Do I need gas leak repair?
While natural gas is one of the cleanest safest power sources, it can also be dangerous if we’re not aware and careful. But so can electricity, so don’t let that scare you off from utilizing this all-natural power source. A big part of using natural gas safely is making sure you get any gas leak repairs as soon as a problem arises – and remember, if you need gas leak repair in Fort Worth, TX our team can always be there to help.
Can a natural gas leak be fixed?
Yes, and it is more than a loose connection at the stove, a gas leak repair can be dangerous for an inexperienced homeowner. The wrong move can create a disaster if you’re not careful. The best thing you can do is turn the gas off to the house, evacuate the house, and call a plumber who provides gas leak repair service.
How long does it usually take to fix a gas leak?
There isn’t a set length of time for a gas leak repair because every situation can be different. It may just 1 hour and it could take up to 24 hours or longer. The location of the leak and the severity of the leak can affect the time it takes to complete the gas leak repair.
How do you check for a gas line leak?
Your nose can tell you if you have a gas leak. But finding the gas leak is a challenge. First, you’ll want to make sure all the stove burners and ovens are turned off. Next, mix a cup of water with a squirt of liquid dishwashing soap with a cupful of water. Then filling a spray bottle with the mixture, spray the solution over all gas connections. If the mixture bubbles over the connection, you have found where the gas leak repair is needed.
If you don’t find any gas leak with this method, but still smell gas, call a plumber. The gas leak could be under your home and difficult to find using the soapy water spray method. In any case, getting the gas leak repaired is the most important thing!
How are gas leaks repaired?
It is always recommended to have a professional plumber for any gas leak repairs, but if you’re confident, the following steps will get the repair completed:
- First, turn the gas off at the meter before doing any gas leak repairs.
- Next, wear PPE, if there is any plastic cover over the gas line, remove it so that you can get to the actual gas line.
- Examine the gas connection and gas line for any cracks, deformities, holes, or irregularities. This is likely where the gas leak repair is needed.
- Next, detach the gas line from the gas regulator to relieve any pressure in the gas line.
- With a wrench, open the fittings to remove any residue gas pressure.
- Next, using acetone and sandpaper, clean the gas line by scuffing it.
- Now, loosely reattach the gas line and seal any place that was leaking with rubber tape then apply an epoxy to seal.
- To ensure the gas leak repairs were successful, you’ll need to turn the gas back on. At this point, you may want to have a plumber present.
- Now, reinstall any covers you may have removed.
What can trigger a gas leak?
Gas leaks can happen at any time and anywhere within the gas connections and gas lines, any time of the year. This is why it is so important to stay aware and vigilant in possible gas leaks. When you discover a gas leak, be prompt in getting any gas leak repairs done for safety!
Three common causes of gas leaks are:
Corrosion
Gas lines and connections to your appliances, and heating system will eventually wear out, allowing a gas leak. Repairs can be as simple as tightening the connection or it may require the gas lines to be replaced.
Faulty Gas Pipes
Gas and water pipes can be a complicated maze, and both are responsible for getting the gas or water to where it is needed. Over time, even the best quality of gas or water pipes can erode, and possibly become disconnected. This creates a gas leak, repairs are needed sooner than later.
Human Oversight
Corrosion, wear, and tear are not the only cause of a gas leak. Repairing this is still just as important and can be caused by digging too deep and hitting a gas line. The gas company is diligent about “call before you dig” and has even set up a special emergency line for this purpose.
In Closing
Just how serious is a gas leak in a house? A natural gas leak can be the cause of a fire, even turning on an electric device in a room with a gas leak can cause an explosion. Inhaling natural gas can cause anyone in the house to become ill and can even be deadly if a gas leak repair isn’t done promptly. If you’ve identified the need for gas leak repair in Fort Worth, TX, be sure to reach out to a team of professionals like those at Westside Plumbing. We can be there right away to provide you with the services you need. Reach out at (817) 560-4144 to speak to a member of our team.