Leaking natural gas line under house
#1
04-19-16, 07:08 AM
Leaking natural gas line under house
Started smelling gas inside the house the other day. Looked underneath and I think the gas is leaking from a junction on an unused gas line running to my garage (for an old copper). I'm not planning on fixing this myself, but I am just looking for some advice on what needs to be done. I assume it will be a simple repair. Would a plumber just cap the line, or aren't the junctions threaded? Just want to know what I'm up against...
This is where I think the leak is
This is the beginning of the line that T's off that is no longer used
Thanks
This is where I think the leak is
This is the beginning of the line that T's off that is no longer used
Thanks
#2
04-19-16, 07:12 AM
Group Moderator
Usually the first thing is to call the gas company and/or fire department and get the gas turned off immediately. Then open the doors and windows and crawl space opening to vent out the gas. Leave the house in case it goes "BOOM".
It's a pretty simple fix especially if the line is no longer being used. It can just be capped. The fittings are NPT threaded and fittings are available at all home centers and plumbing suppliers. It's sorta rare for a NPT fitting that has been good to start leaking so all the pipes should be inspected for leaks.
It's a pretty simple fix especially if the line is no longer being used. It can just be capped. The fittings are NPT threaded and fittings are available at all home centers and plumbing suppliers. It's sorta rare for a NPT fitting that has been good to start leaking so all the pipes should be inspected for leaks.
#3
04-19-16, 07:29 AM
Thanks for the quick reply. Its not a massive leak, but I can smell it. I think it is coming from there - the room I can smell it in is right above that junction.
Would the easiest fix be to remove that 90° joint and screw on a brass cap, or cut it at the start of the line where it Ts off and cap it there? Just wondered if I could get away without calling a plumber..
Would the easiest fix be to remove that 90° joint and screw on a brass cap, or cut it at the start of the line where it Ts off and cap it there? Just wondered if I could get away without calling a plumber..
#4
04-19-16, 09:47 AM
Group Moderator
Have you determined for certain that that is the joint that is leaking? Do not cut the pipe. Just unscrew pieces until you get to the leak or upstream of it and put on a cap. They are available male and female so you can put a cap in/on the end of a pipe or in a fitting.
#5
04-19-16, 09:52 AM
OK, thanks for that advice. No I haven't determined exactly. Have only looked through a ventilator. Will get under there tomorrow and have a closer look.
#6
04-19-16, 10:21 AM
Super Moderator
Put some dish soap and water in a spray bottle and test every joint you can.. Usually its old gas valves that leak..
I say call the gas company and a plumber ASAP..
They will probably lock the meter until the plumber does an air test to find the leak..
IMO have him remove and cap any lines that are not used all the way back to the main..
Gas build up in confined spaces will cause a serious explosion.. You and all in the home can be injured or killed...
I say call the gas company and a plumber ASAP..
They will probably lock the meter until the plumber does an air test to find the leak..
IMO have him remove and cap any lines that are not used all the way back to the main..
Gas build up in confined spaces will cause a serious explosion.. You and all in the home can be injured or killed...
