In our daily lives, we rely heavily on the use of natural gas without giving it much of a thought. From cooking our meals to heating our homes and even cleaning — natural gas plays a role in a lot of the aspects of our daily routines. Despite this fact, it’s surprising how often people overlook the importance of conducting regular gas line inspections. Gas line inspections are not only necessary — they’re essential for making sure your home is a safe place to live.
Obviously, when dealing with any chemical reaction, it’s always advisable to be as cautious as you can. Unfortunately, a lot of people underestimate the potential dangers that are associated with natural gas. You may or may not know that gas leaks can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a silent killer. This is just one reason why it’s so important to have a plumber conduct a gas line inspection every once in a while. Let’s explore more reasons why you should consider hiring a gas line plumber in Delaware County, PA, to do just that below.
What is a Gas Line Inspection?
A gas line inspection basically involves a professional thoroughly examining the quality and condition of the gas-operated equipment and appliances within your home. This type of inspection is more important than most people realize. It’s definitely not something you should put off “for later.” Your gas line plumber will check your home’s gas lines (naturally), vents, chimneys, water heaters, ovens, boilers, and any other devices that use natural gas or liquid petroleum gas.
The main objective of a gas line inspection is to determine whether there are any potential issues (i.e. risks of leakage), and to make sure that the gas system in your home is working properly. During a gas line inspection, the inspector will conduct a visual examination of all of the gas appliances in your home. He or she will examine the exterior components for any signs of damage or corrosion. They will then assess the safety devices that are already present on your appliances (i.e. any pressure relief valves or flame failure devices) — just to make sure everything is functioning correctly.
An essential part of a gas line inspection involves carefully measuring the pressure and flow of gas within the gas lines. This allows the gas line plumber to identify any abnormalities or potential gas pipe leaks within the gas distribution system. Using advanced techniques like gas detectors or soap bubble tests, the inspector will meticulously examine your home’s entire system to pinpoint even the tiniest of leaks. Having a gas line plumber conduct this thorough examination is a great way to make sure that no potential gas leaks go unnoticed.
Why Should You Have a Plumber Conduct a Gas Line Inspection?
Natural gas is highly regarded for its efficiency and reputation as a safe energy source, which is probably why it’s become such a popular option for powering both homes and commercial workspaces. Chances are, you’re already benefiting from the advantages of using natural gas, but you shouldn’t take it for granted. Annual gas line inspections are incredibly important, and here’s why:
Safety
Your safety (as well as the safety of your loved ones) comes first. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 400 people in the United States lose their lives every year because of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Around 50,000 people end up in the emergency room annually due to the same issue. This is why having a plumber conduct a gas line inspection every year (or even twice a year, if you want to be extra safe) is so crucial. It could, quite literally, be the difference between life and death.
Experience
Did you know that gas lines commonly share pipes with water and sewage systems? This is why you need a competent plumber to conduct your annual gas line inspection. Neglecting proper installation or using deteriorating pipes can result in slow gas leaks, which presents a major safety hazard. Again, the safety of your loved ones (and yourself) should be your priority, so don’t fool around when it comes to your annual gas line inspection. We’d recommend hiring a professional if you want the inspection to go smoothly!
Building Codes
In certain areas, there are specific codes or regulations in place that mandate gas line installation and repairs to be carried out exclusively by licensed professionals. Even if such licensing requirements are not enforced in your jurisdiction, you should absolutely prioritize hiring a licensed gas plumber. By choosing to hire a licensed professional, you’re basically being proactive about protecting yourself and your property from potential hazards that could come up as a result of improper gas line work.
It Could Save You Money
A typical plumbing inspection could cost around $600, so it’s no surprise that people tend to put these types of inspections off for longer than they should. However, a plumbing or gas line inspection is actually a very worthwhile investment. Remember, a skilled plumber has the expertise to detect and resolve issues like gas leaks at an early stage, which means expensive disasters will be less likely to happen in the future. Just trust us on this one — it’s much better to spend $600 now than to have to spend $6,000 later due to a problem that was perfectly avoidable in the first place.
It Will Give You Peace of Mind
There could be plenty of reasons why you’re thinking about getting a gas line inspection. Maybe you’ve been hearing a mysterious dripping noise and you’re not sure where it’s coming from, or you’ve been smelling something like rotten eggs wafting about your home. No matter what your reasons are, you definitely can’t go wrong with having a gas line plumber conduct a gas line inspection. Reach out to Legendess Plumbing today to schedule a consultation. Our team of professionals will be happy to answer any questions you might have.