Signs Your Gas Line May Need Repairs
by Arina Smith Services 13 January 2021
Natural gas is a common way to heat your home and power your appliances. Generally, this is a safe method unless there is a gas leak or other problem with your gas line. If your gas line is leaking or is damaged, it can be very dangerous. Not only are gas fumes toxic, but they are also extremely flammable.
Sadly, many homeowners don’t know how to tell if there is a problem with their gas line. That’s where we come in. Put together by DAZ Plumbing & Locating, take a look at these signs your gas line may need repairs.
Signs Your Gas Line May Need Repairs
If you notice any of these signs, contact a plumbing professional as soon as possible.
A Distinct Odor
One of the first signs that there is a problem with your gas line is an obnoxious smell. Natural gas smells like sulfur, or rotten eggs, thanks to a chemical called mercaptan. Mercaptan is added to natural gas specifically for this reason. The obnoxious smell helps homeowners detect a gas leak. If you smell even a faint smell of sulfur, take action immediately to protect your family and your home.
Vegetation Near the Gas Line is Dying
If you notice that plants or grass near your gas line are dying, it may be a sign of a gas leak. Natural gas displaces the oxygen that plant roots require to live. If there is a leak, the plants affected by the oxygen loss will die. If you notice unexplained vegetation death in an area where you believe your gas lines are, call the gas company or a plumber. The gas company can tell you exactly where your gas lines are. A plumber can repair a damaged or leaking gas line, or replace the line.
Problems with Gas-Powered Appliances
If your gas-powered stove starts having problems, it could be due to a problem with the appliance itself. If your stove and hot water heater both are having problems, then it could be a sign of a problem with your gas line. A gas leak, for example, would keep gas from flowing to your appliances properly. If you notice problems, knocking noises, or sputtering when using your appliances, call a plumbing professional to have them check for problems with your gas line.
Bubbling of Hissing in Your Yard
After a heavy rain or watering your lawn, you may notice puddles in low spots. If you notice bubbling in these areas, or a hissing sound when you are outside, you may have a gas leak. A gas leak will cause bubbles to rise up from the ground and hit the surface of the water.
Unusual Gas Usage
If you are like most homeowners, you check your monthly gas bills to make sure everything is correct. You likely check your usage and compare it to previous months. If you notice an unusually high bill or an unusually high gas usage rate, it could be a sign of a gas line problem.
If you aren’t using your appliances more than usual, and there hasn’t been a recent cold snap, you may want to test your gas lines. Turn off your heat and all appliances that use gas. Then, take a look at your gas meter. Is it still moving? If so, you may have a gas leak.
Contact a Plumbing Professional to Learn More
Not only is a gas leak expensive, but it is also dangerous. Even a minor leak can cause serious issues. If you notice any of these signs of a gas line problem, call a plumbing professional to learn more. Have a professional check out your gas line and make sure that your home and family are safe.
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