Imagine getting home to relax after a long and hard day at work only to be met by a stringent smell of rotten eggs. A gas leak! What do you do?
Gas leaks are dangerous and often end in catastrophic events. If you encounter such a situation at your home in Minneapolis, MN, first, call your local fire department, then call the experts at Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains right away and keep away from the house.
Heat is an essential factor for homes in Minneapolis, MN, especially during winter and in areas with cold climates. Most heat sources include coal, wood, electricity, petroleum, or natural gas. Some salient factors give natural gas advantage over those other sources due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel like coal and oil, but it is safer and cleaner than the latter two. It is the most widely used energy form in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, hotels, small manufacturing plants, and other premises, for cooking, heating water, and central heating. Some of its benefits include:
1. Convenience
Natural gas is readily available, being exploited at the touch of a button within the home as opposed to going out to refill LPG in heavy, bulky cylinders and tanks. Gas lines are conveniently located below ground and, therefore, less likely to suffer disruption even in times of rough weather conditions.
2. Cheaper
The initial cost of installation of natural gas supply to your premises may be high. Still, the running of appliances on gas in your home is far cheaper than electricity, offering homeowners a cost-effective option of lower utility bills in the long run.
3. Efficiency
When cooking, running gas appliances, or heating your premises, natural gas is more efficient than other heat sources. It produces more heat and offers you the convenience of being able to control the temperature when using a gas stove.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Unlike coal, charcoal, or butane, natural gas burns clean, emitting less carbon dioxide than some other fuels that also produce sulfur, nitrogen, and other gases, making them unsafe for humans and the environment.
5. Smokeless fire
Natural gas does not emit smoke, making it a preferred fuel for most kitchens.
6. Safety
Gas is a dangerous fuel if handled without care and can wreak untold havoc. Gas cylinders are much riskier than gas piping, which can be shut off quickly and from a safe distance.
With these advantages on your side, it is therefore essential that you take good care of the gas lines in your home. However, gas lines are prone to aging and need repairs or replacement of parts now and then.
Here Are a Few Signs You Need a Gas Line Repair:
1. You Notice a Distinct Unpleasant Smell
Natural gas is odorless, but service providers add a harmless chemical called Mercaptan to give it an unmistakable and unpleasant smell so that you may be quick to detect leakage. First, call the fire department and service provider immediately then call your gas line repair company, when you notice this smell, described as close to the smell of rotten eggs.
2. Dead Plants Near Gas Lines
Natural gas is poisonous to crops and will damage any crops that come in contact with it. If you notice dead plants near the gas lines, that is a potential sign of a gas leak, and you must call in a gas line specialist as quickly as possible.
3. Malfunctioning Appliances
A fault within the gas line may cause your appliances to malfunction and can potentially damage your appliances irreparably if left unattended. A blockage may prevent your devices from working or work below optimal levels. You need a gas line repair immediately.
4. A Spike in Your Gas Utility Bill
There is something wrong with your system if your gas utility bill shoots up for no apparent reason. There could be a leak in the ground, and gas is escaping unchecked with the gas meter running. If you suspect this is the case, it is time to call in a repair specialist.
Importance of Hiring Professional Gas Line Repair Personnel
The installation of a gas line is an expensive venture in Minneapolis, MN, and it is in your best interest to keep it running efficiently and operating in tip-top condition. Regular servicing will ensure it serves you better and longer. It is, therefore, vital that you hire a licensed plumber to install, repair, upgrade, or carry out any works on your gas plumbing system. Here are some of the benefits of dealing with a professional gas line technician.
1. Save Your Warranty
Safeguard your warranties on appliances to avoid the possibility of the manufacturer rejecting the warranty on claims that a licensed gas line repair technician did not do the installation.
2. Building Code Compliance
Compliance with building codes raises the value of your property and ensures your safety and that of your family. Avoid unnecessary penalties from local government bodies for not being compliant. If your plumbing wasn’t done professionally, your insurance company might reject your claim should something happen to the property.
3. Safety
A professional gas line repair expert understands how appliances work and how to keep them efficient and safe. You may have spent a pile acquiring top of the range appliances for your household, and you aren’t about to let quacks mess up your devices.
4. Rest Easy
To ensure your gas line plumbing is safe and up to code, you need to work with experienced licensed gas line repair specialists. They will make your life more comfortable with the knowledge that your plumbing is in competent hands. A licensed gas line repair expert will detect problems in your system, repair, replace, install, upgrade your lines, and also service your appliances.
5. Please Don’t Do it Yourself
Gas is not a substance to be trifled with, and any DIY endeavors must be discouraged. A licensed gas line repair specialist has the right knowledge, experience, and equipment to deal with any problems with your gas line system.
The gas line repair specialists at Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains are backed by years of experience in the area of gas line repair and other plumbing services. With a dedicated team, they have your back by taking care of all your plumbing needs.