Posted: September 9, 2024

Gas Line Safety Tips

How to recognize and respond to issues with gas piping.

At Callahan’s Gas, we want to be your everything-under-one-roof partner for propane service. That means not only reliable propane delivery but also support for your propane tank and appliance needs, including the gas piping that connects your tank to the propane products and systems throughout your home.

Professionally installed gas lines are crucial for the safety, dependability and efficiency of your propane equipment. Gas piping is built to last, too. You can expect these lines to last for multiple decades — perhaps as long as 50 years — before needing to be replaced.

That said, there are circumstances when a gas line can become compromised and require a professional inspection, repair or replacement. Reasons that a gas line could become compromised include the following:

• Damage caused by construction work or excavation in your yard
• Tree roots interfering with the piping
• Extensive rust and corrosion with older, exposed pipes

Our seasoned technicians are always available to inspect your propane gas piping, tank, regulators and appliances if you suspect there is a maintenance and/or safety concern. In this post, we’ll help you assess if a gas line problem exists on your property.

How to Know if Your Gas Line Has Been Compromised

Your senses can give you a pretty good idea of whether there’s a problem with your propane gas line. Here are some warning signs that there’s definitely a problem:

1. You see cracking or other structural damage on the gas pipe.
2. You smell gas around your property. Propane is odorized to smell like rotten eggs, spoiled meat or skunk spray.
3. You hear hissing around your gas lines.

If you notice any of these tell-tale signs of a compromised gas line, you need to respond appropriately.

Addressing a Compromised Gas Line

If you notice structural damage on gas piping but do not smell gas, hear hissing or receive an alert from a gas leak detector, you should reach out to your propane company for a safety inspection. Licensed propane technicians like the Callahan’s Gas team can confirm that there is no leak, then look at your propane tank, piping, regulator and appliances and make any necessary repairs.

If you smell gas, hear hissing around your line or otherwise recognize a gas leak, you need to evacuate the home immediately. Extinguish any ignition sources like cigarettes or candles. Don’t use phones, light switches or other electronic devices in the affected area. Once everyone is away from the leak area, follow these steps:

• If you can safely access the propane tank, please close the gas shutoff valve.
• Call 911 and Callahan’s Gas only once you’re clear of the potential leak.
• Remain away from the affected area until emergency personnel and Callahan’s Gas technicians finish inspecting and repairing the issue.
• Even if you no longer smell gas, don’t turn on the propane supply valve.
• Wait for permission from emergency workers and service technicians before returning.

Propane Tank, Regulator and Gas Piping Service from Callahan’s Gas

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. As a Callahan’s Gas customer, you can feel confident that we are here if there is a maintenance issue with your propane tank, regulator, gas lines or propane appliances. Our team has an encyclopedic knowledge of local and state codes. We are experienced in installing and servicing both rigid and flexible piping. Plus, we account for all BTU demand considerations. Rest assured, we’ll thoroughly address the problem and ensure your propane system is safe and reliable.

Do you have questions about a gas line issue on your property in Queen Anne’s, Kent, Caroline or Talbot County? Contact Callahan’s Gas today.