Does a Plumber Do Gas Lines?

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Plumbers are most commonly associated with water pipes, faucets, toilets, and emergency water leaks. Most people are surprised to find out that licensed plumbers are experts in all kinds of piping systems. Some may focus solely on residential gas lines, while others work on commercial gas lines.

Gas lines that carry natural gas and propane can be worked on by a plumber. If you’re installing a new gas stove, setting up an outdoor fire pit that you’ve always wanted, or you think you have a gas leak, the right person to call is a gas-certified plumber.

What Gas Line Services Do Plumbers Provide?

A professional plumber who is a gas plumbing specialist can take care of many gas-related tasks for your home. Here is a look at what you can call them for:

Installing New Gas Lines

If you’re getting new gas appliances and you’ve only had electric appliances, you’ll need a new gas line installed. A plumber with the right certifications can run these new lines to help set up this connection.

Hooking Up Gas Appliances

In addition to installing new gas lines, a plumber can also safely connect your gas-powered appliances. If you’re getting a new range, oven, dryer, water heater, or fireplace, give them a call to have peace of mind that your gas appliances are connected correctly.

Gas Line Repair

If you already have gas lines, a plumber can help when there are leaks. If your pipes are old, they can help tighten any weak connections or replace pipes that have corroded.

Provide Pressure Testing

Once you install gas lines, pressure testing is essential to make sure your system is safe and follows safety codes. Your plumber will check to ensure all has been done accordingly to state and local rules and regulations.

Installing Shut-Off Valves

For homeowners who have had gas lines for a while, adding shut-off valves is a smart move. A plumber can install them near your gas-powered appliances, which adds another layer of safety to your home.

Are All Plumbers Qualified to Work on Gas Lines?

Many plumbers are qualified to work on gas lines, but not all of them. Depending on the location, they may need a separate license or a gas-fitting certification. Plumbing companies that do this type of work usually list it on their websites or advertise their services on their vehicles.

Don’t ever take a plumber’s word for it that they work on gas lines. You should ask if they are licensed to do this work and have them provide proof of insurance. Go another step further and look up their licensing online. The last thing you want is to hire someone who doesn’t have the licensing, certification, and experience needed, because it can be dangerous.

Why Hire a Plumber for Gas Lines Instead of Doing It Yourself?

Gas lines can be incredibly dangerous, and working on them requires specialized knowledge. You might be comfortable performing a few plumbing tasks around your house, but knowledge of gas piping is critical to doing this work safely.

Your safety is the most important concern, as a gas leak can turn into a fire, or worse, an explosion. Professional licensing is required to do this work because serious health hazards can abound from making the slightest mistake. You will want a professional to make sure everything is sealed up tight to prevent a hazardous outcome.

Another issue is that gas work is tightly regulated and needs to follow building codes. Licensed plumbers who do gas work understand how to maintain code compliance. They pull the proper permits and ensure that all work passes inspections.

You might have the tools you need to deal with tightening a faucet or other simple plumbing tasks in your toolbox. However, you likely won’t have what you need to work with gas lines. Plumbers who do gas work have specialized tools to help them detect leaks and proper pipe materials that are rated for safely hosting propane and natural gas.

Although you might be handy, you’re better off leaving gas line work to professionals who have the knowledge, tools, and experience to safely handle the job.

How to Spot the Warning Signs of a Gas Leak

By nature, natural gas has no color or odor, which is why suppliers put mercaptan in it, which is a chemical that is hard to miss. It smells sulfuric, or like rotten eggs. If you get a whiff of this in your home, it is an indication that you have a leak and need a professional immediately.

However, smells aren’t the only thing that can indicate that you have a gas leak. Here’s what else to look for:

• Listen for sounds: Any hissing, whistling, or roaring coming from either your appliances or gas lines is a sign of trouble.
• Look for anything unusual near your buried lines: Outside, you may see dirt blowing, water bubbling up in puddles, or vegetation dying in your yard. Inside your home, there may be mist near the gas line.
• Appliance issues: For gas stoves, the flames should be blue. If you see them coming out consistently yellow, there is incomplete combustion, and a leak is a very real probability.
• Physical symptoms: If you or your loved ones suddenly have unexplained dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, or irritation in the eyes or throat, it could mean you’ve been exposed to a gas leak.

All of these signs point to the need for professional intervention from a plumber who is licensed and certified for gas line work. You’ll want to get repairs made immediately if anything seems amiss, though a gas leak is an emergency.

What to Do If You Have a Gas Leak

While a gas leak can be a scary experience, knowing what to do can help you get to safety. Never panic, but do take fast action by evacuating immediately. Get out of your home and make sure your family members and pets get out too.

When you leave, do not close the doors behind you. If your windows are open, that’s ideal, but don’t linger to open them all. Getting out is the most important step, and leaving your door open will help ventilate your home.

As soon as you suspect a gas leak, do not touch any light switches to turn them on or off, and do not use your phone or turn on any electrical appliances. Don’t start your car in the garage or driveway either. Doing any of these things can create sparks that can ignite a fire.

Once safely outside and far enough away from your home, call 911 to get assistance. They will send professionals to handle the leak and keep your neighborhood safe.