Gas Safety | Gas Line Repair Fort Worth

Natural gas provides a clean, efficient fuel source in many American homes for heating, hot water production and cooking. While natural gas lines and appliances are relatively safe when professionally installed and maintained, it is important to understand the potential hazards that can occur with gas lines and gas appliances. For gas line repair in Fort Worth, or installation, contact a gas certified Benjamin Franklin plumber.

Carbon Monoxide

Faulty furnaces, hot water heaters and other gas-fueled appliances can develop rust scale and holes in the combustion chamber causing the dangerous risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and/or explosion to occupants. When damage or blockage occurs in ventilation flues, the dangerous gas can’t be exhausted, allowing potentially fatal levels to accumulate in your home.

Annual maintenance of the gas hot water heater by a gas certified licensed plumber will ensure efficient operation, an open and functional flue, and the safe operation of its gas burner. In addition, the plumber will inspect the condition of gas fittings. If issues are detected, the annual maintenance provides the opportunity for repair of the water heater, and gas line repair in Fort Worth if required.

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to those of the flu without a fever and include confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing, headache and nausea to name a few. If a family member experiences these symptoms evacuate all family members from the house immediately and call 911, the fire department, or emergency medical services. The headache you always develop after coming home may be a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning, have the gas furnace and other gas fueled appliances inspected.

The following natural gas safety tips can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and/or of a natural gas explosion:

• Use only gas certified, licensed professionals to install gas lines. All of our plumbers are gas certified and qualified for gas line installation and gas line repair in Fort Worth.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and at least one on each floor.

Natural gas leaks rarely occur, though when a leak does develop, it can become dangerous quickly. Natural gas is colorless and odorless in its natural state. Odors are added to help identify gas when a leak occurs. Unfortunately, a few persons are unable to detect the odor.

If you detect the odor of rotten eggs or sulfur, evacuate the house immediately, call 911 and contact the gas utility company from a neighbor’s phone. If the odor of gas is outside of the home move a safe distance away. Don’t use a phone in your home, or turn off lights or appliances if a gas leak is suspected, evacuate the home immediately.

Minute gas leaks are also dangerous, don’t take the risk. When a gas leak is suspected, call a Benjamin Franklin plumber for gas line repair in Fort Worth.

Gas leaks may occur outside of the home in gas lines or meters. The rotten egg/sulfur odor can be a sign of a leak. Watch for unseasonable dying of plants or grass near the gas line or gas meter. Escaping gas may blow soil, leaves or grass into the air.

• Have a professional periodically provide an inspection of the vents, flues, and chimneys of all gas water heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces to ensure proper ventilation of exhaust gases.
• Don’t use a gas oven for heating the home. This can result in damage to the oven and cause carbon monoxide to be released into the home, always use the exhaust vent hood fan when a gas stove is in use. It is the only ventilation provided for a gas stove to remove carbon monoxide from the home.
• Do not sleep in a room heated by a gas, camp fuel or kerosene space heater that lacks proper ventilation. Remember, all fossil fuels produce carbon monoxide gases. This includes camp style heaters and cook stoves.

Homeowners should call their local gas utility provider and request gas lines be marked before digging or excavation begins.

If you note the “rotten egg” odor:

• Do not use a cell phone until safely away from your home, and the odor of gas.
• In a gas filled home don’t take the time to shut appliances or the gas off. Evacuate the home and call 911 a safe distance away from the home and the odor of gas.
• Do not attempt to locate the leak, leave it and gas line repair in Fort Worth to the professionals.
• Do not turn electrical appliances on or off, including lights.
• Do not smoke or use open flames.
• If a natural gas line is damaged when digging outside, don’t attempt gas line repair in Fort Worth yourself, call the gas utility immediately.

For natural gas line installation or gas line repair in Fort Worth call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s gas line professionals. Our professionals provide installation and gas line repair in Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas regions. When you require gas or plumbing services, our plumbers will provide exemplary service for all of your plumbing and gas line needs.