Gas Leak Repair

A1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters plumbers are trained qualified licensed professionals for all gas leak detection and repairs in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Yorktown, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Tabb, Grafton, Smithfield, James City County, Richmond, and Northeastern North Carolina.  We can locate and repair gas leaks, providing correct gas line repairs to make certain all gas lines are leak free and in top condition.

Most people don’t think to call a plumber when they have issues with their gas lines, to know that calling A-1 Sewer & Drain is more than just a plumbing service! Our experienced and licensed technicians deal with gas lines all the time when installing common appliances that utilize your natural gas, connections, such as gas logs, dryers, and water heaters.

If you smell gas and have checked the valves in your home, it’s important to exit the building and call a professional technician for an emergency visit. If you are experiencing a lower than normal hot water supply, or notice that your dryer’s drying cycle isn’t as effective as it used to be, it may have something to do with the installation of those appliances to your gas lines. A-1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters can properly install all of your kitchen and bathroom fixtures to ensure there is no leakage or waste of resources.

If you’re installing a new water heater, especially a tankless water heater, it’s very important to make sure the gas lines are installed correctly. An inadequate gas connection causes any appliance to run much less efficiently than advertised. To get the most out of your water heater or other kitchen and bathroom fixtures, call A-1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters to ensure professional installations.

Gas Leak Detection and Repair

Gas leaks are serious business. If you suspect that a problem exists with your gas lines, call in your local experts to investigate. Whether you need a gas line repair or replacement, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. A gas leak is dangerous. Detection is important if you want to keep your family and home safe from harm. Keep reading to learn more about the signs indicating a problem and the steps you should take when a gas line is leaking.

Signs That a Gas Leak Exists

Did you know that natural gas has no odor? It is also invisible. Here are the signs that you may have a gas leak:

•   Bad Odor – Some of today’s gas companies add mercaptan to natural gas. Mercaptan is a chemical that causes natural gas to smell like rotten eggs. Your home can have a gas leak even if you don’t notice a foul odor.
•   Hissing sounds – When a gas leak exists, you may hear a hissing sound whenever you standing near one of your appliances or water heater.
•   Dead vegetation – Part of your gas line runs underground. When a leak exists, the gas can damage the grass and other vegetation. If you notice dead or dying greenery, you may want to schedule an inspection of your gas lines.
•   Feeling nauseous – When you feel nauseous or lightheaded, your natural gas lines may be leaking. Get some fresh air. When you are feeling better, call a professional to take a look for you.
•   Dizziness and headaches – Depending on your sensitivity to natural gas, the duration of the gas leak, and the severity of it, you may experience headaches and dizziness. In most cases, both of these symptoms are going to be constant as long as you remain in the home.

Gas Leak Dangers

If you smell an unpleasant odor in your home and feel nauseous, a gas leak may exist. You need to go outside immediately and get some fresh air. It is possible to pass out if you are exposed to natural gas for a lengthy period. Even your pets are in danger if your gas lines are leaking.

A simple spark can ignite the gas in your home, causing a disastrous explosion. If you suspect a leak in your gas system, do not turn on any of your electronic devices. Wait until you are outside of your home to call and report the leak.

What You Should Do If You Find a Gas Leak

The dangers surrounding a gas leak are serious. Here are the steps you should take if you suspect that your gas line is leaking:

•   Open all of the windows
•   Open all of the doors
•   Do not use or touch lights, phones, electronics, or battery-operated devices
•   Do not use candles or matches, even if you are having difficulty finding your way out of your house
•   Do not turn on your car if it is near the house
•   Have everyone leave the house immediately
•   Stand away from the house to avoid breathing in any of the gas
•   Contact qualified professionals to handle the problem for you

Signs That Your Gas Line Needs Replacing

Even if you haven’t noticed any signs that you have a gas leak, it is still possible that your gas line needs replacing. Proactively evaluating the condition of your gas lines can help to prevent future problems. As your gas line ages, it undergoes changes that can quickly turn into an emergency if you aren’t careful.

Here are the signs that you need a gas line repair or replacement:

•   Corrosion – Corrosion can occur on the inside or outside of your gas line. You won’t be able to identify internal corrosion until it breaks through the pipe and creates a leak. External corrosion can also break the seal of the gas line if it isn’t repaired. Corrosion commonly occurs at connection joints or areas of the gas line that has been exposed to moisture.
•   Pilot light flickers or goes out – If the pilot light to your water heater does not remain on, you may leak. Moreover, the pilot light should be a bright yellow or orange color. A blue pilot light is a sign of trouble.
•   Newly exposed sections of pipe – It is normal for some of your gas line to be visible. Typically, parts of the line are exposed near connection points leading into your home. If you suddenly see a part of the gas line in a new location, don’t investigate it on your own. Call in a professional to check it out.
•   Aging pipes – Nothing lasts forever. Eventually, your gas pipes are going to show signs of aging. They may have small holes or cracks in them. Make a point to evaluate your gas pipes and connections at least once a year to determine whether or not they are beginning to show signs of excessive wear.  

Gas Leak Detection

Homeowners simply do not have the necessary equipment and training to properly identify and detect gas leaks. It takes more than simply noticing a foul odor or hearing a hissing sound to determine where the leak is. It’s important to arrange for a full inspection that can identify the origin of the leak and the extent of the problem.

A qualified technician has the tools and skills needed to conduct proper gas leak detection. He can also determine whether or not a repair or replacement is needed. A pressure gauge is one of the tools commonly used to determine the existence of a leak. Your technician temporarily attaches the pressure gauge to your gas system. It provides the information needed to check the whole system for a leak.

An experienced technician can explain all of your options clearly. Ask questions if you have them because you must understand the severity of the situation to assist you in making your decision.

Most importantly, you should hire someone who specializes in gas leak detection and repair. You want someone who knows to locate the leak, find out if more than one leak exists, and complete the repairs properly.

Gas Leak Repair

Permits are often required to complete gas leak repairs. A technician knows which permits are needed as well as how to obtain them. In some cities, special testing must also take place. For example, some local governments require tests to evaluate the gas pressure of your system.

Fortunately, you won’t need to worry about figuring out which permits, tests, and inspections are needed for your repair. Once you make your phone call, your local technician can handle all of the rest. You simply need to give the okay for all of the necessary repairs to remedy the gas leak.

Installation of New Gas Lines

When the damage to your gas lines is too severe for repairs, replacement of the pipes and fittings becomes necessary. Gas line replacement is often a more expensive option than repairs. However, it may be necessary to replace your pipes to create a safe environment for your home.

Don’t wait to get help if you think you need gas leak detection and repair. Call your local professionals for assistance. Having your gas line inspected is the fastest way to identify existing problems and possible solutions. Protect the safety of your family and home by tackling the issue quickly. If you suspect that your gas line is leaking, arrange to have your line fully inspected as quickly as possible.