Professional Gas Leak Detection in Houston

As you probably know, an unattended gas line leak can be a very big problem. Gas leaks can lead to a build-up of natural gas in your home, which can result in an explosion. They can also cause health issues, high gas bills, and other things you don’t want to deal with. 

Gas leak detection can be difficult. Natural gas is actually colorless and odorless, making leaks hard to detect. That’s why we suggest calling us for your professional gas leak detection in Houston – especially when your family’s safety is on the line.

What Causes a Gas Leak?

While natural gas leaks are rare, it’s important you’re informed about them to prevent dangerous scenarios. Many things can cause a gas line to leak, so being aware is key to preventing an emergency.

Wear and Tear

All of your home’s gas lines, fittings, flex hoses, and connections are subject to wear and tear. Over time, the parts of your gas line can deteriorate. Extreme heat and cold also cause gas lines to crack due to expansion and contraction. Having your gas lines inspected by a licensed plumber is a great way to be sure that nothing is corroding, rusting, or breaking. 

Your Appliances

Gas line leaks are most often caused by poorly maintained or fitted pipe fittings or appliances. Usually, the gas hose leading from the machine is not fitted correctly, which causes a slow and steady leak. If your appliances are older, they should be serviced regularly by an experienced gas equipment engineer to ensure they aren’t leaking.

Inadequate Piping

Inadequate piping underneath your home can also be the source of a gas leak as it can become faulty and erode over time. They can even disconnect by themselves or because of unruly tree roots, a severe storm, or even an earthquake. Once your piping is disconnected or offset, gas will slowly seep into your home.

Signs You Might Have a Gas Leak

Gas lines are incredibly dangerous and should not be tampered with by a person who is not professional. The risks of gas leaks can be very high, and the dangers of creating a fire are even higher. The following are a few of the most prominent signs that you’ve got a gas leak on your hands.

1. Rotten Egg Smell

Natural gas in its natural state is odorless. But for safety purposes, utility companies add that rotten egg odor to it for easier gas leak detection. If you notice this smell in your home, you should leave immediately and call your natural gas provider.

2. Hissing Sound

If you hear a hissing sound from the gas line, that means you have a gas leak. In fact, if you can hear it, that means it’s a substantial leak and you should evacuate your home as quickly as possible. Once you’re safely away from the house, call your natural gas provider and alert them to the problem. They will advise you about what to do next.

3. Health Issues

Long-term exposure to gas leaks can cause health concerns such as headaches, nausea, difficulty or irregular breathing, fatigue, dizziness, and even flu-like symptoms. If you and other members of your family have these symptoms and they are ongoing with no explanation, it’s worth calling your gas company and investigating a gas leak.

4. Dead Plants

An underground gas leak is harder to detect than one inside your home. Still, if there are any plants and flowers near your gas line that are dying for no apparent reason, that could mean you have a gas leak. Natural gas can block a plant’s source of oxygen, causing it to wither and die.

5. White Mist or Fog

If you’re observing unusual clouds of mist or fog around your house, it could mean that your gas line has ruptured. A visible gas leak means a big gas leak. If this is the case, do not waste time. Leave your home immediately, go to a safe place, and call your gas service provider.

6. Unusually High Gas Bill

If one month you receive a gas bill that is significantly higher than what you’re used to receiving, contact your provider. There could be a change in your charges, or there could be a bigger issue with your gas plumbing at play. If your provider says your gas bill is right, then call a licensed gas plumber to check your gas line for leaks.

What to Do if You Find a Gas Leak?

If you notice any of the above signs of a gas leak, you should immediately leave your home and call your local gas provider. Do not try to find the leak yourself.

Never operate any electrical appliances, lights, motorized equipment, or vehicles if you suspect there’s a gas leak. Additionally, keep lighters and matches away. Remember, a small spark can ignite a massive explosion in a situation like this.

Who Can Fix a Gas Leak?

Because gas leaks are such a dangerous situation, licensed gas plumbers are the only people who should be fixing a gas leak. Professionals are also the only people who should install a gas line.

The first step to fixing a leak is conducting a gas line leak test or a gas line pressure test. This will identify where the leak issue is so that your gas plumber will know what to fix. 

Professionals will first test the gas fittings, then disconnect the main gas line from your gas meter to perform a pressure test. According to Texas statute, the gas line must be pressurized to a maximum 5 psi (pounds per square inch) and the line must maintain that pressure for thirty minutes. Any loss of pressure during this test indicates a gas leak. 

Once you identify a loss of pressure or a gas leak, you’ll need to get it fixed right away. When it comes to gas line safety, waiting is not worth the risk.

Gas Leak Repair Cost

The cost to repair a gas leak will depend on the cause and site of the leak. These repairs can cost anywhere from $150 to $925. Since your health and safety are on the line, don’t let the price prevent you from calling a professional gas leak detection service. Our gas plumbers have the materials and expertise to repair your gas line with your safety in mind. 

If You’re Concerned About a Gas Leak, Don’t Wait

At Nick’s Plumbing & AC, we’ve been experts at gas leak detection in Houston since 1979. We know gas line systems inside and out, and our licensed and experienced plumbing technicians are ready to inspect your gas line system and recommend any repairs that are required.

Gas leaks are not something you should take lightly, and gas leak detection in Houston is something that needs to be handled by licensed, experienced professionals. Trust Nick’s Plumbing & AC with your home’s gas line plumbing system.

Call Us Today, We’re on the Way!

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