5 Signs That You Need to Repair or Replace Your Gas Lines
What are the signs that you need to repair or replace your gas lines?
- Rust and cracks are beginning to form
- Inadequate supply to appliances
- Utility bills are getting higher
- Gas lines are producing strange odors
- Symptoms of gas poisoning are showing
If you inspect your gas lines daily, you can spot symptoms of wear and tear and prevent serious problems down the road. Unlike other supply lines, these pipes can be extremely dangerous when not repaired immediately. Not only is it a fire hazard but also a risk to your health as well. Other than that, it can also cause costly downtimes for your business. That’s why if you’re wondering about the signs you need to replace your gas lines, keep on reading!
Rust and Cracks Are Beginning to Form
If you have a very old home or establishment, chances are high that you have worn-out gas lines. Certain types of piping materials have a specific lifespan, which is why you need to replace them immediately. Otherwise, you might regret the costly repairs and problems later.
Over time, high gas pressures, environmental factors, and wear can increase the chances of damage to your gas lines. When the material gets pinched, these pipes can split and crack.
Other than that, moisture and oxygen can lead to corrosion in your pipe and fittings. While this can cause insignificant problems at the beginning, rust can develop and damage your gas lines completely over time. That’s why if you have very old pipes, it’s a good time to replace them soon.
Inadequate Supply to Appliances
Because you have damaged gas lines, you can also expect a compromised supply of fuel to your appliances. Other than malfunctioning, these devices can stop working altogether. If you’re running a business, this can cause unplanned downtimes.
If you notice a power failure in one appliance, this might be a sign that only the gas line to that device is affected. Otherwise, multiple failures can be a symptom of a widespread problem.
While repairs can temporarily fix the problem, they won’t last for a long time. For this reason, you might need to replace them completely with high-grade materials such as steel, black iron, and galvanized pipes. This way, you can prevent costly downtimes in the future.
Utility Bills Are Getting Higher
Speaking of costs, damaged gas lines can increase your utility bills. This is because the gas can leak from the cracked pipe walls and loose pipe fittings even if you have your valves shut off. That’s why even if you’re not actively using your gas, they end up getting wasted instead. In addition to the appliance malfunctions, these gas pipe problems can put a huge dent in your finances.
If you know your usual gas costs, your utility bills might give you an idea of gas pipe problems. Unless you overused some of your appliances for the month, you might be paying for leaking gas instead.
If you want to reduce your expenses, repairing or replacing your gas lines will be a cheaper alternative than higher utility bills monthly.
Gas Lines Are Producing Strange Odors
Another sign that you need to repair your gas lines is if you smell strange odors in your building. While natural gas has no obvious smell, some suppliers add a chemical called Mercaptan to make it easier for you to identify gas leaks. It smells just like sulfur or a rotten egg. In some cases, you will even hear a hissing sound from your pipes.
The first thing you should do when you smell these odors is to improve the air circulation inside your building. Make sure that the smell is not coming from the turned-on kitchen stove and oven. If the scent stays after you turn these off, you need to shut off the main valves and call for a professional for repairs.
But if the leak is very small, you might not detect any scent at all. For this reason, you need to have your gas pipes professionally inspected regularly. Certified plumbers will use a special pressure gauge to pump air into the pipe. If the gauge moves, there is a gas leak problem present.
Symptoms of Gas Poisoning Are Showing
If you see any symptoms of gas poisoning—such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, pale skin, blisters, eye, and throat irritation, it might be a sign of gas poisoning. These can also occur in your pets if there is a leak. Prolonged exposure to the gas can lead to unconsciousness and death.
Because this is a serious problem, you need to exit the premises and leave the door open for ventilation. Call your local fire department, gas company, and medical hotlines immediately.
If you experience these symptoms, it might be a sign that you have heavily damaged gas lines in your building. For a long-term solution, you need to replace them immediately. This way, you can prevent medical emergencies in the future.
Key Takeaway
If you had pipe repairs recently yet you experience these signs, you need to replace your gas lines immediately. Otherwise, you might be compromising the safety of your building inhabitants and increasing your expenses. To reduce these problems in the future, you need to choose first-rate materials for your piping.
If you need officially certified steel pipes for your gas lines, you can contact Supreme Pipe! We are the main provider of black iron and galvanized steel pipes in the Philippines.
