Prevent Plumbing Emergencies in Storm Season
With the sun, sea and sand at its best on our beautiful Gold Coast, emergency gas repairs are the farthest things from most people’s minds this Christmas. But gas leaks can happen anytime. We explain what to do in an emergency. Also, what you need to know to maintain your gas appliances. This can help to prevent a costly and inconvenient emergency over the festive season.
Gas is highly combustible, so a gas leak can present a danger in the home. Mostly, it presents a health risk. Gas emits carbon monoxide which can make you and the people in your home unwell. The potential for sickness depends on the size of the leak, and the level of ventilation in your home.
Where Can Leaks Occur?
When it comes to gas leaks on the Gold Coast, emergency gas repairs can be needed for a number of reasons, depending on where you live. If you have natural gas, leaks can occur around the gas line in your street. They can also be from pipes leading to appliances in your home. This can be from tree roots or movement in the soil. Leaks can also occur from pipes leading from LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) bottles into appliances. Many times it is from the appliance itself. This could come from shoddy installation. Or simply, can be due to deterioration of the seal around the appliance, or hose connections.
What Should I Do If I Smell Gas in My Home?
In the summer months, people may not use their heaters, oven or other gas appliances as often. So a leak could go undetected. But come Christmas day when the turkey is roasting, that can be the time many people begin to smell gas around the home.
In the event you smell it at your home you should:
- Turn off all your gas appliances and pilot lights.
- Turn off your gas supply at the meter, by rotating the valve 90 degrees to a horizontal angle.
- Open your doors and windows as much as possible to allow air to circulate. If you are in an apartment, or for some other reason you can’t open your windows, it’s important to vacate the building.
- Should you smell the leak at the main or on your street, you should call 1800 GAS LEAK to have the main supply repaired.
- If the leak is coming from somewhere on your property (most likely) you should call your Gold Coast emergency gas repairs service to repair it.
To prevent possible combustion, you should never ever:
- Try and detect the leak yourself with a flame
- Use electrical appliances or tools next to the leak, or even turn on lights or use a telephone around the leak.
- Smoke or light a match around the gas leak
Gold Coast Emergency Gas Repairs Covered
If you do happen to experience an emergency, you should call a licensed tradesperson who specialises in gas fitting. Plumb Perfection are licensed gas fitters available for plumbing and gas emergencies of all kinds over the Christmas period. We provide a 24/7 service for leaks, blocked drains, burst water pipes and everything in between. Our prompt service means you can get your Christmas back in the swing again as soon as possible.
What Can I Do to Prevent a Christmas Disaster?
It is much easier, and safer, to prevent a problem before it happens. Check your appliances. Older appliances can be silently falling apart or produce black marks which can indicate a problem. A yellow or orange coloured flame from your stovetop can also mean you are losing gas (it should be a vivid blue flame). Likewise, if your pilot light goes out often, this is also a sign to get it checked out. A preventative measure is to get your licensed gas fitter to check over appliances regularly. They can detect any gas leaks. They can also advise you if or when appliances should be replaced or repaired to prevent them occurring in the first place.
Will I Always Smell Gas Leaking?
You may not always smell gas leaking, especially if it has been a slow leak. You can also get used to it around the home. If you suspect a leak, it’s always advisable to have a licensed professional check it out.
If you have an emergency or simply want a safety check, contact Plumb Perfection on 1300 368 009 24/7.
Related posts
