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Gas Leak Repair | Houston and Surrounding Areas
A gas leak repair can restore safety and security for your family or business. When natural gas is properly utilized it is both safe and clean. It allows us to enjoy things like hot water, cooking, warmth, etc. Without it, life just wouldn’t be as enjoyable. However, when a gas leak develops, this useful commodity can become a danger for anyone in the building. How you handle the situation when a gas leak develops can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a catastrophic event.
Signs of a Gas Leak
The first sign that you have a gas leak is the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs. This is due to a required odorant in natural gas called mercaptan. Without it, natural gas is odorless, making it nearly impossible to detect. If you notice this distinct smell, there are a few other indications that can help solidify your suspicion. Although these don’t occur with all gas leaks, they do sometimes appear. There may be a hissing/whistling sound near the gas appliance or gas line or dead or discolored grass near the leak if it is located outside. It is especially important to get your gas line checked for leaks if you notice exposed piping after a natural disaster.
Gas Leak | Steps to Take
When someone smells or suspects a gas leak, safety needs to be the first priority. Whether in a residential home or a commercial business building, your actions will be similar.
- Open windows and do not use light switches, electrical appliances, any type of phone, or garage doors.
- Get everyone out of the building and far away before using your phone to call for help.
- For help, call either 911 or your Local Utility Company. If your utility company is not responding, call the fire department.
- The response to this call will most likely result in either your utility company or the fire department coming to turn your gas off at the meter.
- They will let you know when it is safe to return to your home but will only allow the gas to be turned back on once all leaks are repaired.
Getting Your Gas Line Repaired and Turned Back On
A gas leak repair is not a simple and straightforward process if you’re unfamiliar with the procedure. If your gas line was “yellow tagged” they may not have turned the gas off, but they told you to have it repaired as soon as possible. However, if they did turn your gas off, your utility company will allow a licensed gas line repair company to make the necessary fixes. The gas line company will then complete the necessary repair, test it, turn your gas line back on, and verify that all the gas appliances are working properly.
On the other hand, being “red-tagged” means that your gas was turned off and your meter booted. If this is the case, only your utility company can unlock your meter after a permit is obtained. Once the gas line is repaired, it will be put on test, and your jurisdiction will make a proper inspection.
If the gas line passes inspection, your gas line will be turned on and officially safe to use again. This process can take up to three to five days. Three to five days can feel like an eternity if you don’t have hot water, heat, cooking appliances, etc. This waiting can be avoided if you hire a specialist that has experience and knows how to speed up the process with an emergency permit and inspection.
How Gas Lines Become Damaged
There are a few reasons gas lines can spur a leak.
- Both time and usage can corrode gas lines making them more susceptible to cracks and breaks.
- Environmental factors can also cause pipes to rust or become damaged.
- Faulty, misused, or improperly installed gas lines or appliances can start to leak as well. It is important to have your gas lines and appliances professionally installed and exercise extreme caution when moving an appliance to prevent altering the gas piping.
