If you’re a homeowner, you have to perform a few basic maintenance tasks every year or so. For example, having your air conditioning system checked or doing an annual check-up on your home’s plumbing. Both are important but not as important as gas line maintenance.
Gas lines can be damaged by digging, leaking gas, and other problems that can cause serious safety hazards in your house if they aren’t dealt with quickly.
For a bit of help with gas issues and gas line maintenance, here are some tips to consider:
. Look Out For Any Smell Of Gas
It’s important to stay alert and aware of any smells that may indicate a gas leak. If you smell gas or even suspect that you do, it’s vitally important that you leave the area immediately and call 911.
Gas leaks are hazardous and can lead to death if left unattended. If a leak isn’t repaired quickly after it begins, there will be further signs that indicate the severity of damage being done by the leak itself:
- Discoloration on walls;
- Bubbling or blistering paint around outlets;
- Corrosion on metal surfaces;
- Water pooling near your meter;
- Even small fires caused by sparks from electrical equipment close by; and the like.
. Know Where Your Gas Lines Are
The first step to keeping your gas lines in good shape is knowing where they are. If you’re unsure how to determine the location of your gas lines, use a gas locator that can be bought at any hardware store or online. This is very handy in case of gas leakage incidents.
-
Schedule Regular Inspections
Even if they don’t appear to be leaking, gas lines may still be damaged and could cause a leak in the future. The following conditions can damage your connectors:
- Digging: When digging near your gas line, always call professionals before starting so that an underground utility locator service can mark the location of any utilities in your proposed dig site.
- Freezing temperatures: The pipes will expand during freezing weather, which could damage fittings or even break off pieces of your pipe altogether. Some authorities require homeowners to relocate their gas lines when there are significant changes in seasonal temperature patterns.
- Heat sources: Heaters such as stoves, ranges, and water heaters allow pipes carrying flammable liquids like propane or natural gas to go through greater stress than standard household plumbing systems. If these stresses aren’t appropriately managed, leaks may develop over time simply because there’s no way for them not to.
. Avoid Digging Around Gas Lines
If you must dig around your gas lines, call a professional to do it for you. Don’t use an ordinary shovel if you have a space in the yard that needs some attention and the only way to get there’s by digging through your gas line. It’s dangerous and could lead to an explosion. Instead, use other tools available for digging around these lines, including specially designed shovels.
If you must dig in areas with pipes or cables underground (or even above ground), try not to use any tool with sharp edges such as picks or axes. These blades can easily cut through the protective coating on pipes, exposing them and making them vulnerable to damage from things like falling tree limbs during storms or even pests like squirrels chewing through the insulation which covers wires going into your home’s walls.
. Avoid Driving Over Gas Lines
It’s essential to avoid driving over buried gas lines. If you’re unsure where the line is, call a professional to locate it. If you do hit a line, call emergency services immediately and don’t attempt to move your vehicle or disturb the area around it.
. Prevent Damage From Plant Roots
Plant roots can damage gas lines. Therefore, keep trees and shrubs away from gas lines. If you must prune a tree or shrub near a natural gas line, make sure to do it in the fall as part, so that plant material isn’t under pressure and for you and your loved ones’ safety.
Remember, plants should be kept at least three feet from gas lines and 6 inches away from the pipe itself with no chance of contact between them—that means no edibles or ornamental plants within three feet of any pipe.
. Replace Damaged Pipes As Soon As Possible
Damaged pipelines can cause a leak and create an unsafe environment for your family. As a homeowner, you should be aware of the signs that your pipes have been damaged. If you notice any of the following problems, it’s time to call a professional plumber:
- Rust or discoloration on the outside of pipes: This could indicate corrosion from acidic water or minerals within the water system.
- Leaks: Look out for leaks near joints, fittings, or connections between pieces of pipe. This suggests a problem with either your line installation or wear and tear from regular use. Either way, this could have serious consequences if left unaddressed for too long, so make sure you reach out for help as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Finally, if you have any other questions about the maintenance of your gas lines at home or other issues that may arise with them in the future, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
It’s not always easy to stay on top of these things, but it’s important to keep an eye out for anything that could be dangerous. If you notice any signs that something is wrong with your line—like strange smells or noises—don’t hesitate. Call a professional immediately so they can inspect your residence and ensure everything is safe before any serious problems down the road.