First, DIY stands for Do It Yourself, and there are some things that should never be handled by anyone other than licensed and experienced professionals. Especially potentially dangerous things. Handling a gas line is one of those things, because not only can it cause serious harm to you and your home, but there are some insurance and legal issues with trying to do this on your own. Let's go over those.
Safety
Trying to handle a gas line on your own is a risk for you, your home, and your family. This is because gas can be toxic if not handled correctly, and can lead to dangerous and in some cases fatal consequences. Gas leaks can be dangerous to breathe in, but can also be dangerous to your home because they are a cause for explosions. We're not saying they're a sure thing that happens, but it is a possibility, which is why you should always get a professional to handle your gas lines.
Difficulty
Repairing a gas line incorrectly can lead to the hazards mentioned above. But repairing a gas line is difficult for anyone other than the professionals. A licensed expert must go through several hours of training and pass licensing exams to ensure they are extremely qualified to handle these types of situations. If you ever see an article on the internet trying to tell you how to do it yourself, please leave this to the professionals. You can call a licensed plumber at 1-800-Plumber +Air of Portland and we'd be more than happy to help!
Insurance
The best part about hiring a licensed plumber is that mistakes are very unlikely to happen. However, if any mistake does happen, it's completely covered by the plumber, and not you. It will provide a sense of comfort and safety to have an insured professional to fix up your home so you don't have to worry about any issues or problems down the road.
Legality
Did you know it's actually illegal for anyone other than a licensed plumber to handle gas lines? Because it's serious and dangerous to you and those around you. Always call a licensed plumber to help you with your gas lines.
What Should I Do If There's a Gas Leak?
If you smell gas ( a rotten egg smell) or you feel faint and suspect a gas leak, leave your home immediately. Do not use any appliances or phones. Evacuate the area and get to a safe place, then call 911 to let them know. Then you can call your plumber.
Am I At Risk for a Gas Leak?
Gas leaks aren't common, but there are certain risk factors that can make them occur in certain situations. Be on the lookout for these different factors that can cause gas leaks.
Improper Installation
Did a certified and licensed plumber install your current gas lines? If you don't know, it may be time to call one and have them do a thorough inspection just to make sure everything is in proper and working order. Improperly installed gas lines are a serious risk for gas leaks and dangerous situations. A plumber will be able to tell if anything is done improperly and will have the tools to fix it.
Old Gas Lines
If your house is older, that means the gas lines are also older. This means they're less effective, but also more dangerous and prone to corrosion and leaks. Gas lines don't decay quickly. It takes time and gas could be leaking very slowly so it's not noticeable. Call a plumber to have your older lines inspected.
No Gas Detector
It's crucial to have a gas leak detector, because gas naturally has no odor. Humans have injected gas with the smell of sulfur (rotten eggs), so it's detectable, but it's always a good idea to have a gas detector as a trusty back up. Make sure your detectors are properly installed and always running, with any back up batteries if necessary.
Who Will Fix the Leak?
Depending on where the leak is, it may be the gas company or a plumber you can call. If the leak is coming from the side of the meter they are responsible for, call the gas company. If it's coming from somewhere else, call a plumber and they can help you fix the problem.
How Often Do Gas Leaks Happen?
Gas leaks can happen to anyone. Make sure you get your home inspected by a licensed plumber to make sure everything is in working order. Besides that, make sure everyone in your home knows the smell of gas and who to call if you ever do suspect a gas leak.
Who to Call for Professional Gas Lines Repair in Portland?
If you live in Portland and suspect something wrong with your gas lines, give us a call. 1-800-Plumber +Air of Portland offers 24/7 emergency gas line repair services, to fix your leaks right away. If you suspect a leak or just need your gas lines inspected, contact us today. We're eager to schedule an appointment with you.
