Blog Post

3 Home Gas Line Problems and Their Signs

  • By Admin
  • 25 Mar, 2021
Gas Stove Burner — Santa Barbara, CA — Lewis Plumbing
If your home is supplied with natural gas that you use to heat your home and hot water tank and/or power your cooking range and oven, then you should learn about the most common natural gas line problems and their signs. While some of these problems can lead to gas appliance problems, others can put your family's health in danger.

Read on to learn about three common home gas line problems, their signs, and potential solutions.

1. Gas Leak

A gas leak inside of the home poses a danger to home occupants. As people and pets inhale the gas released into the home air, they can develop symptoms of natural gas poisoning. In addition, the buildup of natural gas inside of a home is also a fire and explosion hazard.

One sign of a natural gas leak is the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs in the home air. Gas supply companies add this odorant to gas to aid in gas leak detection. Additional signs of a gas leak include a gas bill that suddenly increases for no apparent reason and house plants that all suddenly die or become wilted at the same time.

When a leak is present in the pipe that supplies natural gas to a specific home appliance, you may hear a hissing noise emanating from the appliance. In addition, when a leak is present in the gas line section buried in your yard, you may notice gas bubbles rising to the surface of standing water that accumulates in your yard.

As soon as you notice one or more signs of a natural gas leak in your home, turn your home gas supply valve to the off position and immediately contact a plumber who can diagnose the cause of the gas leak and repair it.

2. Gas Line Blockage

Another common residential gas line problem is a gas line blockage. A gas line can become blocked with dirt or other debris; insects; tree roots; or even water. Alternatively, a gas line can develop a bad dent or kink in the line that blocks the flow of gas through it.

The most obvious sign of a natural gas blockage is gas-powered appliances that no longer work properly or at all. For example, your gas range may only produce a low flame when you have a burner set on high, or your gas water heater may take much longer to heat water than it used to when you have a blockage in a gas line.

A gas line blockage can eventually lead to a gas leak as pressure builds up on the gas line portion behind the blockage and exerts pressure on corroded or weak areas of the pipe.

If you suspect you have a gas line blockage, shut off the gas supply to your home and contact a plumber with experience in gas line repair. This expert can find the source of the blockage and clear it with a special probe or drain auger and inspect your gas lines for any damage, such as a leak, that may have been caused by the clog.

3. Copper Gas Pipes

Many pipe types can be used to create natural gas lines and connect appliances to these lines, including galvanized steel, high-density polyethylene, and flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) pipes. However, copper pipes are not ideal for use in natural gas applications, and some local building codes and laws actually prohibit the use of this material in natural gas lines for two reasons.

First, copper creates sulfites that can create clogs in your natural gas line over time. In addition, copper is a great energy conductor, and this quality can make copper gas lines more hazardous than other gas line types.

If you find copper gas supply lines in your home, then contact a gas line repair expert who can replace these pipes with pipes that are safer and less prone to clog development.

As a homeowner, you should know the signs of the most common residential gas line problems, including gas leaks, blockages, and copper gas line pipes. Contact the gas line repair experts at Lewis Plumbing for all of your natural gas line repair needs today.   

By Lewis Plumbing 04 Jan, 2024
Having a landlord to handle repairs is appealing, but tenants can be frustrated with slow responses. Read on for why renters should independently hire plumbers.
By Lewis Plumbing 01 Dec, 2023
Debunking common plumbing myths is vital as it prevents potential mishaps and encourages proper maintenance practices. Read this blog on plumbing myths.
By Lewis Plumbing 19 Sep, 2023
One of the primary decisions homeowners with new homes face is the type of piping material to use. Dive into the world of PVC, copper, and PEX pipes.
By Lewis Plumbing 18 Aug, 2023
Know the signs that your gas lines need to be repaired and to act quickly if you suspect a problem. Here are signs that your gas lines need to be repaired.
By Lewis Plumbing 24 May, 2023
Sump pumps are important for home safety, but even well-maintained ones can have issues. Explore some common problems that occur with sump pumps.
By Lewis Plumbing 21 Apr, 2023
Low water pressure is a problem that many homeowners have dealt with. What are the leading causes of low water pressure? Keep reading to find out.
By Lewis Plumbing 22 Mar, 2023
Discover the benefits of routine plumbing maintenance. Whether you are a tenant or a homeowner, learn the value of maintaining a healthy plumbing system.
By Boostability Team 22 Feb, 2023
Strange odors could be a sign of many different problems with your plumbing system. Learn the causes and solutions for smelly plumbing fixtures.
By Lewis Plumbing 06 Jan, 2023
Sewer line problems are one of the most troublesome plumbing issues homeowners can encounter. Read on to learn more five signs of sewer line problems.
By Admin 15 Nov, 2022
An eco-friendly home helps protect the environment and saves you money. Explore some plumbing upgrades to make your home more eco-friendly.
Show More
Share by: