Many homeowners love to tackle DIY projects. They typically save money and it gives them a sense of pride knowing they accomplished something in the place they call home. But some tasks are better left to the professionals. Installing or repairing a gas line can not only be difficult, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. Generally speaking, this is one repair a homeowner should not consider taking on, no matter how confident they feel.
Gas Leaks Pose a Major Health and Safety Hazard
Improper fitting of pipes and hoses puts you at an incredible risk of a gas leak. Not only can excessive exposure to natural gas cause you to suffer from gas poisoning, but the gas is incredibly flammable. Under controlled circumstances, its flammable nature is exactly what you want. But if it is leaking into your home, this puts you at a great risk for catastrophic house fires. If you smell natural gas and experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, suffocation, or weakness, get out of the house immediately. Seek medical attention and contact a certified repair service. The experts at Excelsior Mechanical Ltd. can install and repair any gas line such as fireplaces, BBQ lines, range, and heaters. They are bonded, insured, and take care of all required permits needed to get the job done right.
DIY Gas Line Projects Are Illegal
Most areas do not let anyone except for licensed natural gas line plumbers operate on a gas line. This is because the project can be so complicated and risky. A successful project requires legal permits and safety inspections by certified professionals. Some areas may allow DIY work if your home is classified as a homestead, but you aren’t exempt from obtaining permits and having the work inspected. You may as well have the peace of mind knowing the job was handled by a professional gas line plumber. They’ll have to come out to inspect the work, anyway. This ensures it is done right.
A DIY Job May Cost You More
There’s no doubt that if you search the internet, you’ll probably find tutorials on servicing or installing a gas line. And, the tutorials would likely be accurate. The problem is you aren’t. You haven’t gone through years of education and training. You haven’t been certified by any local authority. This simply means you are inexperienced and will probably make mistakes. These mistakes will cause frustration that may only be fixable by a professional. If you DIY your gas line, you risk ending up having to call out a pro anyway to fix it. You not only have to spend money on the pro repair, but you’ve lost money on the DIY, as well.
Construction Considerations
Whether you are building a new home, doing a home renovation, or putting in a pool, you have to be aware of the gas pipelines. These pipelines run underground through your property to supply gas to your home. By digging without planning, you can risk pipeline damage and cause major repair and safety problems. If you are successful in building without damaging anything, you still risk building over the existing pipes. This prevents future access to anyone who needs to work in the area. So, before you dig or start any construction project, cover your bases. Call your local authorities to have the pipeline marked. This way you will know where not to dig. On the plus side, if a licensed plumber is doing the digging, they will take care of this for you.
Important Things to Remember
Natural gas is an inexpensive and effective means to heat our homes and cook our meals. But it doesn’t come without risk. That’s why you need to know these natural gas safety measures:
- Keep combustible and flammable materials away from water heaters, ranges, and dryers.
- If you smell gas or suspect gas poisoning, leave immediately. Do not return until your home has been declared safe by a professional.
- Have your gas and heating system inspected annually.
So, what if the unthinkable happens? What if someone in your family gets sick, or there is a gas fire? Without proper documentation showing who worked on the line, you bear full responsibility. You risk insurance claims getting denied and you have no one to hold accountable. This is why it is so important to have a professional handle the hard work. When the stakes are this high, give yourself peace of mind that the job is being done right.
