Everything New Homeowners Need to Know About Checking the Gas Line - Al Bourgeois Plumbing & Heating

Buying a new home is an exciting, albeit risky, process. Every twist and turn presents the opportunity for you to miss a detail or make a mistake. When it comes to taking care of your gas line, getting an inspection is a no-brainer. Many homes rely on gas for cooking, cleaning and hot water, so when your gas lines are not working properly, your property and health could be in danger. But where to begin? We’re here to provide expert guidance to help you take the next step in your journey as a homeowner.

Steps to Take when Getting Your Home Inspected

Energy companies are often reluctant to give out information about a home’s existing gas service to anyone but the homeowner, so it can be difficult to get direct information about the gas line before making the final sale. There are two ways you, the potential buyer, can find out more about the gas line of the home before fully committing.

• Turn on Utilities Prior to Your Home Inspection

  • The easiest way for a licensed home inspector to determine if there is potential gas line damage is by making sure the gas is turned on when he or she arrives. However, a home inspector’s job is to complete a cursory assessment of a property. Only a plumber will be able to conduct a thorough gas line inspection and determine if it is safe for you and your family to proceed.

• Require Proof of Existing Gas Service

  • It is absolutely within reason to request proof of existing gas service, such as a bill dated within the last six months. This is an easy way to determine if the gas properly worked prior to the decision to sell the home.

We personally know of instances in which home buyers did not request either of these options before the home inspection. What transpired was a frustrating road of added costs and paperwork when they realized that the gas had not been turned on in over six months! We know such requests are an added hassle during an already labor-intensive process, but we promise that being thorough is always worth the effort.

What to Expect During a Gas Line Inspection

In order to properly test a gas line, your plumber must put pressure on the line. Sellers can be reluctant to approve such a test because, if your plumber determines there is a leak in the line, he or she cannot restore service. If you request a proper gas line inspection, and the home seller is reluctant to turn on the gas, it is a sign that there may be larger gas line issues afoot and it is up to you to decide if the home is still worth pursuing.

Discovering a gas line issue is the easy part, for a licensed plumber. When it comes to old homes, the tricky step is discovering the source of the damage. It is difficult to estimate a repair because, until your plumber pressurizes the line, he or she has no information about the leak. After determining your gas line is indeed damaged, your plumber must then locate the leak before he or she can make a repair. A repair such as this can be very costly. It may range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars if there is significant repair or replacement to the lines

How to Prevent Gas Line Issues

The biggest gas line issue is the presence of a leak, which can be extremely dangerous and needs to be rectified immediately. Thankfully, there are a few signs of a gas line leak that will hopefully give you enough notice before the situation becomes too serious.

• The Smell: If you smell sulfur, and you didn’t recently lose a bunch of eggs during an Easter egg hunt, it’s time to get out of your home and call the proper authorities. One big distinction between natural gas and carbon monoxide is the additive included in natural gas, to give it a sulfuric warning smell.
• Dead Plants: If you have a gas leak, the natural gas will kill any foliage near the site of a leak.
• Unexpected Dirt: Because your gas lines are underground, a gas leak can push up dirt and soil from the surrounding areas. If you find unexpected dirt on your property, it could be a sign of a gas leak.

How to Restore Service After You Smell Gas

If a homeowner smells gas and calls the gas company, the gas company will turn off the meter and place a padlock on the meter valve. In order to restore service, your plumber must pressurize the line and locate and repair any leaks. Your plumber is also responsible for bringing any heating or venting up to code.

Al Bourgeois will Handle Your Permits!

In order to restore service, your plumber will meet a city or parish inspector at the site for an inspection and file a permit with the city or parish. Every parish is a little different, but most areas require homeowners to acquire a permit before beginning any repair or replacement of electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems. Al Bourgeois plumbing will handle the permits, so you don’t have to worry about jumping through hoops and hurdles before getting your home back to normal. In Orleans Parish, this process can often take a week or more to complete. In Jefferson Parish, the process typically takes just a couple of days.

Call Al Bourgeois Today!

The first step towards a healthy home is making sure every utility is in prime working condition. A trusted plumber will be able to asses your gas line and tell you if there is a leak or any other damage that could potentially affect your health or property value. Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing today for a consultation!