According to the Energy Network, almost 70% of all Australian homes use either bottled gas or natural gas in their homes. This statistic is confirmed by Gas distribution networks which confirm that a least 5 million households are connected to natural gas lines.
Having a gas leak plumber add your home to the gas line adds a huge amount of convenience to your everyday life. Appliances such as stoves, grills, heaters, refrigerators, air conditioning and even clothes dryers can all be run more efficiently by using gas.
Understanding When Your Gas Lines Need Repair
There are many advantages to using gas in your home. Not only is it more cost-effective, but you can also look forward to lower fire risks, less smoke output and a potential increase in your property value. Despite these advantages, gas can be dangerous if not used correctly.
It’s with this in mind that our team of expert gas fitters want to highlight the importance of knowing when your gas lines are leaking or may be showing signs of needing replacement. Often referred to as gas pipe renewal, the process of replacing or repairing faulty gas pipes should ever only be done by an expert gas plumber. Here are the signs to look out for.
You Notice an Inadequate Gas Supply to Appliances
One of the reasons that gas is a popular option is the steady and hassle-free supply to all types of appliances. However, if you notice that your cooker or oven doesn’t seem to be firing up as quickly as before it’s usually a clear indicator that something is wrong.
Testing your other appliances will help you determine if the problem is with a specific appliance, the pipe leading to that appliance or a general issue on the line. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate, call your local gas plumber immediately. Keep in mind that 24-hour plumbers are also certified to deal with gas issues, so there’s no need to wait for office hours.
There’s a Strange Odour in Your Home
Other than a hissing sound, the most obvious sign of a faulty gas pipe is the sudden appearance of a foul odour in your home. This usually smells like rotten eggs or sulphur. The reason for this is that gas manufacturers add a chemical called Mercaptan to gas so that a fault can easily be detected.
Switch off all your gas appliances and open windows and doors to improve ventilation in your home. Experts recommend that areas where gas appliances are used should always be well-ventilated. If you can’t keep a small window open, it’s a good idea to install external ventilation in that space.
If the gas has been leaking into your home for several hours, occupants may already be feeling dizzy, nauseous, or even overly tired. You will need to get them out of the home and contact your plumber and the emergency services.
Utility Bills are Getting Unusually Higher
Not all gas leaks are huge, and they don’t always happen in your kitchen. A pipe in an area that you don’t use all the time (such as your outdoor entertainment area) could have a small leak. This means you may not see, hear, or smell the gas.
Tiny leaks may not even produce a sound or smell. You will, however, see signs of the leak on an inflated utility bill. If your bill seems higher than usual, it’s a good idea to request a gas inspection from your local plumber.
Always Call a Professional Gas Plumber
As we’ve already mentioned, gas repairs, no matter how small, should ever only be carried out by a professional gas plumber. There are a few good reasons for this:
- Current Australian Law dictates that all gas fitting, repairs, and replacements be done by a skilled, certified gas plumber. This is for safety and compliance.
- Gas plumbers have the necessary skills and tools to repair, replace, or install new lines and pipes. Depending on the specific circumstances, work can take anywhere from four to twenty-four hours to complete and test.
- You can invest in a preventative maintenance plan which ensures that your plumber will routinely check your gas fittings. Typical preventative gas maintenance plans include the following:
- Testing
- Servicing
- Repairs
- Replacements
- Alterations
- New installations (includes indoor and outdoor pipes and appliances)
- Professional plumbing services usually come with a warranty which ensures you don’t pay twice to get a job done properly and safely.
- Your local gas plumber is part of a 24-hour emergency service, giving you peace of mind that someone will assist you no matter what time you have an issue.
Final Thoughts
If you’re using gas in your home it’s essential to know the signs of a faulty pipe or line. Speak to your gas plumber for a maintenance plan as this will ensure that your gas lines, pipes, and appliances are routinely inspected. Faulty, older or damaged pipes can be repaired or replaced before they become a dangerous or life-threatening issue.
