Most homes in Federal Way have at least one natural gas line to help power one or more appliances. Whether it’s a gas stove, a water heater, fireplace, or furnace, these gas lines are often vital to the functioning of homes in this area. Especially during the winter months, having reliable gas lines for your fireplace or water heater can be the difference between comfort and misery. These lines may fail over time, especially if they were installed a long time ago or done carelessly. Meanwhile even if your existing gas lines are working fine, if you’re considering adding new gas appliances that aren’t currently in your home, you will need new gas lines run to power your new stove or furnace as homes rarely have extra, unused gas lines just waiting for a new appliance. We’ll help get your existing lines repaired or replaced, and can help you run new lines wherever you’d like, in accordance with King County safety requirements.
If you’re in an older Federal Way home or have had several individuals using gas appliances each day, the gas lines may have come under additional stress and be close to failing. There are some important indicators to keep in mind that may mean that a gas line has failed or is about to, which we recommend all homeowners be aware of and occasionally check. Ignoring the tell tale signs of a gas line leak is very dangerous, so here are the top ways to know if something is awry.
GAS LINE INSTALLATION FEDERAL WAY
Here are some of the most common ways that a gas leak will reveal itself.
Rotten egg smell. While natural gas is odorless normally, to help make sure that it’s easy to recognize a gas leak it will always have the substance Mercaptan added to it. This substance emits a nasty smell that is instantly recognizable, and many describe it as a rotten egg smell. While this smell is unpleasant, it is an excellent giveaway if something is wrong with your gas line. If you smell this odor in your home, turn off your gas line right away.
Hissing sound. Do you hear an unexplained hissing sound in your home? Try to find the source of the sound, and if it is in the area of a gas appliance it may mean that a gas line connected to the appliance has a crack or open spot. The appliance itself may also be failing, but it may require having someone come out and check to verify. Either way, we recommend turning off your gas right away whether it’s the gas line or appliance itself. Most likely a leak like this would also come with the rotten egg odor discussed previously, but when in doubt it’s safest to shut off the gas anyway.
Rusting or corroding lines. While a rusty gas line may not be failing yet, seeing rust means that it’s on the way to breaking down. For rust to develop moisture must be getting into the gas line, and this will only worsen over time if conditions don’t change. You may still have years of life in a gas line with rust left, but it’s a ticking clock as eventually the rust will create at least a small opening in the gas line. If you notice rusty lines but no gas smell, we would recommend having someone inspect the lines to determine when they should be replaced.
INSTALL GAS LINE FEDERAL WAY
Why Should I Install a Gas Line?
Availability
Gas service delivered through underground lines does not stop working when the power goes down. Even if a storm or natural events knock out electricity, your home will still have gas for heating and cooking.
Good for Cooking
Cooks tend to like gas stoves because the flame is immediately responsive when it is turned up or down. Unlike electric stoves, gas stoves don’t retain on the burners after the flame has been reduced.
Energy Efficient
Natural gas has a 92% efficiency rate—three times more efficient than the dirtiest form of electricity production, coal. Electricity loses power over the transmission lines. Only 26% to 38% of the electricity generated actually makes it to your house. With natural gas, though, 100% of the energy ends up at your house.
Variety of Uses
Natural gas is most frequently used around the home for heating and cooking. But it can also be used to power air conditioners. A natural gas line can be run to a fireplace for clean-burning fires in the winter. Outdoor fire pits can be run off of natural gas, too.
Can I Install a Gas Line Myself?
No, installing a gas line is not a do-it-yourself project. If you don’t have a professional technician, like one of those from Dear Services, install your gas line, you are likely to encounter problems that place yourself and those in your home in danger.
Is Electric Cheaper Than Gas?
When it comes to deciding how to power your home and its appliances, your monthly energy bill budget is likely a big consideration. As such, it’s important to know that historically natural gas has been a cheaper option than electricity to heat a home and power its appliances.
How Deep Should Gas Lines Be Buried?
Generally speaking, gas lines are installed 18-24 inches below the ground. However, different climates and home systems may require a line to be installed at a different depth.
Mainline Plumbing is your best choice for gas line installation and repairs in Federal Way. Call (253) 303-5595 today!