs.
- Physical symptom: Natural gas can be poisonous to the human body. When exposed to a natural gas leak, you’ll experience dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea and/or trouble breathing, you should have a plumber inspect every gas line, repair as needed immediately.
What does a gas line repair cost?
This can vary based on the complexity and extent of the gas leak at hand. A plumber may charge by the hour, plus parts, or for a simple gas line repair, like a connection, they often charge a flat rate. You could expect to pay between $100 and up to $ 1,000 for a gas line repair.
Can I repair a gas pipe myself?
If you’re a handyman around the house, you may feel that you’re capable of doing gas line repairs, but you shouldn’t! A DIY gas line repair can be dangerous, placing your family and home at risk of an explosion and fire. A professional plumber has had rigorous and specific training in gas line repairs and they have the proper tools to ensure your gas line is no longer a danger.
Do you need a plumber to change a gas line?
Yes, it is always better to err to the safety factor and have a plumber do any gas line changing, gas appliance or gas line installation, and gas line repairs. Again, they are trained and have the proper tools needed for the job to be done right, keeping you and your family safe.
Is natural gas better the electricity?
After the ice storm we experienced in 2021, Texas homeowners learned quickly that having an electric-powered home may not be the most reliable. Those homes with natural gas power, the gas travels into the home through underground gas pipes, there isn’t any chance of heavy snow and ice knocking down power lines or straining the power grid.
In Closing
If you have a strong smell of natural gas in your home and can’t find the immediate cause, evacuate the premises immediately. Once everyone is in a safe place, call 911 and then the gas company. Do not hesitate! This can not only be a danger to your home and family but other homes around yours.
If you’re not sure how old the existing gas lines are in your home, schedule a plumber out to inspect them. They can determine if any possible problems can lead to potential gas leaks, making gas line repairs or replacing them if needed. If you need gas line repair in Dallas, TX, please give us a call at (214) 402-5454!
