If you need some work done on your home’s natural gas pipes, you might be wondering what kind of service company you should call. Did you know that some plumbers work on gas lines as well as wastewater and water supply pipes? Not only do many of them do this kind of work regularly, but they’re some of the only people you should trust to do it. Keep reading to learn why.
Safety
Natural gas is a hazardous material that can only be safely handled by a professional. Depending on where it is and how extensive the problem is, a leak in the gas lines in your home could expose your family to fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. CO poisoning is especially dangerous because there are often no warning signs until the gas concentration has risen to dangerous levels.
Luckily, licensed plumbers know a thing or two about how to prevent leaky pipes. There are some unique considerations involved in designing and installing pipes meant to transport gas instead of fluids, but many of the same concepts apply. You can trust these professionals to keep your home’s gas pipes properly sealed and safe to use, especially if you have them perform regular maintenance on those pipes over the years.
Compliance
According to Ontario Regulation 210/01, all natural gas systems in residential and commercial buildings located within the province must be installed, designed, and maintained by licensed professionals. If you violate this law, you could be fined tens of thousands of dollars. Plumbers with natural gas training and associated licensing count as qualified professionals.
In addition to legal requirements, you’ll also have to contend with insurance hurdles. Insurers won’t cover homes with DIY gas systems installed in them. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had the same policy for years – the instant an unqualified person works on your gas lines, that policy is void. Your insurer won’t cover any damages related to your home’s natural gas supply, including any damages to other people’s homes or medical bills and wage replacement for anyone who gets injured.
Efficiency
Gas, like water, needs adequate pressure to reach the endpoints of a pipe network. The more bends and detours a system of gas lines has, the more likely it is to require more gas to achieve the desired result. Size is also a concern. If a pipe is too large, some of the gas inside it will be wasted. If it’s too small, it won’t deliver enough gas to properly run the appliances it’s connected to.
Licensed plumbers know how to arrange gas pipes to promote optimal flow, minimizing the number of bends that the gas must pass through. They also know how large the pipes need to be to deliver enough fuel for their intended purpose. They’ll design a gas pipe network that does exactly what you need it to do without wasting fuel or compromising on power.
Get Safe and Reliable Natural Gas Lines Through Us
Not every plumber holds the correct licenses to work on gas lines, but several members of our team here at Fowler Plumbing do. Contact us today and get expert help installing, maintaining, or upgrading your Windsor home’s natural gas delivery network.