Home Care to Protect Your Natural Gaslines

Natural gas piping systems have been in use for centuries, supplying the energy to cook food and heat homes. Yet, a home's natural gas lines remain largely overlooked. Because of the ubiquity and convenience of these systems, homeowners often forget that natural gas lines, like any infrastructure, require proper maintenance and care.

However, when it comes to natural gas, ignoring maintenance can have potentially dire consequences. Leaks, misconfigurations of the system, and improper venting can all lead to hazardous levels of carbon monoxide in the home, which is a leading cause of accidental poisoning. The presence of carbon monoxide, in turn, can lead to serious health issues at best, and death at worst.

Fortunately, these risks can be avoided with the help of a reliable plumber and proper home maintenance. With the right resources and precautions, homeowners can prevent natural gas problems and avoid the related inconvenience and danger.

The Role of Professional Plumbers

When it comes to residential natural gas piping, qualified technicians play a critical role. Professional plumbers can identify leaks in the system, repair faulty gas lines, and configure the entire system to meet safety regulations.

One of the best ways to ensure that all within your gas system is functioning correctly is to hire a licensed plumber that can check your system for any issues, and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety.

It's important to understand that a homeowner cannot fix gas line issues on their own. Plumbers must be certified in order to work on natural gas systems, and any efforts outside of the professional domain would be illegal.

How an Inspector Can Help

Depending on where you live, you may need the inspection and approval of a professional inspector to find out if your gas system is up to code. Cities often have their own set of rules and regulations for piping and natural gas systems, and these regulations must be followed to ensure safety and compliance.

You should contact a qualified professional inspector in your city to determine the specific requirements for your area. In addition to meeting legal requirements, such inspections can identify gas system deficiencies that could be highly dangerous — like hidden leaks or improper connections.

These inspectors will issue a certificate stating that your installation is in compliance. You may be required to contact a qualified inspector periodically, depending on the size of your gas system or the type of work you are performing.

What to Do if You Smell Gas in Your Home

If you ever smell gas in your home, the first thing to do is take appropriate precautions. Research has shown that this odorless gas can have serious consequences when it builds up in a home.

If a gas odor is present, immediately:

- Open doors and windows to ventilate the area

- Leave the area and do not touch any light switches, appliances, or other power sources

- Do not use any electronic devices in the home, such as cell phones

- Call your plumber and/or gas company immediately

Yearly Maintenance

Having a working knowledge of what needs to be done in case of an emergency is critical to ensuring your safety. However, equally as important is the need for preventative upkeep.

Your home's gas system needs to be inspected once or twice per year with the help of a professional plumber. This will help spot potential issues before they become serious problems. It will also improve the efficiency of your natural gas system and save you money in the long run.

Some other tips for maintaining your gas system include:

- Check the area around the meter and piping for loosened or corroded connections

- Check all gas appliances and their vents for proper air circulation

- Replace any faulty connections, worn down seals, and corroded pipes

- Confirm that all gas shut-off valves are in proper working condition

When to Contact a Professional?

The right time to reach out to a professional plumber is now and not later. If you notice any warning signs of gas leaks, like sounds of hissing or whistling, anamoours odors, discolored grass, or wet spots around piping, then contact a qualified expert right away.

At Abacus, we specialize in natural gas line maintenance and repairs, and our technicians have the qualifications you need to ensure safety and compliance. We take pride in providing accurate, dependable services, and our team of certified experts is available 24/7 to help you get the most out of your natural gas system.

Natural Gas Lines

Home Maintenance

Plumbers