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Most homeowners know how to detect a gas leak, as most gas companies will inject some type of strong odour into the gas. If you ever smell sulphur are rotten eggs in your home, there’s a good chance that there’s a leak somewhere. Once you notice that there’s a chance that there’s a leak, you should contact a plumber or a plumbing company immediately, as a leak can be very dangerous.
But, what if the gas company forgot to add a scent to the gas? Or, what if you simply don’t notice the smell?
Fortunately, there are many other signs of a gas leak that you can look for. This article will look at five of the less obvious signs in more detail. It’s important to know that these are merely signs that you should look for. They do not give you a definitive answer, especially if you only noticed one sign. If you’re concerned about a leak, you should always speak to a professional and conduct a leak detection survey.
#1. A Change in Vegetation
If you’re not a gardener or someone who spends a lot of time in your yard, you may have no idea what the vegetation in your front yard or backyard looks like. However if you are a gardener or if you simply like to admire nature, then you may be able to easily pick up when there are changes in vegetation. Changes in the vegetation may be a sign that there’s a slow below-ground gas leak present.
It’s important to keep in mind that gas leaks can both improve or deteriorate the vegetation. The differences can be caused by the type of soil that you have in your home, the type of vegetation and plants that you have around, the environment, the climate and the duration and volume of the leak.
#2. The Presence of Insects
If you notice that there’s an increase in insect activity around your home, there may also be a leak. This is because many insects actually like the smell of the gas odorant. Other insects may migrate to the area of the leakage because of microbial breakdown of some of the gases.
You want to pay special attention if you notice heavy insect activity around the regulator, the gas meter or the riser. If you think that there’s something suspicious, you should always call a plumber. Some of the more common insects and bugs that you will see near a leak are flies, spiders and roaches. They typically congregate around these areas in no time and can be difficult to get rid of.
#3. Fungus-Like Growth
If you notice something that looks like fungus growing in the valve boxes, the manholes or other areas near the pipeline, you may want to check for a gas leak. In general, these microbes like to live in an environment that has as little oxygen as possible. Many areas with leaks will be able to satisfy these requirements. Due to this reason, many microbes are able to thrive in these areas.
These fungus will usually look white or grayish white. They look like a coating of frost that you would see on your car in the morning of a cold winter day. If you notice any fungus like growth, you should contact a plumber immediately. You should never try to solve the problem yourself because the fungus may be a safety hazard. It’s also important to note that you should never enter a manhole or some other type of confined space without testing the oxygen levels and gas concentration present in the area.
#4. Hissing Sounds
If gas is escaping from the pipes, you should be able to hear where the leaks are located. In general, you want to start to look for a hissing sound at a bad connection, a fractured or at a corrosion pit. You may also hear them hiss in other areas of the plumbing. If you have identified where the hissing noise is coming from, we’ll be able to fix the problem almost immediately with as little downtime as possible.
The sound of the leak can actually tell you a lot about it. You can tell how large the leak is, the type of gas that is being discharged and other types of information that can help you determine how easily it is to fix the leak.
#5. Soap Solutions
Last but not least, a very interesting thing that you can do to look for a gas leak is to spray a soap solution on the riser, the meter and any exposed pipes. If you don’t have a bottle with a nozzle cap, you can also brush the solution onto your pipes. If there is a gas leak, you should notice extensive bubbling in certain areas. This is the gas trying to escape from the pipeline once and for all.
It’s important to keep your eye on the bottom of the pipe, as this is where most of the leaks are located. There is plenty of equipment that can help you confirm your findings. Most plumbers in Hollywood, FL will recommend getting a professional audit as soon as possible.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Fort Lauderdale for Gas Leaks
Do you suspect that you have a gas leak in your home? Or, do you think they need additional plumbing services?
Regardless of what it is that you need, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Fort Lauderdale has got you covered. We serve many areas in Fort Lauderdale, including Hollywood, FL. Our plumbers are always on time and can help you make more informed purchasing decisions. They’ll also help you assess the situation to determine whether any new threats will emerge with time depending on the decisions that you make today.
Our plumbers are great at what they do. They’re passionate, licensed and insured and can help you deal with the situation at hand. Give them a call and learn more about what they can offer.
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