Natural gas is used in many Texas homes, but some homeowners may not be aware of the dangers natural gas can pose if not maintained properly. Though it may be a surprise to some, residential and commercial plumbers are actually the people who maintain, repair and install gas lines in your home! Similarly, with your sewer lines, it can be really easy to forget about them when they’re operating properly — but not when they cause a huge mess.
Most sewer and gas services are large projects that not all plumbers are willing to take on. If you need any kind of sewer or gas line services, find a plumber that’s willing to take on the job from inspection to potential repairs and even replacement. At Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing, no job is too big or too hard — give us a call to get started on your sewer or gas line service request.
Because our sewer lines are so far out of sight and mind, many homeowners don’t know there’s a problem until they’re dealing with a disaster, similar to leaks in your home’s foundation. If you know what to look for, however, you’ll be able to easily spot the early signs and possibly save yourself the stress and expense that comes with a major sewer problem. Signs that you need sewer services include:
If you notice any of these signs, call on the professionals at Air Tech to pinpoint the issue and recommend the best course of action.
Many Houston homeowners are eager to learn what causes a sewer blockage or leak in order to prevent it from happening to their homes. Depending on the problem, there could be a wide range of sources in and out of your control. Like simple drain clogs, hair, toilet paper and grease buildup could cause a sewer blockage. In addition, pipe corrosion and shifting soil can cause a pipe to rupture or leak.
One preventable cause of sewer issues is tree root intrusion, of tree roots growing into the sewer line through a microleak and causing a significant blockage. Ask your Houston plumber what you can do to prevent sewer issues in the future.
One way our plumbers work to determine the type and severity of sewer problems is by conducting an inline camera inspection. During the inspection, our plumber will send a camera into your sewer lines to find the blockage or leak, pinpointing where the repair is needed. This not only minimizes the invasiveness of the repair — we often need to dig up landscaping — but also reduces the amount of time and money needed to complete the job.
Whether we determine that a simple repair will suffice or that your sewer line needs to be replaced, Air Tech will work every step of the way to make the process as stress-free as possible. We’ll walk you through your options and keep you in the loop as we work on your home. Our expert plumbers are experienced and well-equipped to handle even the most complicated sewer line replacement, so you can rest assured that your plumbing is in good hands.
Natural gas is dangerous because of the effects it can have on people. There are three main dangers to be cautious of when natural gas leaks:
Oxygen Levels — When seeping into the air, natural gas replaces oxygen, lowering the oxygen levels. The less oxygen that is available to breathe, the more symptoms people will show — including headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea.
Carbon Monoxide — One of the main uses of natural gas in powering appliances is to create heat. In doing so, carbon monoxide is produced. The effects of carbon monoxide in the home are similar to natural gas and can be fatal, if unrecognized.
Explosions — The last danger is a risk of a flash fire or explosion. High levels of natural gas are highly sensitive to any electrical current or source of ignition. A simple phone call could cause an explosive reaction.
Identifying a gas leak as soon as possible is very important. Having carbon monoxide or natural gas detectors in the home and being very aware of your senses can make all the difference. Most natural gas leaks smell like rotten eggs. If you smell gas in your home: do not attempt to find the leak and do not call 911 from inside your home!
Immediately leave the area and make the call to Houston emergency plumbing services or 911 from there. Do not underestimate the danger of natural gas. Any electrical activity can set off an explosion – especially when you don’t know the severity of the leak!
To be clear, burning natural gas in the home is a safe and common practice, as long as safety standards are met. However, it’s best to take precautions in case of an emergency and to be aware, even if gas leaks are not common! Plumbing services such as Air Tech can provide a team of trusted professionals to inspect and repair your gas lines to ensure the highest safety for your home.
The best way to combat potential gas leaks is to schedule gas line inspections. In some instances, inspections are even required in Houston. For example, renovating or adding on to your home, selling your home or adding gas appliances to your home often require gas line inspections.
During inspections, licensed plumbers, who are trained in leak detection, have the chance to identify any corrosion, damage and future leak risks before they happen. They can also ensure your gas appliances are all hooked up to natural gas lines properly to avoid a leak risk at the connections.
If your gas lines do leak or need other repairs, a professional plumber must be connected to make the repairs. This is definitely a job that Houston homeowners cannot attempt on their own! It is very important to ensure that a licensed professional analyzes and fixes problems in your gas lines. Air Tech can provide a natural gas line inspection and provide any needed gas line repair. In addition, we’re able to install new fittings or new lines as needed.
Natural gas is a wonderful energy option, but proper care and caution should be used to maintain it safely. Schedule your gas line inspection today to ensure the safety of your home and family! Your sewer line also shouldn’t be neglected if you want to avoid a stressful mess. Make sure you’re confident in the health of your sewer line with a sewer line inspection today! Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing is here to help the people of Houston. That means your sewer and gas line services are covered by the pros!