How to properly inspect your gas line

Gas lines are essential to provide fuel for a home’s heating and cooking needs, but they also bring inherent risks due to the volatile nature of their supply.

The most effective way to prevent potential hazards to the health and safety of your household is to properly maintain and inspect your home’s gas line on a regular basis.

Let the affiliated contractors of Plumbers 911 show you how to safely inspect your gas line and help give you peace of mind regarding the security of your home. 

Shut off the gas supply

The first and most crucial step is to locate the main gas shut-off valve in your home in order to ensure your safety during the inspection process. 

This valve is typically located near your gas meter on the house’s front or side exterior wall on the pipe leading from the ground to the meter. The gas supply can be turned off by turning the lever or wheel-shaped handle clockwise until it stops. 

Look for signs of damage

Using a flashlight, visually inspect the gas line for any notable signs of corrosion or damage in the form of rust, cracks or dents along the length of the pipe.

You should pay close attention to joints and connections, as those are common areas where gas leaks can occur. Immediately contact a professional if you notice any signs of damage. 

Check for leaks

Once the gas supply is turned off, you can check for signs of leakage with the safe application of regular household products like dish soap and water.

Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle and spray along the length of the gas line, focusing on the joints and connections. If you see any bubbles forming on the surface of the pipe when you temporarily turn the gas supply back on, immediately shut off the gas supply again and contact a professional, as this is a clear indicator of a leak. 

Test gas appliances 

If you do not see any visible damage or signs of leaks, you can safely test each gas appliance in your home to ensure it functions properly. 

With the gas supply back on, safely turn on the stove, oven, water heater or any other gas-powered appliance to check for unusual smells or sounds. If you detect a strong gas odor or hear unusual hissing noises, you should immediately shut off the appliance and seek professional assistance. 

Plumbers 911 can help with gas line maintenance and repair 

Regular inspection of your gas line is a crucial step in maintaining the health and safety of your home by identifying and addressing any potential issues before they escalate. 

A referral to one of the professional plumbing contractors affiliated with Plumbers 911 is the first step whether you are looking for regular professional gas line maintenance or need emergency repair at the sign of a gas leak.

Plumbers 911 is a referral service affiliated with the best local plumbing contractors who are licensed, bonded and insured. They employ highly qualified plumbing professionals who receive over 10,000 hours of training and submit to rigorous background checks. 

Find a local Plumbers 911-affiliated professional in your area today.