Most homeowners think about things like cleaning gutters and servicing their HVAC when it comes to routine maintenance. Annual gas leak testing is a critical task that often gets overlooked. In Metro Detroit, where aging infrastructure and variable weather conditions can strain plumbing and gas systems, testing for gas leaks should be just as routine as changing your furnace filter.
At Waterwork Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers of neglected gas lines. From minor leaks that increase your utility bill to hazardous situations that threaten your home and health, gas issues are not something to ignore. Here’s why you should make gas leak testing part of your yearly home maintenance checklist.
What Is Gas Leak Testing?
Gas leak testing involves inspecting the gas piping in your home for signs of leakage or corrosion, ensuring that your gas appliances and supply lines are functioning safely. A professional plumber will also check appliance fittings, connections, and shutoff valves to ensure they meet current safety standards.
Why It Matters in Metro Detroit
Metro Detroit’s housing includes many older homes, some with original or outdated gas lines. These aging systems are more prone to wear, corrosion, and failure, especially in extreme weather conditions that cause expansion and contraction of materials.
The Hidden Dangers of Gas Leaks
While natural gas is an efficient energy source, a leak poses serious risks:
- Fire and Explosion: Even a small spark near a leak can ignite the gas.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Incomplete combustion of gas can lead to CO buildup, which is odorless, invisible, and deadly.
- Health Symptoms: Low-level leaks can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, and breathing problems.
- Financial Costs: Leaks can drive up your energy bill, waste resources, and result in costly emergency repairs.
Common Signs You Need Gas Leak Testing
While you should never rely solely on your senses to confirm a gas leak, these symptoms can indicate a problem:
- The smell of rotten eggs (added to natural gas for detection)
- Hissing sounds near gas appliances
- Unusually high gas bills
- Dying houseplants near gas lines
- Visible rust or corrosion on gas pipes
- Physical symptoms like dizziness or nausea when inside the house
If you notice any of these signs, call a licensed professional immediately. But even without visible symptoms, yearly testing is your best defense.
The Benefits of Annual Gas Leak Testing
1. Ensure Household Safety
Annual inspections catch leaks early—before they become a major hazard. Protect your family from dangerous situations like fires, explosions, or CO poisoning.
2. Lower Utility Costs
Even a small leak can waste a surprising amount of gas over time. Regular testing helps reduce unnecessary consumption and keeps your bills in check.
3. Maintain Code Compliance
Some Metro Detroit municipalities require inspections for gas appliances, especially when selling a home or upgrading systems. Staying up to date avoids last-minute delays or fines.
4. Extend Appliance Life
Leaky connections and improper pressure can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of appliances like stoves, water heaters, and furnaces. Testing helps ensure optimal operation.
5. Peace of Mind
Knowing your home is free from gas leaks provides peace of mind for you and your family. You’ll sleep easier knowing your home is safe.
What’s Included in a Professional Inspection
At Waterwork Plumbing, we offer comprehensive gas line inspections that include:
- Checking gas meters and regulators
- Inspecting interior and exterior gas piping
- Testing for leaks with electronic detectors
- Ensuring appliances are properly connected
- Examining shut-off valves and joints
- Providing a detailed report with recommendations
We follow all Michigan safety codes and use the latest technology to provide accurate, reliable results.
When Should You Schedule Your Test?
We recommend testing annually, ideally in the fall before you begin using your furnace and other gas appliances more frequently. However, schedule an immediate inspection if:
- You smell gas or suspect a leak
- You’re buying or selling a home
- You’re installing or upgrading gas appliances
- Your home is older than 20 years and hasn’t had recent gas line maintenance
Why Choose Waterwork Plumbing?
With nearly two decades of experience serving Ferndale and the greater Metro Detroit area, Waterwork Plumbing is the go-to team for safe, thorough gas line inspections.
We’ve helped thousands of local homeowners make their homes safer; let us help you, too. If it’s been more than a year since your last gas line check, or if you’ve never had one- schedule your inspection with Waterwork Plumbing today.
