Fire accidents resulting from natural gas leaks aren’t as rare as you think. In fact, the US municipal fire departments respond to more than 51,600 fire accidents every year that start with natural gas leaks in homes. In 2009 alone, 65 people lost their lives due to natural gas fires.
However, the good news is that you can address gas leaks before they endanger your life. There are several tell-tale signs of gas leaks and if you perform gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX, in time, you can protect your life as well as your property.
Many people lose their lives or their houses are damaged due to natural gas leaks. It’s important to understand the signs of gas leaks so that you can address the problem before it gets out of hands. Here are a few tips to help you out:
1. Unexpectedly High Utility Bills
An average family pays $15 per month in gas bills. However, if you have gas-powered heaters or other equipment, then your bill may reach $50-$100 a month.
During winters, gas bills are likely to rise if you use gas-powered water heaters. However, if you notice a sudden rise in gas bills without any known reasons, then it’s likely that there’s a gas leak in your home that is causing the wastage of this precious natural resource.
You should get in touch with professionals at the earliest for gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX. With the help of modern tools, they can effectively determine whether or not the gas line is in good condition and repair leaks before they lead to life-threatening accidents.
2. Your Home Smells of Rotten Eggs
The quality of indoor air affects your health. If you don’t address gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX, it’ll tamper with indoor air. This is the reason why it’s recommended to clean and repair the ductwork on a routine basis to improve the air quality and stay healthy.
Back in the day, a majority of fire accidents in homes occurred because the residents failed to detect gas leaks. Since it’s an odorless and tasteless gas, it usually goes undetected. In order to better manage the risks of natural gas leaks, suppliers now add a strong chemical that smells of rotten eggs.
Aside from addressing gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX, on a regular basis, you should also pay attention to the unpleasant smells. If you notice the distinctive smell of rotten eggs, you should get in touch with a plumbing service to determine whether the gas line needs repair work.
3. Health Effects
Not every house in the US is equipped with a gas line. However, if you use gas-powered equipment at home, you need to be cautious to reduce the risk of fire accidents or gas poisoning. Through routine maintenance and timely gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX, you can mitigate the risks.
The exposure to natural gas negatively affects your health. While the smell may sometimes go unnoticed, don’t neglect its health symptoms. The exposure to low levels of natural gas can cause minor headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and breathing problems. But a bigger gas leak may result in the following health issues:
- Loss of consciousness
- Death by suffocation
- Severe headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of coordination
- Memory issues
If you or your family members show the aforementioned symptoms, then you should call a plumber at the earliest for gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX. This way, you can improve the indoor air quality and protect your family from potential health risks.
4. Dying Plants in the Yard
If you notice dying plants in the yard, you may water them and relocate them to better meet their sunlight needs. However, these tactics can’t always help you, particularly when they are dying due to the exposure to natural gas.
Plants near the gas line may die or decay in case of natural gas leaks. So, keep an eye on the health of plants in your yard and perform gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX, if you notice something is wrong. Moreover, dying indoor plants can also indicate gas leaks in your house.
5. You Hear Strange Noises
If your gas pipes aren’t in good condition and are causing gas leaks, then they may produce strange sounds. If pipes aren’t properly joined, you may hear clanging sounds. However, if pipes are damaged and causing gas leaks, then it’s likely that they may produce hissing sounds.
So, it’s never a good idea to ignore such strange noises. You may need to replace the entire gas line or opt for minor gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX. In order to determine which option will work best for you, contact a professional plumber without unnecessary delays.
6. The Gas Lines Are Rusted
When it comes to gas lines in your home, you shouldn’t compromise on your safety. While it may seem a hassle to sign a contract with a plumber for gas line maintenance, it can save your life and protect your property from damages.
Rusted or corroded pipes lead to gas leaks and create safety risks. Regular maintenance ensures that gas lines are in good condition and the contractor will perform gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX or replace the gas line if they notice that pipes are rusted. This way, you can mitigate the risks of gas leaks.
The Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA, obliges industrial users as well as homeowners to replace corroded pipes for safety purpose.
To conclude, gas line leaks in homes significantly increase the risk of gas poisoning and fire accidents. If you notice the above-mentioned signs, get in touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fort Worth for gas line repair in Dalworthington, TX.