5 Signs You Need Gas Line Leak Repair
A gas leak requires immediate repair. However, some homeowners don't know they have a gas leak until it's too late. Avoid property damage, expensive repairs, and potential health hazards by learning about the top five signs you need gas line repair.
1. Damaged Pipes
Metal gas pipes corrode and turn to rust over time, leaving the material weak and susceptible to leaks. Once corrosion deteriorates the tubing, plumbers must replace it. Pipes may also develop cracks over time due to excessive pressure and stress levels. Cracks will inevitably grow in size over time to the point that they develop a leak. Homeowners must replace cracked pipes as soon as possible.
2. Hissing Noises
When gas escapes from pipes or a gas appliance, the change in air pressure creates a hissing noise. Since gas is invisible, many homeowners recognize a leak due to hissing noises before anything else.
Hissing noises coming from a connection may indicate a loose or damaged connection. In some cases, cleaning and tightening the connection can resolve the leak. This process should be a regular part of gas line maintenance to prevent premature damage. Even then, replacing a connection costs much less than replacing leaks at the gas lines.
3. Dead Plants
Gas contains carbon monoxide, which kills plants. House plants near gas lines or outdoor plants above the gas lines may indicate a leak if they die unexpectedly. However, the dead plants can be a blessing in disguise. It can be difficult to locate a leak in buried gas lines. The location of the dead plants makes it easy to identify the leak's location.
Most municipalities require a professional to perform underground gas line repair due to the sensitive nature of the work. Do not attempt to repair underground repairs yourself without the proper certifications and permits.
4. High Gas Bills
Gas bills increase in the winter, but they should only increase so much and return to normal with warmer weather. If gas bills continue to increase or increase at drastic rates, it's probably due to a leak.
5. Sulfur Odor
Gas is naturally odorless. However, gas companies put sulfur into the gas to create an odor for safety purposes. If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply immediately. Evacuate the home and be mindful not to ignite an open flame. Allow the house to completely ventilate before reentering. Do not restore gas until you get gas line leak repair.
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