If you rely on natural gas to power your Arizona RV or apartment property, the AZCC requires that you get an annual gas line inspection that meets specific state regulations.
All homeowners are also required to get regular inspections. Here’s what you need to know about gas pipe safety and inspections.
About Natural Gas in the Home
Pipelines deliver gas to our homes through a network of “branches” which decrease in size as they reach their destination.
Many people who use natural gas might worry about safety issues and while major disasters are not that common, small leaks can happen and if not addressed can lead to serious hazards.
Leaks are more likely to happen if your gas line:
- Is not well maintained
- Is made of older materials
- Is corroded or worn
- Was improperly installed
- Has poorly fitting valves or loose parts
Even if you don’t suspect any problems, scheduling a regular gas line inspection is a simple and effective way to ensure that your system is up to speed.
Should you be worried about gas line leaks?
When methane gas builds up in a smaller area, the high concentration could lead to an explosion.
But since natural gas has an additive specifically for detecting leaks, most likely you will smell that “rotten egg” odor long before anything serious happens.
Still, minor gas leaks happen fairly often and can occur either inside or outside the house.
If your home or appliances are older, or if you are unsure when the last inspection is, make sure you report any gas pipeline areas that might be at risk of cracking or corrosion to a professional when they come for a gas line inspection.
Other signs of a possible gas leak include:
- Unusual noises near the source
- Stove flames that are orange or red instead of blue
- Cloudy areas or the appearance of “waves” in the air
- Dead plants inside or burned patches on the lawn
If you do smell something, here’s how to check for gas line leaks.
Most natural gas installation professionals offer emergency services. If you suspect this, leave the property and call immediately if you suspect a serious leak, or if you suspect a leak and aren’t sure what to do.
Arizona Gas Inspection Services
Annual natural gas line inspections are mandatory for commercial property, and all property owners should follow suit per Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC) regulations.
Our licensed contractors are trained to conduct inspections on Arizona properties to ensure that they meet AZCC regulations, and follow through with necessary repiping or repairs.
Our services include:
- Odor tests
- Proper valve operation
- Above & below ground piping inspection
- Leak surveying
- Gas system mapping
- Line locating
- Cathodic protection tests
The AZCC requires that cathodic protection takes place during annual gas line inspections. These are special tests that help to protect underground propane tanks or metallic piping from corrosion.
Testing and fixing this is simple and involves installing an anode to ensure that the metal is cathode.
The Importance of Leaving Your Gas Line Inspection to the Experts
Residential property owners can, and should, be aware of how well their plumbing and HVAC systems are working, as well as schedule regular maintenance for them.
But natural gas is particularly dangerous, and can be evasive — meaning that there is the possibility that you have a leak but can’t detect it.
But more importantly, a licensed professional can help you to make sure that your property is up to code and running as efficiently as possible, and “DIY” fixes are definitely not recommended when it comes to gas.
Your local gas expert will be able to repair what’s needed quickly and efficiently, ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
Don’t Take Risks With Natural Gas
Getting a regular inspection of your gas lines is so simple but can go a long way towards protecting your health and property.
Our friendly professionals use state-of-the-art, specialty equipment to do through testing at every inspection.
Trust your RP Gas Piping inspector to make sure your pipelines are safe.
Contact us for a gas line inspection estimate or to schedule your annual AZCC inspection.
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