Gas lines typically last at least 50 years, but their actual lifespan depends on many variables such as the pipe’s material, its maintenance, and environmental factors. Whether you’ve owned the home for decades or have bought an older house, it is important to know whether or not your aging gas lines are still functioning at their optimal state. This not only ensures that your resources are maximized, but you can also sleep better at night knowing your property and family are safe.
You can do this by learning the signs of damaged gas lines and adding gas inspections to your regular home maintenance checklist.
Warning Signs of Damaged Gas Lines
As with most things, pipes tend to deteriorate with time. Aging gas lines are more susceptible to cracks, leaks, and in extreme cases, bursting. By learning the early warning signs of damaged gas lines, you can quickly assess the situation and call in professional gas providers to repair or replace it.
Rotten Egg Smell
Gas is naturally odorless, which is why an unfavorable scent called mercaptan is added so that, if there is a gas leak, it can be detectable by smell.
Hissing Sounds
Hissing sounds near your pipes or appliances often indicate larger gas leaks. It is advised to shut off the gas and leave all doors and windows open to let the gas out while you call professionals to remedy the situation.
Bubbling Puddles In The Garden
Air bubbles forming in standing water located outside your home are a sign of gas leaking through the underground pipes and up the soil.
Dead or Decaying Plants
Another sign of a gas leak outside your home is dead or decaying plants. Since natural gas limits how oxygen is absorbed, plants eventually wilt and die due to gas exposure.
Symptoms of Gas Poisoning
When one is exposed to natural gas for long periods, they may start to feel symptoms of gas poisoning such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and in some cases, suffocation. It is important to seek fresh, outside air if a gas leak is suspected and someone experiences any of these symptoms.
Malfunctioning Appliances
Gas-powered appliances that start to malfunction, frequently experience low gas pressure, or fail to turn on at all may be a sign of damaged lines, especially if multiple appliances start to perform poorly within the same period.
Spike In Utility Bills
If the gas leak is small and the signs are not physically evident, you may see it in your utility bills. A spike in your amount due without an increase in usage is something to look into.
How To Stay Safe Knowing You Have Aging Gas Lines
Preparation and prevention are key to keeping your loved ones and property safe. To limit the risk of issues with your gas line, practice these 3 habits:
- Learn how to detect a gas leak
- Call for an inspection if you observe signs of a gas leak instead of relying on DIY methods.
You’re All Set!
Knowing what to observe and the tell-tale signs to look out for is one of the most important steps to keeping your home and loved ones safe with aging gas lines. In case of any cracks or leaks in a system that’s been around for close to 50 years, it is always best to have the pipes replaced instead. Our team of experts at The Gas Connection can help inspect your aging gas lines, walk you through our recommended solutions, and implement strategies for a safer home.