Plumbing is not only fixing leaky faucets or dripping roofs; it also includes gas installation and plumbing. It is one of the most important aspects of plumbing for your home. In fact, many residential accidents happen due to unattended gas lines.
So, if you are thinking about installing a gas line in your home, or you already have one and need to replace it, then this guide is for you.
What is Gas Plumbing?
If installed and handled properly, gas is a safe fuel to use for home heating and fueling. However, it needs proper installation and handling. And it surely is not a once-in-a-lifetime job. It must also have regular maintenance and repairs when necessary.
Most people think gas plumbing only means installing new gas lines, but there is more to it.
- Repair and maintenance of gas heaters
- Gas fitting and gas appliance installation
- Inspection and maintenance of connections
- installing bayonets
- Installations of stoves
- Gas hot water systems
- Detecting gas leaks
- Repairs, installation, and supply of LPG and natural gas
Types of Gas Lines
There are two main types of gas lines: natural gas and propane. Natural gas is typically less expensive than propane and is supplied by your local utility company.
Propane, on the other hand, is a more portable fuel source stored in tanks. It’s important to know which type of gas line you need before you begin your installation project.
Natural Gas Lines
Natural gas lines are usually made from copper or polyethene plastic. Copper is a durable material that can last for many years but is also more expensive than plastic. However, polyethene plastic is less durable than copper, less expensive and easier to install.
But it can be dangerous to leave natural gas unsupervised. Unchecked natural gas is extremely harmful. It can result in various damages and accidents, including explosions, gas leaking, harmful air quality, and more.
Propane Gas Lines
The second gas line you can have for your home is a propane line. They are typically made from steel or black iron.
Steel is more durable than black iron, but both materials are strong and can withstand the high pressure of propane gas. Steel is also more expensive than black iron, so it’s important to factor that into your decision-making process.
Installation Process
Once you have selected the type of gas line you want, the next step is to schedule an installation appointment with a licensed contractor for gas installation in Melbourne.
The contractor will need to assess your home in order to determine where the best location for the gas line would be. Once the contractor has determined the best location, they will excavate a trench and lay the new gas line.
After installing the new gas line, the contractor will test it for leaks and then connect it to your home’s existing plumbing system.
Finally, they will conduct one last inspection to make sure everything has been installed correctly. The whole installation may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Once the installation process is complete, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits that come with having a natural gas or propane line in your home!
Gas Leak
Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous. Gas leaks are typically caused by subpar pipelines and fittings, improper hookup construction, pipe corrosion, flawed pipe threads, or outdated valves.
An undiscovered gas leak in your house can endanger the safety and health of you and your family. Maintaining vigilance and being aware of warning indications that something is amiss is crucial when it comes to preventing problems with your gas line.
Some warning signs of gas leakage are:
- a sulphurous or rotten egg odour
- the hissing noise of gas running through tiny openings.
- withering or wilted plants
So, if you smell a strong odour similar to rotten eggs, you must immediately turn off the gas at the metre. Your gas metre is often located on the right or left side of the exterior of your property. You will see a lever on that metre that you can rotate 90 degrees to stop the gas flow into your house.
Then, aerate the room as much as possible. After taking these necessary steps, you can call your plumber in Altona for the repair.
Gas Blockages
Blocks in gas piping can be due to—damage to the pipes, impurities in the gas line, or an accumulation of debris or other materials at the entrance point. Because of these issues, the gas flow may be entirely blocked or slowed down.
Following are the most typical causes of gas line blockages:
- Organic materials, including dirt, insects, and trash, can enter and obstruct gas lines.
- Gas movement between pipelines may be impeded by piping dents.
- Water can cause the pipeline to rust and corrode, resulting in clogging.
A choked gas line can render gas appliances permanently inoperable and increase the risk of a gas explosion if left unattended. In any case, you immediately need a professional’s assistance.
Valve Problems
Valve issues can be another common problem homeowners often encounter. If there is a valve issue in your home, you can call your local plumber and get it repaired. It is only a simple replacement work.
However, you and your family should keep a safe distance from the area because valve issues can be as fatal as gas leaks.
And as a safety precaution, any heating appliances that pose a risk must be switched off until the problem is resolved.
Final Say
There you have it!
We hope this little handbook to gas plumbing is helpful to you in tending to your home. Understanding the basics of gas installation can help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your home.
If you are considering installing a gas line in your home or for any other gas emergency, it is advisable to hire an experienced professional such as NLK plumbing in Melbourne. People often try gas servicing on their own, which is even more damaging. Unless you have years of experience in it, you better have a professional take care of it.
NLK has three decades of experience in all manner of plumbing, from gas installation to roof plumbing in Melbourne. So, check out their website and see if their services are what you need.