We don’t normally think about our home’s gas line. Afterall, most reliably deliver gas to our homes decade after decade without issue. However, gas lines do not last forever. They should last at least 30 years, and many last much longer than that. However, they can break down. And, when they do, they can cause serious problems. Here is what you should know about your home’s gas line.

Signs Your Gas Line Should Be Replaced

Gas lines can often be repaired, but there are circumstances where they should be replaced. Here are some signs that you should:

  • Major leaks: A small gas leak can be repaired. Major leaks may call for replacing the whole line. Also, if your line keeps getting small leaks, that may also mean the whole pipe is compromised and needs to be replaced.
  • Dead landscaping: Major leaks will often kill the plants around them. If a whole section of your garden has died mysteriously, you may want to look into your gas line.
  • Bubbling: Another unusual sign of a major gas leak is bubbling. After a puddle has gathered in your yard, the gas might bubble up through the water. This is a sure sign some kind of gas is escaping the ground in your property.
  • Fires and explosions: The unfortunate potential results of gas line problems, a fire or an explosion both may destroy your gas line. It would be best if you replaced it after any major incident like this.
  • Construction: Nearby construction equipment, even sometimes the comparatively small equipment used to dig a pool, can shift the ground and rupture your home’s gas line. In this case, it should be replaced.
  • Earthquakes: Earthquakes can also shift the ground and rupture your gas line or put serious pressure on it. If you’ve had an earthquake you may need to replace your gas line, and potentially other pipes.
  • Disturbed ground: Even if you have not seen the construction equipment or some other cause of major ground movement, disturbed ground is still cause for concern. You should get a gas line inspection if your property has signs of disruption.
  • Gas bills: If your gas bill is higher than it should be, that may because of a leak. The severity of the leak will determine if the line needs repair or just replacement.
  • Appliance failure: Are you having trouble with your gas-powered appliances? They may not be getting the full supply of gas that they need. Major leaks can cause appliances to fail to start.

Gas Line Inspections

When you suspect you have these kinds of major problems with your gas line, you should not inspect it yourself. Gas leaks, fires and explosions are very dangerous. Plumbing professionals can do the work of looking into the line for you and let you know if it needs major repairs or replacement.

It is also wise to get your gas line inspected every two to three years. That way, the professional can spot potential problems with the line before they turn into safety concerns.