What is it that runs behind your walls to put power in your furnace, water heater and stove? Can you tell when a gas line is giving you trouble before matters get out of hand? And do you give any thought to the science and history in the pipes you are using on a daily basis?
We at All Clear Plumbing and Drain Service have been putting homeowners in Central Maryland in the know about their home systems since 2000. From our Laurel, MD base as a family operation we put in work in North Laurel, Columbia, Silver Spring, Rockville and all points in between. Should you want to talk with us about your gas lines, the number is (301) 973-6278.
For the most part, gas lines are not on anyone’s mind until there is an issue. Yet there is much to be aware of, some of it quite interesting. We would like to put forward a couple of fun facts we think every homeowner in the area should know.
A Case of Natural Gas Being Odorless
It comes as a surprise to many that natural gas has no smell to it. The odor of rotten eggs one puts down to a leak is not the gas; you are smelling mercaptan, a chemical the gas companies put in by design. A leak you can put your nose to is preferable to one you cannot. The strong scent is there to make sure you are made aware of it, and nothing else.
Older Than One Would Imagine
There is more to the story of gas piping than most appreciate. Back in the 1800s, well ahead of the advent of electricity, cities were making use of gas for lighting. It was gas flames that lit up homes and streets over a hundred years ago. While the technology has become far more efficient and safe in modern times, the principle of conveying fuel via pipe is an old one. Your present day gas line is the result of some very time tested engineering.
The Material Makes a Difference
You will find different metals doing different work in gas piping. In the course of the years the following have seen use in homes:
- Black iron pipe, a decades long standard
- Galvanized steel in older set ups
- Copper for some applications
- Corrugated stainless steel tubing as a flexible contemporary alternative
- Plastic for the underground lines outside
And each has its own requirements for maintenance. In Ellicott City or Annapolis you may come across something in an older house that is not what is put in these days.
Sneaky Small Leaks
While a major leak does not go unnoticed, smaller ones are slow and unassuming. Homeowners are apt to overlook things such as a hissing from a connection, a sulfur tinge near an appliance, or a plant withering by an underground line. Then there is the unexplained uptick in the gas bill, or headaches and dizziness within the house. Do not dismiss any of it. Get out and put in a call. You can reach our team at (301) 973-6278 around the clock.
More to a Gas Line Than the Stove
Natural gas is often equated with the range in the kitchen, but it is doing heavy duty work elsewhere in the home as well, in the form of a fireplace, clothes dryer, pool heater or even an outdoor grill. A problem with the line can have repercussions in several areas, so it is well to understand the interconnection of these systems.
It is good to have this knowledge. Beyond being a bit of trivia it goes some way to ensuring the safety of your family and enables you to spot trouble early on. We have a thorough familiarity with the region and the homes here, having been at it since 2000. If you have any misgivings about the plumbing in your home, be it in Bowie or right here in Laurel, do not put it off. Call All Clear Plumbing and Drain Service at (301) 973-6278. We are on hand 24/7 to see that your home is running as it should.