Common causes of gas line leaks include:
- Everyday Appliances: Most homes have appliances that use natural gas or propane to generate heat, such as a stove, dryer, water heater, or fireplace. Over time, the seals that hold and connect the piping of these appliances can wear out and corrode. The corrosion can easily cause gas leaks.
- Poor Piping: Beneath most residential apartments lies a maze of intersecting pipes that bring gas into the pipe connectors of the appliances in those homes. With time, the pipes will wear out and disconnect. Poor piping is more common with older homes, which can allow gas to slowly leak into the homes
- Poor Ventilation: High levels of gas can be emitted from malfunctioning appliances that generate heat. Large home appliances such as heating systems can eliminate gas with an exhaust fan or chimney. However, if the exhaust fan becomes faulty or the chimney gets clogged, gas may fill up inside a home. Unfortunately, the gas is usually odorless and can be dangerous.
How Much Does Gas Leak Detection Cost?
The cost of fixing a gas leak depends on the type of leak and the location. Gas leak detectors usually charge between $75 to $150 per hour; however, in some locations, the cost may be as little as $50 an hour or even up to $200 per hour. Some contractors have a two-hour minimum while others have a flat-rate minimum.
Replacing or repairing a gas line to a single appliance costs between $150 to $650 including labor and materials. Replacing a gas line running to a house costs between $3,000 to $7,000 with labor and materials.
What are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Gas Leak Detection?
Location and the kind of gas leak are important factors in determining the total cost of a gas leak detection job. Labor costs are more expensive in certain locations than in others. Replacement jobs are also more expensive than repair jobs after finding the source of the leak. For instance, if a gas furnace is required to be replaced after detecting a gas leak, it costs between $2,000 and $5,000, while gas water heaters' prices range between $400 and $2,000. Keep in mind that any sort of emergency will likely increase the price. Gas leak detection professionals also charge significantly higher to respond at weekends, nights, holidays, or on short notice. These emergency fees may be reduced by gas leak detection professionals near you due to proximity.
What Qualifications Should Gas Leak Detection Contractors Have?
Many gas leak detection contractors begin by learning on the job through apprenticeships. Apprentices typically receive technical instructions and paid on-the-job training between 4-5 years. This technical education includes safety, local plumbing codes and regulations, and blueprint reading. After the completion of apprenticeship, the worker may seek to obtain a journey-level license.
The typical minimum requirement for obtaining a journeyman plumber license is a high school diploma or the GED equivalent. Many contractors add to their knowledge by attending vocational-technical schools and writing further exams to obtain a master plumbing license.
Do You Need a Handyman or a Gas Leak Detection Contractor?
Whether detecting a leak, fixing the leak, or moving a gas line, it is important to hire professional and licensed contractors instead of any handyman near you. A handyman may possess the basic skills to detect significant leak points, however, smaller holes may go unnoticed for long periods. Professionals can afford the necessary tools and detection systems to reveal fault lines that may be hidden or difficult to trace. Hiring a handyman who may only be able to fix part of the gas leak points would only continue to wreak havoc on your energy bills and put your health at risk. When you hire a licensed gas leak detection contractor who is bonded and has adequate insurance, you can save yourself from any financial liabilities that may occur as a result of any work injury.
What Are the Common Post Gas Leak Detection Expenses?
After finding the source of a gas leak and replacing any corroded or worn-out pipes or appliances, you may still need to spend some money and time on some post-project activities such as cleaning, waste disposal, and wall reconstruction and painting. Sometimes, while trying to locate the source of the leak, the workers may have to break some parts of the wall or building. This may leave dirt and debris which must be cleaned up after completing the job. Walls may need to be reconstructed or repaired to blend with the rest of the structure.
It is important you ask the contractor if there would be post-job expenses and who will be responsible for footing the bill for the expenses. Most contractors will include any post-job expenses in the initial bill submitted to you. However, you should ask ahead to be clear whether you will be charged separately for these expenses or not.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Gas Leak Detection Expenses?
A standard homeowners insurance policy covers explosions caused by gas leaks. It also covers a gas leak that is due to a natural disaster such as a blizzard, lightning, or windstorm causing damage to an appliance or its gas line. Note that this insurance will not cover a gas leak caused by an aging appliance that was not properly maintained or a connection issue in an appliance that was improperly installed. You should always find out the perils that an insurance company covers before you purchase a homeowners' insurance policy from them.
Can I Use Digital Payment to Pay My Gas Leak Detection Contractor?
Yes, you can. Digital payment channels are typically safer, quicker, and more convenient to use than traditional payment methods. Many more people are increasingly performing a larger portion of transactions online due to physical restrictions placed to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you should inform the contractor ahead that you intend to use digital channels to complete payment for the services to be provided before hiring. That way, you can make alternate plans should the contractor insist on traditional payment means. It is advisable to generate and keep receipts of digital payments for future purposes.