Gas Line Repair in Orange County

What is gas line repair?

Gas line repair finds where gas is escaping from your home's piping, fixes the damaged pipe or fitting, and pressure tests the system before the gas is turned back on. Done-Rite Plumbing & Rooter repairs gas lines across Orange County.

A gas leak is one plumbing problem you shouldn't wait on. If you smell gas, hear a hiss near an appliance, or your gas bill has climbed for no clear reason, it's time to get the line checked. Done-Rite Plumbing & Rooter is ready to respond quickly with gas line repair, with 24/7 emergency service, a 1-hour response and no trip charge. The company is licensed, bonded and insured.

What are the signs of a gas line leak?

The four main signs of a gas line leak are a rotten-egg smell, a hissing or whistling sound, a gas bill that rises for no reason, and dead plants along a buried gas line.

With gas lines, your senses are your first and most important detectors. Taking these signs seriously keeps a small problem from becoming a dangerous one.

Why does gas smell like rotten eggs?

Natural gas has no smell on its own, so utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a sulfur or rotten-egg odor. If you smell it, gas is escaping from the piping system somewhere.

A rotten-egg smell is the most important warning sign. The smell may be faint at first and get stronger in certain rooms or near the outdoor gas meter.

What does a hiss near a gas line mean?

A hissing, whistling or blowing sound near a gas appliance, the meter or a gas line connection is gas escaping under pressure through a crack, hole or loose connection.

A hiss you can hear means a significant, active leak, and that's an immediate danger. The bigger the leak, the faster gas can build up and the greater the risk of ignition.

Can a gas leak raise my gas bill?

Yes. A gas bill that goes up without any change in how much gas you use can signal a slow, persistent leak, often too small to smell or hear right away.

Even a small, continuous loss of gas adds up on the meter over time. A slow leak is less immediately dangerous than a large one, but it's still a safety hazard, a waste of money, and a sign of a weakened line that will likely get worse.

Why are plants dying along my gas line?

Natural gas escaping from an underground leak pushes oxygen out of the soil and suffocates plant roots, leaving patches of dead or discolored grass, shrubs or plants along the path of the line.

Dead vegetation along the line points to an outdoor leak, which wastes a lot of gas and is a risk if gas migrates into an enclosed space like a crawlspace or garage.

What causes gas line leaks?

The four most common causes of gas line leaks are aging, corroded pipe, stress at fittings and bends, accidental damage during digging or renovation, and loose or worn connections.

Gas lines are durable, but they aren't invincible. Knowing the common causes helps you recognize where a gas system might be vulnerable.

Do old gas pipes corrode?

Yes. Older gas lines made of galvanized steel or black iron can corrode inside and out from moisture, soil contact and chemical reactions. As the pipe wall thins, pinhole leaks and eventually larger breaks develop.

Gas piping has a service life like anything else. Repairing these leaks usually means replacing the damaged section with new, approved gas piping for a lasting fix.

Where do gas lines usually crack or loosen?

Gas lines usually crack or loosen at fittings, bends and the spot where the line enters the foundation. Age, corrosion or damage puts the most stress on those points.

Our technicians inspect gas lines for stress points and damage, and may recommend more flexible piping materials where it makes sense for added safety.

What happens if a gas line is hit while digging?

A gas line hit while landscaping, installing a fence or building an addition can leak, and even a nail driven through a wall where a gas line runs can damage the pipe.

The first priority is to stop the leak safely. Then we cut out the damaged section and install new pipe with proper fittings and techniques. Always call 811 before you dig so buried utility lines get marked first.

Why do gas line connections fail?

Gas line connections fail when fittings degrade, vibrate loose or were never tightened correctly. Gaskets dry out, threads wear, and pipes expand and contract with temperature changes.

Our technicians check every connection point with leak detection equipment. Repairs usually involve tightening connections, replacing worn fittings, or applying the right pipe sealant to create a gas-tight seal.

What happens during a Done-Rite gas line repair visit?

A Done-Rite gas line repair visit follows five steps: make the home safe, pinpoint the leak, explain the repair with an upfront price, fix it, then pressure test before restoring gas.

1. Make it safe: Our licensed technician arrives promptly, with a 1-hour response for urgent situations, and assesses the situation. If a significant leak is confirmed, we advise you on safely shutting off the main gas supply.
2. Pinpoint the leak: We use leak detection equipment, including electronic gas detectors and the traditional soap solution test, to find the exact location and extent of the damage, whether it's a pinhole leak, a corroded section or a faulty fitting.
3. Explain and price: Our technician explains what we found, goes over the repair options and gives you the price before any work begins.
4. Repair: Depending on the damage, the repair might involve replacing a section of pipe or re-threading and sealing a loose connection. We use quality, approved materials, and we pull the permit when one is required.
5. Test and restore: A pressure test confirms the whole gas line system is sealed and holding pressure, followed by another leak detection sweep. Only then do we restore your gas service, help relight pilot lights and make sure your gas appliances are working correctly.

Our goal is to get your home safe and comfortable again. Our gas line basics guide explains how a home gas system is laid out.

Which related services keep hidden lines in good shape?

A video camera inspection can check the condition of other hidden lines, such as your sewer pipe, and clearing a stubborn drain clog also contributes to a safer, more efficient home.

Gas line repair is often part of a bigger picture of home maintenance. Keeping all of your home's vital systems in good shape helps prevent future emergencies.

Should I try to fix a gas leak myself?

No. A lingering smell of gas or a suspicious hiss isn't something to postpone or try to fix yourself. It calls for prompt attention from licensed plumbers.

How do I get a gas line repaired?

Done-Rite Plumbing & Rooter is a family-owned team that provides prompt gas line repair, with 24/7 emergency service. Contact us today to make sure your gas lines are safe and secure.