Gas Line Repair Services

How to Detect if You Have a Gas Line Leak

While some signs of a gas leak are unmistakable, others are more subtle. Here’s what you should look for:

• Rotten egg smell — Natural gas itself doesn’t have a scent. However, companies add sulfur (which smells like rotten eggs) to easily detect gas leaks. Just one whiff of that unmistakable smell, and you should evacuate and call a professional.
• Hissing sounds — If you have a small crack or hole in your gas line, assume you have a leak. Again, evacuate and call a professional.
• Cracked appearance or rust — Older gas lines may show signs of deterioration. Excessive rust or cracks are signs you may soon need a gas line repair.
• Weak gas appliances — If your gas-powered fireplace or water heater is not working or producing little heat, you may have a gas leak.
• High gas bills — Increasing gas bills may also be a sign of a gas line leak.

Watson & Sons Plumbing Has Successfully Repaired Gas Lines Across Pennsylvania

“But, can a plumbing company handle gas line repairs?”

It’s one of the most common questions we get. At Watson & Sons Plumbing, we handle far more than just water. As licensed professionals trained to work safely with potentially dangerous materials like natural gas, we have the expertise in installing, repairing and maintaining gas lines.

Rest assured, the Watson & Sons crew has the experience, the trained technicians, as well as the tools and equipment to confidently provide successful and compliant gas line repair services for our Pennsylvania customers.

Watson & Sons’ Gas Line Repair Process

To detect and repair gas lines, our team utilizes a cutting-edge method that’s faster, more efficient and cost-effective. For many years now, we have successfully stopped gas leaks and repaired gas lines in homes and businesses in Pittsburgh, Robinson Township, West Mifflin, South Fayette Township, Castle Shannon, Upper St. Clair, Bridgeville and Collier Township.

Our proven gas line repair process consists of:

• Assessment and Planning — A licensed technician will assess the extent of the gas line repair, including location of the leak, age of the gas line and its material.
• Shutting Off Gas Supply — To ensure safety, gas supply is shut off at the main valve or valve closer to the leak.
• Removing the Faulty Section — The damaged section of the gas line is carefully disconnected from the main line.
• Installing the New Section — Using steel, copper or polyethylene lines, a new section of the gas line is added and all joints are sealed.
• Testing and Inspection — Once installed, the new gas line is thoroughly tested for leaks using pressure testing.
• Restoring the Gas Supply — Only after the gas line repairs are complete and has been thoroughly tested for leaks do we turn on the gas supply.

Clearing Up the Question of Gas Line Repair Responsibility

There always seems to be confusion regarding who is responsible for the repair of gas lines. The gas company? The homeowner? Let’s start here: if you identify a leak, call anyone of authority. Call your gas company, call Watson & Sons Plumbing or call any other technician who can confidently identify and stop the gas leak.

But, here’s the clear explanation:

• Gas Company Responsibility: The gas company is responsible for repairs to the gas line from the street up to the gas meter.
• Homeowner Responsibility: The homeowner is responsible for repairs to the gas line from the gas meter into the home and appliances. This is where Watson & Sons Plumbing helps with gas line repairs.