Hire An Expert Plumber For Natural Gas Projects | New Orleans, LA
It’s common to think that plumbers only deal with water and sewer pipes, but many are qualified to repair and install natural gas lines as well. In most states, a plumbing technician should have proper licensing and insurance as required by state and local laws. When hiring a plumbing technician for natural gas projects in New Orleans, LA, ask for proof of these qualifications.
Much of the nation’s infrastructure is badly in need of updating. If you feel your New Orleans, LA, home lines need replacement or you experience a gas problem, bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans provides convenient same-day service to help put your mind to rest. Our professionally trained, licensed, and insured plumbers specialize in repairing gas leaks, replacing faulty plumbing gas lines, installing gas lines for new appliances, and much more.
Homeowners Bear Gas Line Responsibility
Owning a home carries many responsibilities; among these is the care and maintenance of natural gas lines, which many people are unaware of. Natural gas lines are covered by federal guidelines and regulations, and it’s recommended that periodic inspections of lines from the meter to the home be conducted, even when underground. Digging can be dangerous and is best left to experienced plumbers with the expertise to perform the service safely and determine whether the piping needs repair or replacement.
One thing a plumbing company can do to eliminate your maintenance worries in the future is to relocate the meter closer to your home if you have buried gas lines. After installing the new configuration and the gas utility approves the change, the utility will be responsible for maintaining the lines. However, if you have buried lines, you’re fully responsible for the following obligations:
- Inspecting the lines periodically for leaks
- Checking the pipes for corrosion if they’re made of metal
- Making any necessary repairs or upgrades as needed
A professional plumber will take care of these responsibilities for you and perform any necessary repairs. It’s essential to remain vigilant when you use natural gas, and if you ever feel there is a problem or leak, you should immediately turn off the gas to your home at the cutoff valve located on the meter. Turn the valve counter to the pipe to shut off the gas. Keep the area around the meter clear of obstructions to facilitate quick access to the valve. A wrench should be kept handy to fit the valve, and you should consider painting the valve white or a fluorescent color to make finding it in an emergency very easy for anyone.
If the procedure has been performed correctly, all pilot lights should go off in the house. When your gas is restored, it’s essential to re-light all pilot lights, or dangerous levels of gas could build up in your home. Many pilots are temperamental or tricky to light. This task is best left to a licensed plumbing company to ensure your safety. If you cannot locate the cutoff valve, they’ll send one of their expert plumbers to do the job for you.
Identifying Leaks or Hazards
There are several ways to determine if you have a gas leak on your property. First, check for rotten-egg smells that are not food-related in your home. If your appliances and gas heat are not performing up to their usual standards, the lines may have a problem.
If buried gas lines are not properly maintained, they may be subject to corrosion and leakage that could have lethal implications. There are some symptoms you can look for that may indicate your underground lines are leaking. These include the following:
- You smell the distinct rotten-egg odor of natural gas in the area.
- Dead vegetation anywhere near the buried line may indicate a leak.
- If your gas meter moves significantly when all appliances have been turned off, then there is a leak somewhere that needs to be addressed.
- After you water your lawn or a good rain, if you see bubbles in the area over the buried line, there is a problem.
- Hissing noise coming from the ground
All of these are indications you have a gas leak and should call a licensed plumber to protect yourself and your home from the hazards of a gas leak.
Symptoms of Being Exposed to Gas Leaks
A gas leak can be potentially deadly if not addressed right away. The following are symptoms that may indicate you or your family is being exposed to gas:
- A dull headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Impaired thinking
- Feeling nausea
- Loss of consciousness
What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you smell natural gas or suspect an underground leak, open all doors and windows to ventilate the area and immediately call 911. Do not attempt to investigate further. You may even consider evacuating your family and pets from home, but someone must be available to direct any emergency or contracting personnel who investigate the problem.
If your lines are faulty, a plumbing company can immediately address the situation. They’ll send a plumber to shut off your gas and perform the necessary inspections to determine what repairs are immediately required. They’ll also assess whether your system could benefit from a complete replacement of gas piping or by relocating the meter closer to your home, so you’ll no longer be required to maintain buried lines.
Get Professional Assistance
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and contact a professional plumbing company to check for potential gas leaks to help ensure your family’s safety. bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans has a team of highly trained plumbers who can provide prompt, courteous assistance to individuals and families in New Orleans, LA, and the nearby areas.
Don’t hesitate to call us at 504-229-4848 if you have any questions or concerns about your home’s natural gas lines. We’d be happy to send one of our expert plumbers to do the job for you.
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