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What To Do About A Gas Line Leak

In this article, plumbers from Round Rock will share information about what the home’s gas line is, what the signs of a gas line leak are, and how they can be prevented. 

How to Handle a Gas Leak

Gas line leaks in the home aren’t just annoying, they can be potentially lethal. Luckily for homeowners, they are also easy to identify if they have the right knowledge about the signs one may be occurring. In this article, plumbers from Round Rock will share information about what the home’s gas line is, what the signs of a gas line leak are, and how they can be prevented.

What Is A Gas Line?

The home’s gas line is the pipe that connects the appliances to the main gas supply. The gas supply that comes from the gas line also can heat the home, depending on the type of heating and cooling system it has. The pipes that connect the gas line to the main supply run inside the walls and floors and under the home.

Because there are so many components to a gas line, there are plenty of opportunities for a gas line leak to occur.

What Is A Gas Line Leak?

A leak is when the gas line leaks and natural gas spills into (or outside of) the home. In addition to being costly, gas line leaks can also be potentially deadly to everyone in the home, including pets. Here are some signs that there may be a leak in the home:

  • Dead patches in landscaping: Since the gas line pipes run under the home and out under the yard, depending on where the gas line leak is located, it can kill any vegetation located nearby.
  • Rotten egg/sulfur smell: This is one of the most well-known signs of a gas line link. While the gas itself is both colorless and odorless, utility companies add a chemical known as mercaptan so that leaks will be more noticeable.
  • A hissing sound: This is one of the most obvious signs of a gas line leak. The hissing sound that accompanies a larger leak is telltale and needs to be addressed immediately.
  • Physical symptoms: While physical symptoms often appear after the gas line leak has gone on for too long, if a leak is suspected and anyone in the home is complaining of nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or headache (especially if it seems to happen in one specific area of the home), medical attention should be sought out immediately.

How To Prevent Gas Line Leaks

The best way to prevent a gas line leak is by knowing what causes them in the first place. Once a homeowner is armed with that information, they can take the necessary prevention steps to avoid having to deal with this potentially dangerous and costly problem.

HVAC system maintenance is key to preventing a leak. Having a professional come out and service the system on a regular (twice yearly – once in the spring and once in the fall) basis means that they are also evaluating the home for potential carbon monoxide or gas line leaks.

Plumbers play an important prevention role as well. If the home’s water heater is gas-powered, the lines that enter the appliance are at risk of corrosion, potential gas line fitting issues, and even hairline fractures due to normal wear and tear.

Homeowners can also evaluate their own systems for a gas line leak. Start by turning off the gas appliances (furnaces, stovetops, water heaters, dryers, etc.). Once they are all off, locate the gas meter which is usually near the front of the home. If the meter seems to be “spinning,” there is likely a gas line leak. Contact a professional immediately.

About American Eagle Plumbing

American Eagle Plumbing was founded in 2009. Located in Round Rock, Texas, their certified and experienced technicians provide prompt, honest plumbing and water heater services with fast turnarounds. The family-owned and operated business respects every customer’s time, home, investment, and peace of mind.