Signs Your Gas Lines Need Attention
April 23, 2020
Gas leaks in your home cause many problems both with your family's health and your appliances. Sometimes gas leaks are not obvious. You might not realize you have a gas leak until it becomes really bad. Here are some early signs that your gas line has problems, causes of gas line problems, and what can be done about them.
What Are the First Signs of a Gas Line Problem?
Most people first notice a gas smell when they have a leak. However, some gas types, like natural gas, have very little odor. Therefore, you cannot rely on smell to give you a warning sign. Here are some other ways you can tell if you have a gas leak:
- Sick plants, pets, and family members: Plants are very sensitive to gas leaks and will often show signs of poor health or wilt before you notice any other signs. Some pets, especially birds, show signs of lethargy, when a gas leak happens. Even humans show signs with lethargy, dizziness, and stomach problems.
- Strange noises: Gas lines are under pressure. When they leak, you will hear a steady hiss. You can track these sounds to a gas line or appliance. If the gas leak is large enough, then you may see things move or flop around the leak point.
- Poorly working appliances: If your water is cold, your stove doesn't ignite, or the dryer doesn't put out hot air, then you likely have a gas leak in or around those appliances or their lines.
- High gas bills: Gas leaks allow gas to escape continuously into the atmosphere. This could cause your gas meter to read an uptick in usage. You will get an unexpectedly large bill. If this is the case with you, then the first thing you should check for is a leak.
- Carbon monoxide levels rise: If you have any gas lines in your home, then you should also have a carbon monoxide detector. Depending on what kind you have, you could receive an alert, or have an abnormal reading.
If you suspect you have a gas leak, even a small one, then be careful with any type of flame or spark. Don't start your car, turn on lights, or even use your phone near the leak or inside your home.
What Causes Gas Line Leaks?
Many different problems can cause a gas line leak. Here are some of their most common causes.
- Old pipes: Pipes break down and erode over time. This results in leaks and breaks that will let gas escape.
- Poor maintenance: If you fail to have your gas appliances and lines checked, then you could risk gas leaks. Heavy use result in prematurely worn parts and fittings, especially if the usage rate stays high.
- Problem appliances: Sometimes, appliances break down on their own either by poor design or overuse. This could affect the gas line and flow.
- Bad installation: Improper appliance installation leads to gas leaks, especially if the gas lines are not checked and modified. Newer appliances may require different types of connections and pipes than older ones.
- Bad or loose fittings: Fittings often go bad on their own either because of age or other damage. Make sure you only have your gas line worked on by a professional. That way, you can ensure that all the connections and fittings are done right and will go a long time without leaks.
Properly installed gas lines don't often cause problems. However, they are not indestructible. The best things you can do to prevent problems is to make sure your lines and appliances are in good repair. Have your appliances and gas lines inspected regularly.
If you see any signs of leaks, or your gas appliances need replacement, then contact Scotto's Plumbing Services. We perform gas line inspections and repair and can also check over your gas appliances.
Sometimes, plumbing problems are caused by things we can see- like a clogged drain or an overflowing tub. However, these aren't always the root of the problem. While these are easy to fix, there is another dangerous plumbing issue that you should be aware of: roots in pipes. It may sound strange, but it's not unusual for roots to find their way into plumbing systems and cause a major headache. Root infiltration into your sewer lines can cause serious problems if not treated quickly and efficiently. Roots growing in sewer pipes can clog drains, back up wastewater, and even completely destroy pipes. You should be aware of the signs of roots in your pipes so that you can take quick action before the problem gets worse. Why Do Tree Roots Grow Into Pipes Tree roots grow into pipes for several different reasons. One potential cause is they are seeking something they need to grow, such as water or nutrients. Another common cause of tree roots growing into pipes is because they are already there! Many older homes have been around for decades, and trees have had plenty of time to grow in them. Roots can easily find their way into a sewer line and cause damage. Tree roots can also get into your system if you recently moved near a mass of trees. Pipes last only about 30 years, so make sure to check for leaks every year. There are numerous colors, shapes and sizes of tree roots. Roots grow every day and can even cause major blockages once they grow large enough to occupy the entire inside diameter of the pipe. Speaking of growing: They can grow about an inch or more a day and can travel through the smallest spaces to get to water. Some roots even split once they get deep enough in search of more nutrients. Even though tree roots don't consume as much water as household items as toilets do, their constant intake is still enough to give you a headache or two. Tree roots suck up water through their pores to survive, much like we do. The difference is that tree roots need more water than humans do. While humans need at least one liter of water per day for survival, trees require anywhere from 10 - 100+ liters of water every day! Signs You Have Roots In Your Pipes There are several signs to look for in the case of roots growing into your pipes. The first sign of root intrusion is if your home has a slowly draining water system. The second sign of a root in your sewer pipes is gurgling sounds coming from your toilet. Another sign is finding patches of grass that are much greener than the surrounding grass. That green grass is likely benefiting from the extra water and nutrients from the intrusion. A sunken area in the yard can often be a sign of a root intrusion. As the roots create a hole in the pipe, the surrounding dirt is washed into the city sewer. While the hole may seem small, they can create mini sinkholes which can be quite dangerous. If you do find an issue with roots in your plumbing system, it's important to call a professional plumber immediately and have the problem taken care of before you end up with a large issue on your hands. Scotto's Plumbing can perform a camera inspection to confirm the presence of roots and remove them. Preventing Roots From Entering Pipes To prevent tree roots from entering your plumbing system again, you should make sure that the trees or plants near your home are not feeding off of your water. There are a few ways to do this: Install a rain gutter to collect rainwater from nearby trees and plants. This will keep them from absorbing any of the water. Create a barrier around your house with a layer of gravel at least 3 inches thick. Be sure that it extends at least 12 inches past the perimeter of your home. The best way to create a barrier is by using four layers; the first two layers should be made up of washed gravel (gravel stones that are clean on one side), while the last two layers should consist entirely of cobble (granite-like rocks). Roots from nearby trees and plants can grow into your plumbing system, which is why you need to keep a close eye on the roots that are coming in contact with or touching your pipes. If you notice any signs of an invasion (slow draining or toilet gurgling), it's time to call in professional help to get rid of them before they cause more serious damage than just some unpleasing odors! Scotto’s Plumbing has been providing quality plumbing service to Pinellas County residents for more than 40 years. Contact us today at 727.581.5828 for all of your plumbing needs.
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Welcome back to The Sunshine State. While you were away, your plumbing system sat dormant, which can cause major problems. Before you throw on your flip flops and hit our sandy beaches, or head out for a round of golf, spend a little time checking the following items: Shut off Valves: To ensure your shut off valves aren’t stuck or leaking, turn them on and off at the toilets, sinks, and washing machines. Run water for several minutes to ensure there are no drain issues or leaks in your showers, tubs, sinks and washing machine. Flush all toilets. Run hot water in sinks and showers. Check water heater tank for leaks Check exterior hose connections for leaks Check ice maker line to it’s connected correctly and not leaking Run garbage disposal Don’t forget to check other plumbing components, like a water softener, utility sink, or reverse osmosis/drinking water system at your kitchen sink. If you have any problems or concerns, give us a call at 727.581.5828.
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