Many homeowners think that all gas lines can last for the same length of time no matter how they are constructed. However, that is not true because some of the materials used to make the pipes found in older homes, such as cast iron or bare steel tubing, deteriorate quickly. They do not last as long as the pipes that are more commonly found in modern dwellings. Though black steel pipelines maintained in dry conditions can thrive well for longer than 70 years, the newer and more flexible gas lines, such as CSST, will fall apart quicker when encountering strong storms or are inadequately installed. Even though a home may appear modern and contain several recent upgrades, this does not mean that the gas lines are in the best shape as the original piping may still be in place. Here are three interesting facts about gas lines that you likely don’t know.
1. Tree Roots and Shifting Soil Can Break Underground Gas Lines
What occurs beneath the surface does not always remain buried, especially when something is wrong. A startling reality about fuel lines is how substantially Mother Nature can disrupt them. Tree roots do not stop expanding solely because a pipe is blocking them. After some time, roots can exert pressure on the gas lines that are nearest to them. In some cases, this can even cause them to split entirely.
And it’s not just roots that can cause trouble for homeowners. Soil moves too. Rainfall, development, or a modest earthquake can shift the ground only enough to stress the pipelines.
2. Some Gas Leaks Are Almost Impossible to Smell Right Away
You may think that you can always detect a gas leak because you will smell a rotten egg aroma. This is not always the case. It is true that gas companies add this chemical agent to make leaks easier to detect as gas itself has no smell. But if you become nose blind to it, you may not even realize there is even a problem before it is too late. Also, if the leaks are small, it can take days or even weeks before they become clearer.
3. Old Connections Can Fail Without Warning
Gas connections are not just about piping itself. The joints that link stoves, heaters, and other appliances to supply lines and their associated valves can deteriorate over decades through corrosion and wear. A home that has been around for some time may have fittings that are on the brink of failure. Even a simple activity like moving a water heater or stove a few inches can twist those joints past their limits, which can cause gas leaks.
To keep your gas lines in top shape, you must schedule an annual inspection. During these appointments, technicians use tools like pressure gauges and cameras to probe pipelines. If they find a problem, they fix it before disaster strikes. If you need a gas line inspection in the Central GA and FL Panhandle area, do not delay in calling the team at We Care Heating & Air Conditioning.
