Platforms like YouTube have helped make it possible for many household repair jobs to be done DIY, saving some money and time and also giving people a feeling of satisfaction for having fixed something by themselves. This is all very well and good for when you need to fix a dripping tap in the kitchen or when your toilet won’t flush, but when it comes to gas plumbing, it’s a huge no-no. It’s at these times you need to find a professional gasfitter in Melbourne, or wherever you are.
What are the signs that your gas plumbing is even experiencing problems? Below are some helpful tips for spotting signs that you need gas plumbing repairs.
1. You Spot Rust on Your Gas Lines
Gas lines are quite easy to spot in your home because unlike many of the plastic water pipes you might see under your kitchen sink, for example, gas pipes are made of metal. These pipes need to be sturdier and less prone to cracks and breaks, which is why metal is still the preferred material.
As you likely know, however, metal pipes are not impervious to harm. One particular trouble with anything metal is rust. If you notice rust on your gas pipes, it’s time to find a gas plumbing specialist to come and take a look. Rust means that the metal’s structural integrity is compromised and it therefore is now susceptible to cracks that lead to gas leaks.
2. Your Gas Pipes are Cracked
The rust we mentioned above might have already cracked your gas lines. Cracks are not always huge and noticeable, but might be as thin as a strand of hair. This makes them harder to spot, and they don’t have to be rusted for cracks to appear. It could be something that impacted the pipes that weakened them, or if they were subject to cold winter conditions they could have been weakened.
A crack of any size means that gas could be leaking from the line. At that point, it’s best to turn off the gas by closing the valve and then calling a gas plumber.
3. Hissing Sounds
One of the more alarming sounds that can come from your gas lines is a hissing, which is gas escaping from the line. If you encounter hissing sounds, close the gas line valve and listen to make sure that the hissing has stopped. If gas has been leaking for any amount of time, you’ll also have to be sure that no naked flames or sparks are ignited until a gas line repair specialist has inspected the line and ensured that all gas is out of the air.
You can help this along by opening up any windows, doors and vents to allow gas to escape.
4. You Smell Gas
Gas is an odorless material as it occurs in nature. That presents some safety risks when we think about using it in our homes and we know that gas leaks are so dangerous. That’s why gas suppliers add sulfur to gas to make it smell very distinctive. Most people say that the smell reminds them of rotten eggs. If you smell gas in your kitchen or anywhere else, then shut off the supply by closing the valve, and then also making sure you’ve shut off any gas appliances.
The stronger and more widespread the smell, the more serious the leak. As with hissing from the pipes, keep your family members away from the gas odour, and then be sure no one can create a spark or open flame in the area, which includes the use of any electrical equipment. Leave your home and call the plumber from outside to come and check out the gas line.
