Having a gas line makes it easy to power your furnace, along with other useful appliances such as a clothes dryer. However, if you think there’s a problem with your gas line, it’s critical to contact a professional plumber in the Knoxville area right away. After all, a gas leak can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, along with a fire. Learn how to keep your family safe!
Indicators of a Gas Line Issue
There are a wide variety of possible indicators that your gas line has been compromised. If you experience any of the following in your Knoxville home, call for help immediately.
Rotten Egg Smell
Natural gas doesn’t have an odor, so the gas company adds a smell like rotten eggs to make sure you realize when there’s an issue. In fact, a rotten egg smell is the clearest indicator of a gas leak. If you smell it, it’s wise to contact help and then exit your home until after the leak has been repaired.
Discolored or Dead Vegetation
Gas line issues can cause vegetation in the nearby area to become discolored or even die. Keep an eye out for dead grass or plants near a gas line. Don’t merely assume that your grass has died for another reason.
Whistling or Hissing Sounds
If you notice a whistling or hissing sound emitting from a gas-powered appliance, it could be a sign of bigger issues. Your stove, water heater, and other appliances don’t naturally make these noises, so pay attention if they suddenly start happening.
Higher Gas Bills
Usually, you’ll notice a gas leak in your Knoxville home before it shows up on your energy bills. A pinhole leak may not stand out, though. Therefore, if your gas bill suddenly increases for no apparent reason, there’s a good chance you might have a gas leak.
Orange or Yellow Flames
You should notice a pleasing blue flame whenever you turn on your gas-powered stove or fireplace. If it’s burning with an orange or yellow flame instead, it’s indicating a gas supply issue. In most cases, you’ll be experiencing incomplete combustion, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Nausea, Fatigue, or Dizziness
Experiencing nausea, fatigue or dizziness could be a sign that you’ve been exposed to way too much gas. Leave the area right away, and be sure to visit a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.
Physical Damage
You should periodically check your Knoxville gas lines for signs of physical damage. Issues such as cracks, dents, rust, or corrosion can end up causing a leak, so it’s wise to address them immediately.
Problems With Your Pilot Light
Your pilot light can provide a good first line of defense against gas leaks. Whenever it starts to frequently go out, you can safely bet there’s something wrong with your gas line.
Odd Noises From Gas-Powered Appliances
Hearing odd or unusual noises coming from your gas-powered appliances is something else to take note of. These sounds shouldn’t exist, so be sure to take action rather than lulling yourself into a false sense of security.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As if a gas line leak isn’t bad enough, it can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning. As previously mentioned, incomplete combustion is at fault. Be sure to remain alert for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself and your family, including:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Flu-like symptoms
More than 100,000 Americans visit the emergency room each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Tragically, more than 400 of these people will die. Carbon monoxide is especially deadly if you’re sleeping or intoxicated.
Knoxville Gas Line Repairs
Best Plumber is fully committed to providing excellent plumbing services. Our team of certified professionals can handle any plumbing job, including drain repair, sewer liner repair, leak detection, rooter service, and sump pump installation. Our company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau. We take pride in helping Knoxville area homeowners avoid the many complications associated with gas leaks.
Do you believe you have a problem with your gas lines? Reach out to Best Plumber today for assistance!
