Gas Line Services in Houston | Nick’s Plumbing

Gas Line Replacement

Jeff O'Hara — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 08:04:18 +0000

Professional Gas Line Replacement in Houston

Natural gas service in our Houston homes in not merely a convenience, it is a necessity.

We often ignore our gas lines until they cause a problem. Damage to gas lines can occur when installing or relocating a gas appliance. Normal wear and tear, weather, rodents and other critters can cause damage to your gas lines, requiring the services of the licensed, insured gas line replacement in Houston specialists of Nick’s Plumbing Service.

From cooking and doing laundry to providing heat and hot water for bathing, our gas lines fuel our lifestyles. Gas leaks are a dangerous situation and should only be repaired by licensed gas line replacement in Houston.

If you suspect that you have a gas leak in your home, first, get everyone out of the house. Then call your natural gas service provider to turn off the gas supply. Next, call the experts at Nick’s Plumbing Service.

Your natural gas service provider is responsible for the gas line from the street, up to and including your gas meter. Any work on the “house-side” of the meter is the responsibility of the homeowner, and requires the expertise of a licensed, professional gas line replacement in Houston.

Installing or repairing gas lines will require a certain amount of due diligence on the part of the homeowner. A simple leak can possibly be repaired by replacing a single section of pipe. Larger jobs may require the acquisition of permits and create the need for inspection before restoring service.

Repair of gas lines can be a daunting task. Home owners should never attempt to repair or replace gas lines themselves. Additionally, a gas line problem should not be ignored. Sometimes many gas line problems require a complete professional gas line replacement in Houston to fully repair.

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Gas Line Repair

Jeff O'Hara — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 07:48:52 +0000

Professional Gas Line Repair in Houston

The modern American home relies on natural gas for so many daily activities, it’s easy to take it for granted. Hot water for cooking, showering and doing your laundry, not to mention the heat pumping from your furnace, are all courtesy of modern natural gas service.

Appliances like stoves and water heaters that run on natural gas are more efficient and cost less to run than their electrical counterparts. While natural gas service offers incredible convenience and generally worry-free operation, like any other pipe, your gas lines can develop leaks.

The biggest misconception about natural gas leaks is that you’ll always know about them when they notice that “rotten egg” smell. While that smell is the cause for most of the calls that we get related to gas line repair, it is possible for you to have a gas leak and not notice it, despite the odor. Gas leaks outside of your home near the meter, or beneath a pier and beam foundation can be masked the wind.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A GAS LEAK?

By design, the first clue that you have a gas leak is that familiar “rotten egg” smell, created by a chemical called mercaptan. When mercaptan is added to the odorless natural gas it releases sulfur when exposed to oxygen. The release of the sulfur is how we become aware of the presence of gas leaks in our homes.

Aside from the smell, which doesn’t always accompany a gas leak, there are also physical symptoms to be aware of like sudden headaches, dizziness, nausea, and trouble breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, either with or without the smell of a gas leak, treat it as an emergency.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A GAS LEAK

The first thing you should do if you suspect a gas leak is to grab your cell phone and head outdoors. Try to open as many windows as you can on the way out and leave the door open when you exit the home. By allowing air to circulate through the house, you cut down on the amount of gas that is present, which decreases the potential for an explosion.

Now that you’re safely outside and at least one hundred feet away from the home, use your cellphone to call 9-1-1 and report the gas leak. This will alert the closest local gas provider employee to come and turn off the gas supply to your home at the gas meter.

Now that the drama is over, and everyone is safe, you still have a gas leak to deal with. The worst part is the gas company will not turn your gas back on without documentation that the leak has been repaired.

Your second call should be to a licensed and experienced plumbing company that knows their way around gas line repair and gas line installation.

YOU MUST USE A LICENSED PLUMBER FOR GAS LINE REPAIR IN TEXAS

According to the current state of Texas plumbing licensing laws, only a licensed plumber can perform gas line repair. We get a lot of calls in our office from confused customers who were referred to a plumbing company by their natural gas provider. People don’t necessarily associate plumbers with gas line installation and repair, but that’s one of their many specialties.

REASONS TO CALL NICK’S PLUMBING FOR YOUR GAS LINE REPAIR

Nick’s Plumbing Service operates fifteen fully stocked trucks and employs only experienced, licensed and background-checked plumbing technicians.
Nick’s Plumbing Service offers cost evaluations as well as second opinions for all your gas line repair and gas line installation needs.
Nick’s Plumbing Service has been performing all types of gas line repair, gas line installation and gas line maintenance since 1979.
You’re going to need a professional plumbing company to do your gas line repair, trust Nick’s Plumbing Service to get your gas line installation done right the first time.
Nick’s Plumbing Service has a reputation backed by over 700 five-star reviews on Google and over one-hundred and fifty-thousand satisfied customers.

Listen, gas line repair is not something the average homeowner can anticipate the need for. Regular gas line inspections can make you aware of gas leaks you didn’t know you had, as well as locate problem areas that have the potential to become gas leaks.

After over forty years in business, Nick’s wants to be your plumbing company.

When you need a gas line inspection, gas line repair, or any gas line installation, call the experts at Nick’s Plumbing Service.

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Gas Line Installation

Jeff O'Hara — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 07:41:55 +0000

Professional Gas Line Installation in Houston

Your dreams of curling up by a warm fireplace or cooking on your new six-burner gas stove are on the verge of becoming a reality – as soon as you install your new gas line, that is.

Hopefully, you know this is not your average “do-it-yourself” type of home project. Gas line installation is one of the more labor-intensive and skill-intensive home improvement projects you can undertake. In truth, this type of project is too dangerous to attempt by yourself. Plus, a DIY gas project will certainly not pass a final safety inspection.

If you want a gas line installation at your Houston home, you need a local and established plumbing company – one that can install your new gas lines and appliances while following through on all necessary applications and permits to ensure you pass your gas line inspection. While cost is always a factor in any home improvement decision, it is equally important that the best job possible is done to ensure you won’t experience gas leaks. Safety is paramount when undertaking a job like this.

Who Installs a Gas Line?

Licensed, natural gas line plumbers are the ones you should call for your next gas line project. They install and repair natural gas lines for a variety of home projects such as gas water heaters, HVAC systems, stoves, and pool heaters. And of course, they can repair your existing gas line or replace your gas line.

When most people hear the word plumber, they think about leaky faucets and broken toilets. They only consider calling a plumber when they have a water issue. Yet, there is so much more that plumbers can do and so many areas of specialty.

Licensed gas plumbers, like those at Nick’s Plumbing & AC, have a license that indicates they’re able to install and work on natural gas line plumbing. Ours have years of hands-on experience and take ongoing training to keep up-to-date with the newest trends and technologies in natural gas installation. Plus, they’re experienced in specific gas line projects such as gas line installation for home generators.

Can I Install My Own Gas Line?

No, you cannot. It is illegal in Texas to install, remove, extend, or modify a gas line in any way. Only a licensed plumber can touch gas line plumbing due to the complicated measures it takes to work properly and safely. When it comes to a gas line installation, you should call the professionals.

There is only one exception to that law, and that is if your home is homesteaded. If that’s you, you can add, remove, extend, or modify a gas line to your property. But before you start any work, you must obtain a permit from the local governing authority. Once all work is complete, you must have it inspected by a licensed plumber, such as our plumbers at Nick’s Plumbing & AC.

What Appliances Can My Natural Gas Line Power?

It’s all fine and dandy to say natural gas is one of the most versatile and economical fuel sources used in the home. But if you don’t know what it can power, then there’s no point in changing your home’s source of power.

The following is a brief list of the growing variety of appliances that can enhance your home’s amenities with a gas line installation. And the good news is, you can extend your gas line power throughout your home and into your home’s exterior appliances.

Gas Water Heater

Traditional gas water heaters use a gas burner to heat cold water in a tank. The tankless versions quickly heat cold water on demand as it flows through the heating unit. Gas water heaters have lower running costs than electric water heaters. They’re also able to reheat water faster so you can get the hot water you need, exactly when you need it.

Gas Stove & Oven

Gas stoves and ovens are popular because of their superior cooking and speed-of-light heating capabilities. Unlike their electric stove counterparts, which take a tremendous amount of time to heat up, gas stoves offer instant heat and a visible flame. Your cooking temperature is also easier to adjust because you can see the flame and adjust it to your needs.

Fireplace

Gas log fire heaters give you the warmth and ambiance of a roaring fire with increased energy efficiency and better environmental safety. They burn cleaner, hotter, and safer than wood fires. This allows you to enjoy the beauty, warmth, and light without the mess, maintenance, and smell that accompany a traditional fire.

Outdoor Grill

Should you decide to extend your gas line outdoors, grills and barbecues offer an enjoyable and relaxing alternative to cooking indoors, especially here in Texas. Think of a hot and humid Houston summer where you don’t have to turn on the kitchen stove. Plus, natural gas grills heat rapidly and are safe to use.

Forget having to haul those bulky propane canisters around. With a natural gas line extended outside, you can use a quick-connect outlet to easily supply gas to your grill. This way, you can spend more time entertaining and less time filling gas tanks or waiting for your barbecue to heat it.

Pool Heater

Imagine enjoying your pool year-round with a gas-powered pool heater. Natural gas pool heaters activate only when needed, which helps you save money and energy. They are efficient and safe, but they are also self-diagnostic, which means you can save time on money and maintenance.

Gas Dryers

Picture pulling your warm clothes or blankets out of a dryer that takes half the amount of time, and half the amount of energy. In times of emergency laundry, you’ll be happy to have a gas dryer that dries clothes faster.

Gas dryers will cost more than their electric counterparts, but consider it an upfront investment that will help you save money in the long run. Plus, they’re more environmentally friendly and just as safe.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Gas Line?

Installing, repairing, and replacing a new gas line can range widely in price from $65-$95 per foot, depending on the scope of work. It’s important to note whether you’re switching from electric to gas or adding new appliances to your current setup. It truly is an inexpensive investment that buys you an incredibly efficient way to heat your home, your pool or cook your food.

Simple Cost Breakdown to Install a Gas Line

There are two aspects to installing and repairing gas lines:

labor
materials

Installing and repairing gas pipes is a dangerous job and requires an extensive skill set. A master plumber charges anywhere between $80-$250/hour with an average of $100-$200 per hour. They are the most qualified to install or repair gas lines.

The price of the materials for installing and repairing gas lines has a much broader spectrum. It depends on pipe type, size, location in your home, and the number of turns. A greater number of turns means more fittings are required, which means more cutting, threading, measuring, and installing time for your plumber.

What to Consider Before Gas Line Installation

There are some important things to consider before you get your gas line services started – especially since working with gas can be dangerous. Below we’ve listed the top four things to consider before you begin.

Find The Right Professionals

With a project like a gas line installation, you need to be sure you’re working with the best. Otherwise, you could risk the safety of your home and family due to the dangerous nature of this renovation.

Hiring a licensed and skilled professional like Nick’s Plumbing & AC will ensure that your gas line services are done right the first time. Plus, our plumbers have the tools and knowledge necessary to get the job done and inspect your gas line throughout the process.

Check Your Pipes

Gas pipes can deteriorate over time. This can lead to rust, corrosion, or leaks that could affect your safety and comfort. The first step a professional should take before starting to work on your gas line is checking your pipes. Checking your gas pipes should also be part of your home’s yearly maintenance. This is especially important if you’re living in an older home, built in the 1970s or before. You don’t want your house to be at risk of a significant gas leak.

Gas leaks are no joke, and if you think your home may have a gas leak, contact a gas leak detection specialist right away.

Upgrade Your Appliances

If you’ve taken the time to get your gas lines checked and installed, you should also take the opportunity to add new appliances to your home. If you only have a gas powered stove and oven, why not consider investing in a new gas-powered furnace too? Even a gas-powered dryer is an option.

Talk to your plumber about what kind of other appliances would be well suited to natural gas in your home. Take full advantage of the expertise that you have working for you and update your appliances.

Ready for Your New Gas Line Installation in Houston?

If your wish list contains a gas-powered grill, stove-top and oven, clothes dryer, or an 80-gallon water heater, then it’s time to pick up the phone and call Nick’s Plumbing & AC.

Our professional and experienced master plumbers will help you make your dreams of a gas-powered home a reality. We’ll be able to answer all of your gas line installation questions with our refined skills and knowledge. You’ll rest assured knowing that your installation was completed by Houston’s best.

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Gas Line Inspection

Jeff O'Hara — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 07:28:53 +0000

Professional Gas Line Inspection in Houston

Almost every home has a natural gas connection, and we rely on natural gas for many everyday needs like cooking, bathing, and laundry. With so many more of our appliances using natural gas, the potential for a gas leak is always increasing and can go undetected, unless you know the signs to look for.

Usually, the first indication of a gas leak is the “rotten egg” smell we are all familiar with – but what about leaks outside or underneath your home? These are harder to detect without a gas line inspection, and you may not notice any physical symptoms (like nausea and dizziness), but they still need to be addressed as quickly as possible with a gas line inspection in Houston.

The best preventative measure you can take for your gas line plumbing is to have annual gas line inspections performed. It will protect you, your family, and your home.

Why Do a Gas Line Inspection?

When you get regular, annual gas line inspections done on your home, you’re ensuring not only the safety of yourself and your family, but also preventing damage to your gas lines later on.

Prevention is the best medicine, as they say. When it comes to gas testing and safety, this couldn’t be more true. Gas lines can become damaged and erode over time, so keeping on top of gas line inspection is very important.

When Do I Need a Gas Line Inspection?

The general rule of thumb is that you should have a gas line inspection performed annually, particularly for your gas appliances. This means getting a licensed plumbing company to perform an inspection on your gas piping once per year as a preventative measure.

However, if you notice any of the following, it’s important to call a licensed plumber straight away.

You Suspect a Leak

If you suddenly notice the presence of a rotten egg odor in your home, or there have been unexplained, increased energy costs on your bills, you should get a gas line inspection done as soon as possible. This could be a sign of a leak in your gas line, which can be very dangerous.

Keep an eye out for physical symptoms as well. If you suddenly begin feeling nauseous, dizzy, or light-headed out of nowhere, and have difficulty breathing or lethargy, there could be a gas leak. Get outside immediately and call for an emergency gas line inspection.

If you believe that you have a gas leak, you’ll need to call a licensed plumber to conduct a gas leak detection

Your Service Has Been Interrupted

If your natural gas service has been interrupted by the gas company for more than six months, an inspection by a licensed plumbing company will have to be performed before service is restored.

Your Grass Has Dead Patches

Yellow or brown grass along the path of a natural gas line is an indication that you have an underground gas leak and need to have your gas line repaired.

The grass is dying due to a lack of oxygen in the plant’s roots, which is displaced by the natural gas. Even slow-growing trees with smaller-than-typical leaves could be a sign of an underground gas leak.

You Notice Yellow or Orange Flames

You’re most likely to discover this while using a gas range or cooktop, where gas-fueled flames are easier to see than a water heater pilot light. When using a gas range, the exposed flame should burn blue, with only a tint of yellow or orange.

Gas flames that burn with a mostly orange or yellow hue is a sign that oxygen is being introduced to the gas supply. If oxygen is getting into your gas lines, that also means gas is leaking somewhere in your system, and it’s time for a gas line inspection.

Who Can Do a Gas Line Inspection?

Only a licensed plumber who specializes in gas service line inspections should be performing your gas line inspection. Working with gas can be very dangerous, which is why it’s important to leave gas line leak tests and repairs to the professionals.

Not to mention, working with appliances requires knowledge of a lot of moving parts. Natural gas appliances should be inspected and repaired only by licensed plumbing companies. At Nick’s Plumbing, we have the experience and expertise to conduct residential gas line inspections, gas line replacements, and more.

What Does a Gas Line Inspection Include?

When Nick’s Plumbing performs your annual gas line inspection, we first check all of your exposed gas lines for signs of leaks, such as corrosion or kinks. Each gas appliance in your home, along with their fittings and connections, get inspected and tested for proper operation as well.

After that, the gas service is temporarily shut off and a gas safety inspection is conducted to test gas lines for leaks while under pressure. For a home gas inspection, normal pressure is anywhere from 2-5 psi (pounds per square inch). Gas line and all connections are pressure tested at 10-15 psi.

Once the lines are pressurized, they are monitored to ensure the pressure remains constant for at least 10 minutes. When all lines and appliances have passed these tests, your gas testing is complete.

Gas Line Inspection Cost

If you’re doing an annual gas line inspection (and you should be!), the good news is that it will only cost you around $400-$700. This includes the gas line pressure test.

However, if you need a technician to come out due to a leak and perform a test and gas leak repair, you’re going to be looking at a visit costing anywhere between $400 and $1100. It really depends on the severity of the gas line leak and whether or not you need a gas line replacement.

Schedule Your Annual Gas Line Inspection in Houston with Nick’s Plumbing

A residential gas line inspection is a fast and easy way to ensure your home is safe. Call Nick’s Plumbing for any gas line plumbing needs or concerns you may have. We have experts available in-office to advise you by phone, and technicians available to provide cost evaluations and second opinions on your gas line inspection in Houston.

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Gas Leak Detection

Jeff O'Hara — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 07:21:55 +0000

Professional Gas Leak Detection in Houston

As you probably know, an unattended gas line leak can be a very big problem. Gas leaks can lead to a build-up of natural gas in your home, which can result in an explosion. They can also cause health issues, high gas bills, and other things you don’t want to deal with.

Gas leak detection can be difficult. Natural gas is actually colorless and odorless, making leaks hard to detect. That’s why we suggest calling us for your professional gas leak detection in Houston – especially when your family’s safety is on the line.

What Causes a Gas Leak?

While natural gas leaks are rare, it’s important you’re informed about them to prevent dangerous scenarios. Many things can cause a gas line to leak, so being aware is key to preventing an emergency.

Wear and Tear

All of your home’s gas lines, fittings, flex hoses, and connections are subject to wear and tear. Over time, the parts of your gas line can deteriorate. Extreme heat and cold also cause gas lines to crack due to expansion and contraction. Having your gas lines inspected by a licensed plumber is a great way to be sure that nothing is corroding, rusting, or breaking.

Your Appliances

Gas line leaks are most often caused by poorly maintained or fitted pipe fittings or appliances. Usually, the gas hose leading from the machine is not fitted correctly, which causes a slow and steady leak. If your appliances are older, they should be serviced regularly by an experienced gas equipment engineer to ensure they aren’t leaking.

Inadequate Piping

Inadequate piping underneath your home can also be the source of a gas leak as it can become faulty and erode over time. They can even disconnect by themselves or because of unruly tree roots, a severe storm, or even an earthquake. Once your piping is disconnected or offset, gas will slowly seep into your home.

Signs You Might Have a Gas Leak

Gas lines are incredibly dangerous and should not be tampered with by a person who is not professional. The risks of gas leaks can be very high, and the dangers of creating a fire are even higher. The following are a few of the most prominent signs that you’ve got a gas leak on your hands.

1. Rotten Egg Smell

Natural gas in its natural state is odorless. But for safety purposes, utility companies add that rotten egg odor to it for easier gas leak detection. If you notice this smell in your home, you should leave immediately and call your natural gas provider.

2. Hissing Sound

If you hear a hissing sound from the gas line, that means you have a gas leak. In fact, if you can hear it, that means it’s a substantial leak and you should evacuate your home as quickly as possible. Once you’re safely away from the house, call your natural gas provider and alert them to the problem. They will advise you about what to do next.

3. Health Issues

Long-term exposure to gas leaks can cause health concerns such as headaches, nausea, difficulty or irregular breathing, fatigue, dizziness, and even flu-like symptoms. If you and other members of your family have these symptoms and they are ongoing with no explanation, it’s worth calling your gas company and investigating a gas leak.

4. Dead Plants

An underground gas leak is harder to detect than one inside your home. Still, if there are any plants and flowers near your gas line that are dying for no apparent reason, that could mean you have a gas leak. Natural gas can block a plant’s source of oxygen, causing it to wither and die.

5. White Mist or Fog

If you’re observing unusual clouds of mist or fog around your house, it could mean that your gas line has ruptured. A visible gas leak means a big gas leak. If this is the case, do not waste time. Leave your home immediately, go to a safe place, and call your gas service provider.

6. Unusually High Gas Bill

If one month you receive a gas bill that is significantly higher than what you’re used to receiving, contact your provider. There could be a change in your charges, or there could be a bigger issue with your gas plumbing at play. If your provider says your gas bill is right, then call a licensed gas plumber to check your gas line for leaks.

What to Do if You Find a Gas Leak?

If you notice any of the above signs of a gas leak, you should immediately leave your home and call your local gas provider. Do not try to find the leak yourself.

Never operate any electrical appliances, lights, motorized equipment, or vehicles if you suspect there’s a gas leak. Additionally, keep lighters and matches away. Remember, a small spark can ignite a massive explosion in a situation like this.

Who Can Fix a Gas Leak?

Because gas leaks are such a dangerous situation, licensed gas plumbers are the only people who should be fixing a gas leak. Professionals are also the only people who should install a gas line.

The first step to fixing a leak is conducting a gas line leak test or a gas line pressure test. This will identify where the leak issue is so that your gas plumber will know what to fix.

Professionals will first test the gas fittings, then disconnect the main gas line from your gas meter to perform a pressure test. According to Texas statute, the gas line must be pressurized to a maximum 5 psi (pounds per square inch) and the line must maintain that pressure for thirty minutes. Any loss of pressure during this test indicates a gas leak.

Once you identify a loss of pressure or a gas leak, you’ll need to get it fixed right away. When it comes to gas line safety, waiting is not worth the risk.

Gas Leak Repair Cost

The cost to repair a gas leak will depend on the cause and site of the leak. These repairs can cost anywhere from $150 to $925. Since your health and safety are on the line, don’t let the price prevent you from calling a professional gas leak detection service. Our gas plumbers have the materials and expertise to repair your gas line with your safety in mind.

If You’re Concerned About a Gas Leak, Don’t Wait

At Nick’s Plumbing & AC, we’ve been experts at gas leak detection in Houston since 1979. We know gas line systems inside and out, and our licensed and experienced plumbing technicians are ready to inspect your gas line system and recommend any repairs that are required.

Gas leaks are not something you should take lightly, and gas leak detection in Houston is something that needs to be handled by licensed, experienced professionals. Trust Nick’s Plumbing & AC with your home’s gas line plumbing system.

Call Us Today, We’re on the Way!

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