How Often Should Gas Lines be Replaced?

It is recommended that a homeowner have their gas lines checked at least once annually, as it is often up to a professional to determine when it would be in their best interest to have gas lines replaced.

 Line breaks are common, and can happen for many reasons. The lifespan of a gas line often depends on the material used. Black steel piping will typically last longer than flexible gas lines, for example. That being said, while a gas line may have a long lifespan on paper, it is still recommended that you have them inspected regularly. While aging pipes is one concern for homeowners using gas lines, a buildup of pressure is another serious issue you need to be on the lookout for. Even healthy, new pipes can deal with unexpected issues. Improper installation and tree root damage are common issues faced by homeowners in regards to their gas lines. These are a few of the reasons why it’s a good idea to have your lines checked at least once a year, regardless of age. 

It is always of utmost importance that you’re able to keep your gas lines up to date, as leaving them unchecked can lead to a gas leak. Gas leaks are notoriously dangerous and can quickly cause irreparable damage to any family that is unlucky enough to deal with them, both in the forms of property damage and in the worst case scenarios, injury and even death. Another important reason to keep up with your annual checks is that many times a refusal to keep your lines up to date can result in any damage done to your property by a gas leak being exempt from your homeowner’s insurance. 

So, now that we’ve determined the frequency with which your lines should be inspected, that leaves us with another important question to answer.

 What time of year is best for gas line inspections?

The answer might seem obvious once you hear the reasoning behind it. It is our suggestion that you have your gas lines inspected during the warmer seasons of the year where rain and snow aren’t present. Having your lines checked out in summer is a good choice as it will ensure that should there be any issues with your lines, they can be addressed and corrected before fall and winter approach when gas lines are used most often. The majority of families use natural gas lines to keep their homes warm during winter, and waiting too late in the year to check on your lines may result in complications for you. Plumbers who specialize in gas line repairs are booked throughout the winter so it’s best to give them a call months in advance to maintain a working heater when temperatures drop. No one wants to be stuck in winter without heat, so making certain that you are set up for the cold will make life bearable. 

Remember, it is important that should you have any concerns regarding a gas leak you call a professional immediately to take care of it. Gas leaks are no simple matter, and keeping your pipes up to date is the easiest way to ensure that you don’t regret it in the future. Fixes now will always be simpler than fixing the problem after a major problem occurs due to negligence.

How much does it cost to repair a gas line?

Can you patch a gas line yourself?