If you think that professional plumbers only deal with those systems and appliances that bring potable water into your home and drain wastewater out of your home, think again. One of the most important services that we have to offer is gas piping. When you need new gas piping installed, or if you should run into a problem requiring gas piping repairs, you are going to need to work with a professional plumber in Boston, MA.
Natural gas is a great resource. As a largely domestic product, it tends to be quite affordable and is not subject to the volatility of the foreign oil markets. It is also piped directly to the house and the appliances that use it, meaning that you don’t have to worry about scheduling fuel deliveries or storing fuel onsite. However, as is the case with any combustible fuel, there is the potential for danger. That is why you need prompt gas line repairs if and when anything should go wrong.
First Things First—That Smell!
If you have ever smelled natural gas, maybe when lighting the pilot on an older appliance, then you probably know that, well, it stinks! This is not a happy coincidence. That sulfuric odor that is so reminiscent of a rotten egg smell is actually an additive that is intentionally put into the gas. One of the most important services that we have to offer is gas piping, including gas line installation and repairs for homeowners facing gas line issues and protecting their property. When you need new gas lines installed, our licensed plumbers can complete the installation work safely and correctly, with proper planning that supports safety and efficiency. In Boston, Massachusetts, gas line repair and installation require a 780 CMR plumbing/gas permit filed by a licensed contractor, and it is illegal for unlicensed individuals to perform this work in Massachusetts.
It functions as a safety precaution. Human beings are pretty unique in their ability to downplay potential threats. Trust us, we get called out to a lot of pretty major services that could have been mitigated or resolved entirely by swifter action. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately, move to a safe distance, and call for emergency help and utility companies from outside. When you are dealing with something as in your face as this odor, though, you are highly unlikely to ignore the issue.
Look for Dying Vegetation
Natural gas is a great resource, as we mentioned above. It is very versatile, being used for everything from fueling ovens and ranges to hot water heaters, home heating systems, and even clothes dryers. What it is not, however, is a great fertilizer. Natural gas is colorless and odorless, but a sulfur additive creates the rotten egg smell for safety. Why? A rotten egg smell indicates a gas leak, and any repair work must be handled by a licensed professional because homeowners cannot pull gas permits for repairs in Massachusetts.
Natural gas is dangerous due to its combustible nature, and a damaged gas line can also create risks such as fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. The same is true for contact with plant life. It functions as a safety precaution. If you smell gas or suspect leaking gas, act quickly, move to a safe location, and, if accessible and safe, shut off the gas main before calling 911 and your gas utility company from outside. A hissing or whistling sound is another warning sign. If it is safe to do so, open windows and doors to help ventilate the area. If you notice that patches of grass are going yellow and brown or that shrubs and bushes seem to be dying off, it could be the result of gas line damage affecting a buried line and essentially poisoning these plants. These are also common signs that professional gas line repair may be needed. Emergency gas line repair is available 24/7, with same day service when possible in the Greater Boston area.
Problems with Ignition
If you have multiple gas appliances in your home that are all struggling to function properly, then you should hedge your bets and err on the side of caution. Trouble with gas stoves or other equipment, including new appliances, can point to a broader issue in the gas system. It is very likely that you are dealing with a leaking gas line. It may be in the main gas line, or perhaps at a connection point. Our expert team follows a careful repair process based on your system’s specific requirements and uses high quality materials for safe, lasting results.
Dying vegetation is one of several common signs of leaking gas, especially if you notice patches of dead or dying grass near a line. Bubbling in wet areas can point to damage in a buried line or pipe. That damage may affect a gas pipe the homeowner is responsible for from the meter into the house, while the utility typically handles the supply side. Residents should dial 811 before digging to map underground gas lines. Regardless of how many appliances are affected, you need to take any potential gas leak very seriously. A professional gas line inspection and regular inspections help identify leaks, outdated materials, and other safety concerns early. If you smell natural gas or notice any such irregularities in your home, let us know right away so we can determine whether timely gas line repair, urgent repair, replacing gas lines, or gas line replacement is the safer solution and complete a pressure test before restoring service. Dizziness or headaches may signal gas buildup, and unusually high gas bills can indicate a hidden leak. Neglected gas lines increase fire hazards and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If it is safe to do so, open windows and doors, and our technicians can use electronic gas readers to locate the leak before making necessary repairs. With an unwavering commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, we respond quickly when you need help.
Schedule your gas line services with Cooling Unlimited, Inc. Give us a call to find out how we can meet your unique heating and cooling needs!
