A gas line inspection refers to a home maintenance service where a trained professional checks the quality and wear of gas-operated appliances and equipment.

These include gas lines and vents, chimneys or ovens, heaters and boilers.

An inspector might find blockages, clogs or worn parts that may be susceptible to leakage. You may be offered the opportunity to have these parts cleaned and replaced by a service. These are the steps for a typical gas inspection.

  • Visually inspect all gas appliances
  • Check the safety devices on your appliances
  • Record-setting gas rate and burner pressure in all appliances
  • Verify that the appliance is safe to use in the designated room
  • Inspect the vents and check for any blockages in the air supply.
  • Measuring the pressure and flow of gas through lines
  • Verify for leaks

During the inspection you are free to ask questions of your inspector. Also, voice any concerns about your gas safety or the condition of your home. You will then receive a written record from the inspector of all inspections performed that day.

What length is a gas inspection?

The average gas line inspection takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour. However, it all depends on the property being inspected. The technician should let you know if they are making any repairs that could take longer than expected.

If you need to be present during an inspection, make sure to double-check with the inspector. Most inspections can be completed without the homeowner.

When should gas lines be inspected?

Homeowners should schedule annual gas line inspections to make sure all gas appliances work properly. This will help avoid any accidents. Renters are legally required to have a gas inspection certificate annually to ensure their tenants safety.

In certain cases, the responsibility for inspecting gas lines may fall on tenants. Before you move into your new home, ensure that the gas line inspection was completed within the agreed time frame.

Inspections should be scheduled in the summer, when gas heating concerns are not at their peak. Most inspectors are busy during winter with customers who require their heating appliances to be checked. You can schedule a summer inspection with more flexibility and a possible lower price.

What do I do if my house is leaked?

If you notice sulfur or rotten eggs in your home, you should immediately call a technician. Natural gas is colorless, odorless, and many gas providers include a chemical called mercaptan which gives the gas a strong smell to help detect and fix a leak quickly.

You can also hear gas leaks from nearby pipes and dead plants. Underground gas lines may also have unexpected dirt being pushed up from beneath the ground.

Do not use any device that might spark natural gas if you suspect you may have a leak. Natural gases are flammable and could ignite. These devices include light switches as well telephones and cellphones.

You should immediately evacuate your family members, pets and household from the area. Call your local gas company and turn off the gas to stop the leak. You should call a repair company to examine the source of the leak and make repairs.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

While gas leaks might not be obvious in all cases, they can have a serious impact on the health of pets and people.

Animals have more senses than people, so chemicals in the atmosphere can affect them faster. A leak may indicate that your pets have a problem.

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Gagging
  • A loss of appetite
  • Strange behavior

Exposure to too many natural gas can lead to illness. If someone is experiencing symptoms, it is vital to get medical attention as soon as possible. CO poisoning symptoms often look similar to the flu, but with no high temperatures. It is possible that there may be a leak if this happens in multiple members of the household at once. These symptoms are:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Memory problems
  • Loss of balance
  • Vision impairment
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

The more CO exposure a person has, the worse their symptoms will be. The effects of CO gas are stronger in people who have heart problems or respiratory problems. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to the gas. Therefore, it is essential that regular inspections be performed on all homes with such appliances. As an additional precaution, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that each floor be equipped with a carbon-monoxide detector to protect against unexpected leaks in between inspections.