Natural gas has long been a key fuel source that homes in Brighton, CO, depend on. That makes sense, as natural gas delivery infrastructure is reliable and the fuel itself remains inexpensive. However, natural gas does come with some inherent risks. That means it’s imperative to keep your home’s gas lines in good condition.
Maintaining Your Home’s Gas Lines
The natural gas pipes running through your home should last for many years with little to no maintenance. They’re built with durability in mind because of the risk created if any of your lines were to fail.
However, there are a few maintenance tasks your home’s gas infrastructure requires. Read on to learn the essentials from our gas piping services experts!
Periodic Visual Inspection
At least once a year, make it a habit to inspect your home’s gas lines visually. Look for any signs of damage, including discoloration or corrosion. If possible, also examine the flexible gas lines supplying your appliances. If you see any signs of unusual wear, call us so that we can dispatch a plumber to investigate and repair the issue.
Occasional Pressure Testing
Ideally, you should have your home’s gas lines pressure tested annually. A pressure test verifies that no gas escapes from any part of your pipes. The process involves pressurizing your pipes to a predetermined level and monitoring the pressure for at least 30 minutes. The pressure gauge should remain unchanged throughout your system of gas lines unless you have a hidden leak. Pressure tests can identify tiny leaks before they progress enough to pose a danger to you and your home.
Gas Appliance Testing and Maintenance
You should also remember that your gas appliances need periodic attention. You should test each appliance according to its manufacturer’s instructions at least once annually. If any of your gas appliances malfunction, stop using them and have them repaired immediately.
Signs of Gas Line Trouble
Even the most well-maintained gas lines can develop problems over time. Additionally, parts of your home’s gas infrastructure can be in places that make regular inspection impossible. That makes knowing the signs of hidden gas line trouble important:
Rotten Egg Smell
The most well-known sign of a gas leak is the presence of a rotten egg smell. The smell comes from a substance called mercaptan. Natural gas suppliers add this product to their gas to make leaks easier to detect. Natural gas on its own has no odor whatsoever so you wouldn’t notice a leak.
If you notice a rotten egg smell in or around your home, you should leave the premises immediately. Then, call emergency services and your gas supplier. If the leak involves damage to your gas lines, we can repair it after the supplier stops the flow of gas to your home.
Sudden Landscaping Die-Off
Plants are much more sensitive to the presence of natural gas than humans. For that reason, a gas leak near the perimeter of your home can cause grass and plants to die suddenly. The same thing can happen with houseplants. However, indoors, you’re likely to notice the smell of a gas leak long before that happens. Outside, it’s possible for an underground leak to kill plants before you see any other signs of a problem.
Hissing or Whistling Sounds
Since your gas lines operate under pressure, leaks often produce hissing or whistling sounds. If you hear such noises and can’t find their source, suspect the potential of a gas leak. If this is the case, you should contact your gas company to investigate the issue further. If they confirm the presence of a leak in your gas lines, let us know. We will dispatch someone from our team to repair it.
Unexplained Gas Bill Increases
Finally, you should always examine your gas bills for any unusual increases. If your bill rises and you haven’t changed your usage pattern, it may indicate a leak. In that case, try turning off your gas appliances and examining your gas meter. If it continues to move, call us to check for a leak in your gas lines.
Your Local Gas Infrastructure Specialists
Since 2016, TYCO Plumbing has offered quality gas plumbing services in Brighton. Our qualified plumbing service pros have extensive experience with maintaining, repairing, and installing gas lines. Additionally, we’re a recipient of the Top-Rated Local award and have a top rating on HomeAdvisor. We’re also a Better Business Bureau accredited business with an A+ rating.
If you need an expert to help maintain the gas lines in your Brighton home, call TYCO Plumbing today!
