COMMON GAS LINE QUESTIONS

Here are some common questions we receive about gas plumbing in our customers’ homes and businesses:

How do I know if I have a gas leak?

The most notable sign of a gas leak, besides a high utility bill, is a rotten egg or sulfur-like smell in the air. If you have a gas range, furnace or water heater, the blue flame may burn yellow when there is an overabundance of gas. You may also hear a hissing sound near your gas appliances, which can signify a leak. All these signs should be taken very seriously, as they can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if left untreated by a professional. If you do notice these signs in your residence or business, it’s imperative that you call a licensed plumbing expert. In the meantime, shut off any electrical appliances and the gas supply line to avoid a potential explosion. If you are unable to shut your gas supply line off, you must notify your fire department and evacuate your home or business immediately.

What appliances are connected to gas lines?

There are several home and business appliances that can be powered by gas: ovens, stovetop ranges, clothes dryers, furnaces, water heaters and pool heaters are most common. For safety’s sake, it’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector installed. You should also schedule a service call with your plumber for your gas appliances once a year to make sure they are still in good working order and that there aren’t any potential safety issues. The connection from the appliance to the gas line is oftentimes the most common spot for a leak. To diagnose exactly where the leak is coming from a licensed professional would have to perform pressure tests in small sections using a diaphragm gauge and a soap bottle. Gas plumbing is not only perilous, but it is also explosive. Make an appointment with Reliant Plumbing today to make sure your home or business’s gas plumbing system is in good working order.

Can I get a gas appliance if my home has never had gas before?

Yes, this is possible. If you desire to switch over to gas appliances, give Reliant a call and make an appointment for an exact estimate today. There are no ballparks when talking about gas plumbing estimates since gas is a liability which requires insurance and many factors go into constructing an accurate quote. If there is already a gas line near your home or already on your property, this may help reduce the cost. The overall cost is determined by the amount of total footage, total BTUs, total fixtures and the level of difficulty to get to each fixture. The type of material also plays into the cost since gas plumbing pipes can be made out of metal or plastic. To be precise, please give Reliant a call and we can send a highly trusted licensed professional to examine and determine the accurate cost for an expert installation.

Can I install my own gas appliances?

Due to the potentially hazardous nature of gas appliances, installations should not be attempted by individuals. Depending on your city, certain safety codes must be met before this type of work can be performed, and with anything, there is a chance for error. In some cities, it is illegal to install anything that runs on gas if you’re not a licensed professional. More than that, it’s definitely not worth the risk of injury or an explosion. When switching over to gas, most appliance installs require the help of a plumber and possibly even an electrician to make sure that both the gas and electric lines are safe and the circuitry is installed correctly. Gas plumbing is a liability nightmare. Give Reliant a call and rest easy knowing you’re hiring an insured company who sends out highly trained licensed professionals.

If you have more questions about gas appliances, how they work, or switching over to gas, please give Reliant a call today.