Can a gas leak in your house kill you?
Natural gas is an excellent source of energy. Most restaurants use it, and a lot of homes use it for cooking, heating, and water heater operations too. It is a clean, natural energy, sustainable energy source. However, it is can be dangerous if isn’t contained and used properly, meaning a gas leak needs immediate gas line repair.
Yes, and it doesn’t how much gas is leaking, it is dangerous. The entire time the natural gas is leaking, anyone in your home is inhaling this high concentration of natural gas. This can result in becoming fatigue and feeling ill, chest pains may develop for some, and the ultimate is asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen the gas has consumed. Any time you believe you have natural gas leak, repair needs to be immediate by a professional gas line repair man, typically this is a plumber.
Natural gas is flammable and even the slightest gas leak near an open flame or where a spark may ignite can cause an explosion, at the very least, a fire. Gas leaks generally happen when a gas pipe has been damaged or the fitting has come loose. A gas line repair could be nothing more than reconnecting the gas line, putting on new fittings, and making sure it is all tight. Sometimes, a gas leak repair could require the ground around your home being dug up to find the leak and then make the gas line repair needed.
Are small gas leaks Dangerous?
Natural gas in its natural form is odorless. What we smell when there is a gas leak, or a stove burner turned on is a chemical that is added to the gas supply. That chemical gives off a rotten egg odor, something that we’re sure to smell even in the smallest of gas leaks.
Otherwise, a small gas leak could be as dangerous, if not more, because we wouldn’t notice. Even the smallest of gas leaks can cause an explosion or fire when a match is struck, or even turning on a light! So, if you’re noticing a slight natural gas leak inside your home, or around the exterior, call a professional plumber that can do outdoor or indoor gas line repair.
Can you patch a gas line?
A gas line leak needs to be repair promptly and if you are unable to do a gas line repair yourself, call a handyman or plumber. The following are the basic steps, you can find the full instructions online:
- Step One – Turn the gas off: Never work on the gas lines without turning the gas off.
- Step Two – Remove plastic covers: Wearing a proper gas mask and gloves for safety of inhaling the natural gas. Remove the outer plastic covers so the gas pipes are exposed.
- Step Three – Detach gas line: Remove low pressure gas line.
- Step Four – Release excess gas pressure: Remove any residue gas pressure by cracking the line fitting with a wrench.
- Step Five – Clean the gas line: Clean the high pressure gas line with acetone to remove any impurities that could cause other leaks.
- Step Six- Scratch the surface: With sandpaper, scratch the surface of the gas line to smooth it and then use the acetone to clean again.
- Step Seven – Attach gas line: Attached the gas line with a loose fit so not to create new leak. Using the rubber tape will reinforce the grip to assure the pipe is well sealed.
- Step Eight – Apply Epoxy: Place epoxy to gas line, follow the package instructions in detail. Let the pipe sit 8 hours or more for curing. After the gas leak repaired are has cured, tighten the high pressure gas line fittings. Now replace the low-pressure gas line.
- Step Nine – Test gas lines: Turn the gas back on and check for leaks. If any leaks, turn the gas off and seal any leaks. Repeat this process as much as needed until there are no leaks.
- Step Ten – Reinstall covers: Replace the plastic covers you removed once you are certain the gas line repair is complete.
Who do you call to fix gas lines?
It depends on where the gas leak is located. If it is on your property side of the meter, you need to call a licensed plumber or any experienced gas line repair contractors for any gas line repair and installation services. If the gas leak appears to be coming from the gas line on the meter side, the gas company is responsible for that gas leak repair.
How long does it take to fix a gas leak?
Replacing a gas line should be done under an hour, a gas line repair could take between three to four hours. It depends how difficult it is to find the leak. The gas line repair doesn’t take long.
Because natural gas can be dangerous when leaking, it is important to get any gas line repair done as quickly as possible. If you are unsure of doing the gas line repair yourself, do not hesitate to have an experienced plumber do the job. Call 484-366-9362 today for your gas line plumbing needs in Pottstown, PA.