In 2010, a natural gas line ruptured in San Bruno killing four people and leaving many casualties. A few days after the explosion, a gas company came out to say that they had foreseen the explosion but were not listened to. This is only one of the many cases of ruptured and exploding gas pipelines that goes to show why inspection and timely repair of gas lines is important.
While natural gas offers an efficient way for homeowners to fuel boilers and furnaces, it comes with its fair share of safety concerns. A small leak can be catastrophic leading to a case as witnessed in San Bruno. Learn how to keep your home safe by keeping your gas supply system in good condition.
Routine Inspection
Gas lines, just like any other part of your piping system are prone to leaks. Leaks in gas lines can be minimal but fatal when not corrected in time. Routine gas line inspection ensures that your lines do not surprise you by making it possible to detect danger signs.
During routine gas line inspection, loose joints are tightened, and the whole system inspected for leaks. There are different methods applied by plumbers to test for leaks on gas systems.
Plumbers inspecting your system will look at factors that predispose your gas lines to development of leaks. This way, you are able to stop leaks even before they happen. For instance, they will ensure that the pipes are running free without being squeezed in between hard surfaces.
Removing Hazardous Plants and Trees
When plants and trees grow near gas lines, they pose a risk of damaging the lines by interfering with the protective coating of the buried pipes. Again, the trees will be a hindrance to the routine maintenance and surveys on the piping. During the maintenance sessions, the plumber will identify bushes and trees that can interfere with the gas lines and trims or removes them. The plumbers will consider how much the roots of a given tree spread when they are choosing trees and bushes to remove.
As a homeowner, you need to keep the gas pipeline clear and away from heavy traffic to protect the pipes. This is important because in case the pipes under the soil break, they are not only a safety hazard but will also cost you money.
Get a Gas Line Inspection Contractor
If you have a plumber who maintains your plumbing system, you need to have them inspect the gas lines too. A good plumber knows a variety of methods to inspect the gas lines for the leaks and repair them accordingly. Ensure the plumber you choose is licensed to handle gas systems and is insured to keep you and your property protected from dangers related to the gas line.
It is good to ask the plumber a few questions to ensure that they are well versed in the inspection process and proper ways of repairing the gas lines.
Get Gas Line Inspection Today
Call a Staten Island Plumber and schedule an appointment to get your system checked by a qualified plumber. By doing all you can to prevent gas leaks and detect and stop them early, you reduce the risk of gas fires. Inspections and routine maintenance of gas lines by a qualified plumber are not costly and prevent disasters so don’t hesitate to have them done regularly.