Gas Leaks

What is a Gas Leak?

Underground pipes carry natural gas to the home and business. A gas leak occurs when the gas inside the pipe escapes before its intended destination. Gas leaks can be harmful to plants, pets, and people in the nearby area. If you suspect a gas leak, report it immediately to your local plumber. Maintenance and repair should only be performed by licensed professionals.

Corrosion, ill-fitting pipes, and accidental damage are the leading causes to both indoor and outdoor gas lines. Outdoor gas lines may also be damaged due to shifting soil or careless digging. It is always a smart idea to call 811 before performing any excavation.

Signs of Gas Leaks

Gas leaks present themselves in a variety of forms. Use these indicators as a natural gas detector:

Sulfur Or Rotten Egg Smell

Gas is naturally odorless. As a precaution, utility companies add mercaptan to aid detection.

Dead Patches Or Bubbles In Landscaping

Outdoor pipeline leakage will kill vegetation and cause air bubbles to form on water-heavy patches.

Hissing Sound

Hissing is an audible gas leak sign. If you hear hissing, follow safety precautions and address the leak immediately.

Physical Ailments

Continual exposure to a propane gas leak or methane gas leak will cause you to become physically ill. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, and respiratory problems.

If you experience these signs of a gas leak, leave the affected area and call Bill Howe for assistance.

Seasonal Effect on Gas Lines

Gas leaks occur more often during winter than any other time of year. Cold temperatures cause pipes to contract and shift, leaving cracks for gas to escape. High usage of heating appliances and contracting pipes leads to more frequent gas leaks. As temperatures begin to cool, call a Bill Howe plumber to inspect your gas lines before a major leak occurs.

Gas Leak Services

Bill Howe offers San Diego gas leak services to both residential and commercial customers. Our certified team of gas leak specialists can repair low, medium, and high pressure systems. Whether you are looking to repair a natural gas leak in your pipeline or patch a propane tank leak, Bill Howe is adept in all gas-related maintenance.

Gas Leak Repair

Bill Howe performs a variety of gas leak repairs from spot location to gas line re-piping. Depending on the type and source of the gas leak, different maintenance may be required. Bill Howe gas specialists are certified to handle all gas repair and maintenance.

Know the Magnitude of a Gas Leak:

Type 1

— Due to location and the amount of gas released, type 1 gas leaks are a hazard to the public and the building. This leak is usually caused by physical damage to the pipe. Type 1 gas leaks require daily inspection until permanently repaired.

Type 2/2A

— This leak poses no immediate threat to its surroundings. Gas inspections occur between two weeks and two months. Permanent repairs should be made within the year.

Type 3

— No repairs are required on a type 3 gas leak but it must be monitored to confirm continual safety. This type of gas leak is not a threat to the public in its current state.

*When reporting a gas leak you will not be required to know the gas leak type. Bill Howe technicians are trained to diagnose leak magnitude.

Gas Line Re-piping

Damaged gas lines can typically be repaired at the leak location. However, if damage is too severe, re-piping is the correct course of action. Bill Howe gas leak technicians use modern technology and industry leading techniques to replace your pipes with a system built to last. Bill Howe keeps a full inventory of Polyethylene Pipe, Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, and Trac-pipe. We only use the highest quality products so no matter your need, we can complete the job.

Gas Lockout

A gas leak in the house or business can lead to a gas lockout, requiring SDG&E to pause your gas service. Bill Howe’s team of gas leak repair experts will work quickly with you and city inspectors to test your system, obtain the required permit, locate and repair the leak, and assist you in the final inspection with the city inspector and gas sniffer.

Gas Leak Prevention

Gas leaks can be common issues, but with vigilance you can reduce their frequency. Here are some tips to prevent gas leaks: