You may use natural gas to heat your home, cook your meals, and enjoy hot baths and showers. However, this utility requires you to remain vigilant to keep your family safe. Most of the time, everything works fine without any hiccups. But as time goes on, problems can occur, especially since the pipes and their connections age and are subjected to wear. Learn the common ways these systems fail so you can keep your household running smoothly and safely.
The Silent Threat of Pipe Corrosion
If your home was built several decades ago, it probably uses steel pipes that are susceptible to rust. Moisture in the air can cause the metal to weaken until tiny pinholes begin to form that allow gas to seep slowly into your living space. Since the gas displaces the oxygen that plants need to survive, a patch of dead grass is often the first physical clue that your supply lines are in trouble.
Worn-Out Seals and Loose Fittings
Appliances connect to the main gas supply using flexible hoses and threaded fittings. These joints rely on special gaskets or pipe dope to create an airtight seal. Over time, the vibrations from a heavy washing machine or the heat from a furnace can cause these connections to jiggle loose just enough to let gas escape. If you smell something that reminds you of rotten eggs, you are actually smelling a chemical called mercaptan. Because natural gas has no odor, utility companies add this chemical agent to help you know when leaks occur so that you can act quickly and ensure your family’s safety. While you can spray soapy water on a suspicious joint and watch for bubbles to see if there is a leak, it is always better to have a technician come and inspect the lines.
The Hidden Danger of Cracked Flex Lines
Flexible gas lines can bend. However, they are not meant to be shoved, kinked, or twisted repeatedly. If you push one of your gas-powered appliances too close to the wall, you are at risk of causing a hairline fracture in the line that will leak whenever the appliance is in operation. Older brass connectors are especially prone to a problem called stress corrosion cracking. This can cause the fitting to snap without warning. If you move an appliance to clean behind it, you must be extremely careful not to pull on these lines or bend them into sharp angles.
As soon as you notice any signs of trouble, do not delay in getting help. Serious dangers can occur, including fires, explosions, and oxygen displacement in enclosed spaces. To protect your Denver, CO home and keep your family safe, call Absolute Electrical Heating & Air for professional gas line replacement and repair.