With the dry weather we’ve been having in the Seattle and Tacoma area over the summer, having a gas leak from your gas piping is more dangerous than ever before. For starters, the dry landscape could go up in flames at a moment’s notice if a natural gas fire starts on your property, escalating the situation immediately.
If you believe that you have a natural gas leak on your property, it is vital that you have it repaired or the line replaced immediately, as failure to do so could cause serious problems. Also, always use a certified plumbing professional when dealing with these issues because the following gas pipe repair mistake could be deadly.
Signs of a Gas Leak
Whenever natural gas escapes the main line and enters your living space, it means that you have a gas leak. When this occurs, even a small spark from a cell phone or a cigarette could cause an explosion. Knowing that you have a gas leak is important because it gives you the chance to exit the home and call a repair and installation professional. You should also call the gas company in this situation.
- Smell
Perhaps the first thing that you will notice if you have a gas leak is the smell. Natural gas doesn’t have a scent at all, but Puget Sound Energy puts an additive into the gas that makes it smell like rotten eggs. The odor is quite powerful, so you’ll unquestionably be aware of it.
- Appearance
You might visually see signs of a gas leak if you know what they look like. Things like bubbles in standing water, white clouds, or mist around your property could be signaling that you have a natural gas leak. You might also notice blowing dust around your yard or plants that have always been healthy suddenly dying off.
- Sound
Your gas leak detection should also involve taking a listen around any gas appliances that you have, such as your water heater and furnace. A whistling, hissing, or roaring sound is a good sign that you have a leak and that you should have things checked out.
Gas Line Repair Mistakes
From the second that you notice your gas leak, avoiding mistakes is crucial. The following are things that you should never do in the presence of natural gas or after you learn that you have a potential leak on your property.
Not Find the Cause
So, you know that you have a gas leak on your property, but do you know what has caused it. Perhaps the worst mistake that you can make in this situation is trying to repair the problem without finding out the cause of the issue beforehand. Negligence when dealing with gas repairs or installations is the number one cause of injury or death. A certified technician will be able to determine the cause and will only start to work on the issue when he or she knows that it is safe to do so.
Strike a Match
It might seem like common sense, but you should never strike a match to see if there is a gas leak on your property. Natural gas is extremely flammable and lighting this match could cause a major explosion. While this explosion will let you know that there is, in fact, a gas leak in your home, you might not be around to do anything about it.
Avoid Repair
At times, homeowners will put off repairs on certain items until they break completely. Your natural gas pipes aren’t something that you have this luxury with, however, as failure to have them repaired or replaced could be a fatal mistake. You can surely save a few bucks on other components around your house, but don’t mess around with your gas supply.
Wait for a Response
In situations where you have determined that there is a gas leak on the property, but it will take the plumber some time to reach you, make sure that you take action yourself. Start by calling Puget Sound Energy to have your gas shut off and getting your family out of the building.
What You Should Do
Other than calling a Seattle gas line repair company, there are some things that you can do to minimize the risk to yourself and your property:
- Get out of the building
- Have an annual inspection
- Receive assistance
- Prioritize safety
- Maintain your pipes
Puget Sound Energy is responsible for managing the pipes up until they reach your meter. From there, it’s all on you, and if something goes wrong, you’re responsible for the repairs. Keep a close eye on your gas lines to ensure that you deal with any issues that arise before they do any damage.
To keep your home safe, have your gas lines inspected at least once per year. This service is vital because there could be an underlying problem that hasn’t led to any noticeable symptoms as of yet, but will cause an issue shortly. An inspection doesn’t take long and could save you from some heartache in the future.
