Gas Lines to Appliances

Natural Gas Safety Advice from Our Jacksonville Specialists

Although natural gas is relatively safe, improper usage can be especially dangerous. The two most important potential risks of using natural gas are gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. 1. Gas Leaks A gas line leak may be caused by three things: faulty appliances, improper gas line installation, or carelessness on the part of the homeowner. Old appliances tend to be at risk, but so are new ones if they were not installed correctly. Leaks may also be caused by transferring a gas-fueled appliance without turning off the line connection or forgetting to turn off a gas stove. Another leading cause is poor installation. If the lines are buried in concrete, movement of soil may cause breaks that cause leakage. Natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes could also result in breaks in the gas line. Gas leaks are very hazardous because they could result in an explosion. Note that natural gas can become highly volatile, and if it leaks and accumulates in an enclosed part of your home, it could explode in an instant. Aside from that obvious concern, it also causes potential health problems for the people inside. Here are warning signs of a gas leak that you must watch out for:

• rotten egg or sulfur odor
• exposed gas pipes following a typhoon or earthquake
• fire in the vicinity of the gas pipes or appliances
• dead or discolored vegetation near the pipeline
• whistling or hissing noise coming from the pipes or gas-fueled appliances

If you strongly suspect a leak, remember to leave the house immediately. Call 911 and your gas company, although their personnel will only shut off the supply and investigate the source of leakage. You should still contact your HVAC contractor to fix the pipe situation. 2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of burning fuel, which includes natural gas. Gas appliances are potential sources of CO if they are not adequately maintained. For instance, a broken furnace may not be burning gas properly, resulting in carbon monoxide build-up in your home. Exposure to this toxic gas causes symptoms like that of the flu: nausea, burning eyes, fatigue, headaches, and even unconsciousness. Be aware of the signs of CO presence in your home:

• flickering of pilot light of gas-fueled appliances
• rotten egg smell
• stale air
• accumulation of soot around the exhaust vent
• moisture build-up on the windows or walls

To keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning, always have your gas system and appliances inspected by a licensed technician ever year. As a safety measure, you can also install a CO detector. Just like a smoke detector, it can alarm you if the CO level inside your home is critical.

Need Gas Line Repair and Maintenance? Leave It to The Plumbers 911 Professionals

All gas lines must be properly maintained to avoid potential safety risks. Whatever issue you have with your gas system, don’t hesitate to consult it. If you’re seeking to repair an existing gas line or replace it, it’s always best to find a qualified person to do it for you. We have technicians specializing in gas line concerns, and your safety is always their priority.