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Natural gas is an excellent alternative for heating your home. It can keep you efficiently warm in the winter and gas stoves give you better options for cooking.
Gas line repair is actually an important feature of full-service plumbing, but only by those who are professionally trained and certified for the work. However, if you are planning a major renovation, replacing your water heater, or upgrading from a traditional tank water heater to a tankless one, then having a plumber who is capable of gas line repair can save you time and money, making the installation easier.
At Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains of Minneapolis, MN, our team of highly trained and experienced technicians can help you with any job, big or small.
What Do Plumbing and Natural Gas Line Repair Have in Common?
Plumbers are trained to fix pipes of all different materials, including copper, PVC plastic, and galvanized steel. Gas line pipes are made from the same materials as water and sewer lines, which means that a plumber can easily train for gas line repair. Plus, these individuals are familiar with the different characteristics of each pipe and how-to best repair and replace them.
The most common type of natural gas pipe is copper, lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Old and defective gas lines can leak or burst, which can harm both homeowners and their homes. Plumbers may be able to inspect both types of pipes and conduct gas line repairs while fixing plumbing.
However, not every plumber can perform gas line repair. Make sure that yours is licensed for your area and bonded.
Signs You Need Gas Line Repair
A burst gas line is definitely a sign! There are other indications that you need a fix. Here are some things to be aware of before a small problem turns into an emergency:
Bad Smell
Natural gas is actually tasteless and odorless. However, gas companies infuse natural gas with a sulfur compound to protect homeowners and indicate that there is a gas leak. If you notice a smell like rotten eggs, this means that your gas line is leaking, and you need to schedule a repair-certified plumber to come to inspect and fix it right away.
High Gas Bill
Most homeowners have a general idea of their average gas use each month, noting fluctuations between winter and summer. However, if you notice that your gas bill is unusually high and you haven’t changed your normal gas usage, this can indicate a leak in the pipes. You’re charged for all-natural gas entering your home even if you aren’t using it in your heater or appliances.
Damaged Appliances
Many of your appliances use natural gas, from the oven and stove to your water heater. If you notice signs of corrosion on the applicants themselves or the gas lines leading to them, this indicates a gas leak somewhere in your system.
Hissing Noises
Regularly, walk through your home and listen to your gas-powered appliances. If you notice a hissing noise, similar to the one that your stove makes when you ignite it, this indicates a gas leak. There’s no way to tell how serious the leak is without an inspection, but leaks require immediate service.
Dead Grass
Gas lines are buried underground on your property. If you notice a strip of dead grass while the rest of your yard is otherwise healthy, this indicates an underground gas leak. Professional plumbers licensed in gas line repair can safely fix this issue.
Non-functional Pilot Lights
Pilot lights ignite the gas for your applicants and heater. If your pilot light goes out and you’re unable to relight it, then you’ll need a service call.
Health Effects
Breathing in natural gas can cause harm or even death for people and pets. If you feel unusually tired, lightheaded, and dizzy, this can indicate a gas leak in your home. Other symptoms you may feel from a gas leak include nausea for both you and your pets and headaches. If this occurs, open all windows and doors, leave the premises, and call for emergency repair.
What to Expect from Gas Line Repair
Your professional technicians at Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains are trained to carefully inspect, diagnose, and repair all gas line problems. Here is what you can expect from our service techs:
Inspection with Professional Tools
We use the best equipment to diagnose any gas leaks and determine their source. This starts with your appliances and we move along your home’s gas pipes to the city main.
Turn Off the Gas
Before we start a repair, we turn off the gas, checking it twice. We also recommend that pets and children be removed before we start work, for your safety.
Checking the Pipes
Licensed plumbers trained for gas line repair can quickly and efficiently repair or replace any worn or danged pipes and seal the seams to prevent future leaks.
Appliance Inspection
If there is damage to the appliance itself, we may recommend that you replace it. Plumbers may not be able to fix a damaged stove or oven, but if the damage to your water heater or home’s heating system is minimal, we may be able to repair it safely.
Transparent Analysis
Your Paul Bunyan tech will go over everything that their inspection turns up, explaining the damage and the solutions. They’ll also make safety recommendations, without cutting corners, to ensure that the repairs they undertake will protect your home and family. Finally, we go over every line for your personalized quote so that there are no hidden fees or surprises.
Schedule Gas Line Repair Today!
Minneapolis, MN-based Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains is here for both simple repair and emergency serves, 24 hours a day. Give us a call or visit us online for preventative maintenance, routine repairs, and emergency services. We can’t wait to work with you!
