Gas Leak in Little Elm Texas, Need a Little Elm Texas
Category: Gas
When the gas company shuts off your gas due to a gas leak in Little Elm Texas…
Gas lines are an important part of any residential home. However, there can also be dangers associated with those gas lines. It is important that when any gas work is performed, it must be done by a qualified licensed plumber- call Harvey West Plumbing at (972)509-0224. Your life depends on the work of that professional.
Gas piping is most often used for furnaces, water heaters, cook tops, ovens, and fireplaces. When you discover a gas leak Harvey West Plumbing can help to locate and solve the problem.
Gas Leak Testing – A gas leak test can be performed to determine if the gas system is leaking. We test your gas system by using a special pressure gauge on the gas riser at the meter, then pump air into the entire gas system. We watch the gauge for a period of approximately 15 minutes to verify that the gauge hand is not moving. Our licensed plumbers will test the entire gas system, which includes both the yard service and house service. In most new homes, we can also take the gas line apart at the house and pressure test the home only for gas leaks.
Gas Leak Detection – Harvey West Plumbing can detect gas leaks, using several different methods. We can isolate the leak to the house or yard in most cases by shutting the gas off to the house at the shut off valve. If a gas leak is determined to be in the yard service, we can check a few fittings with soap bubbles to check for escaping air, however if those fittings are not leaking, it will then be necessary to replace the entire yard service to repair the leak(s). If the leak is found to be in the house, we can again use soap bubbles to check for air leaks on the gas lines in the attic, under a pier and beam home, or at gas appliances. Once the leak is located inside the house we will be able to recommend the best options for repairs.
Gas Leak Repair – In the majority of cases, repairs will require that a city permit is issued. This is to ensure the safety of you and your neighbors. The city inspector and the gas company both will verify no leaks remain after repairs are made by your licensed plumbing contractor. Once the city permit has been issued, or if it is determined a permit is not necessary, we can begin the necessary procedures in repairing the gas leak. If a permit is required, many cities require that the entire gas system be brought up to current building code standards, if this is necessary, this will also be done during the repair stage. Once the repair(s) and possible code upgrades are completed, we will call in for an inspection with your city, and they will schedule a day (typically the next day) to come and inspect the work.
Below are some possible questions you may have about gas leaks, with answers to those questions, if your question is not listed here, please feel free to contact Harvey West Plumbing at (972)509-0224 for the answer to your questions or send us an email with our online request form.
What do I need to do if the gas company has come out and turned off my gas?
Answer: Once the gas company has turned the gas off to your home, the next step is to contact Harvey West Plumbing’s licensed plumbers. In a most situations, a pressure test will be performed on the gas service to determine if there are any leaks. Once the test is performed, leaks will be located and repaired, city code violations must be upgraded, and then your city will inspect the job. Once the city inspection and approval is given for the job, the city will release your gas system back to the gas company. The gas company must come back out to turn the gas back on.
What do I do if I smell gas?
Answer: Due to the potential danger of gas leaks, it is always our recommendation to call the gas company to have them come out and shut off the gas immediately. Once the gas is shut off, the gas company will then inform you that you will need to call a licensed plumber to have them test, locate and repair the leak(s).
What kind of pipe is used for gas systems?
Answer: In the old days all gas systems, both in the yard and in the house were typically black pipe. The problem with this pipe is exposure to water will cause deterioration over time, so any house that still has this type of pipe underground in the yard, will be replacing it in the near future. These days, a new rolled Poly pipe, which is a yellow plastic pipe, is used in the yard. Black Pipe is still the preferred gas pipe used in the home. However, sometimes a special stainless steel flexible pipe such as trac pipe is also used inside homes.
Are gas leaks dangerous?
Answer: Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous even if it is only a small leak. If allowed to continue to leak for a long enough period of time, it can cause gas to build up in an area, and one small spark can cause a serious explosion. Gas leaks have caused many house explosions. A gas leak in Garland Texas in 2000 caused a house explosion, a gas leak in Richardson Texas caused an explosion in 2001, a gas leak in Wylie Texas in 2006 caused a house explosion, and a gas leak in McKinney Texas caused three house explosions in 2008 as well as many others. All of these were due to gas leaks. Gas leaks are nothing to play around with and should be taken care of with urgency.
Can I or should I try to fix a gas leak myself?
Answer: Most cities will not issue permits to a homeowner when a gas leak is involved. They will only issue to a licensed and registered plumbing contractor such as Harvey West Plumbing. It is a major safety and liability issue for yourself and others in your neighborhood to only have a licensed plumber work on your gas system. If you have any other questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact our office, and we will be more than happy to help you.
Call Harvey West Plumbing at (972)509-0224 or visit our website at www.westplumbing.net
We service the following areas in the North Dallas TX areas: Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Fairview, Garland, Richardson, Lewisville, Carrollton, Coppell, The Colony, Little Elm, Farmers Branch, Addison, Sachse, Wylie, Murphy, Parker, Rowlett, Highland Park and University Park.
