Having a gas leak in your home can be a frightening experience, especially if you do not know what procedures to follow. Home emergencies can end badly when people are not ready for the unexpected. This is why families are encouraged to have their own fire drills at home – to make sure everyone, especially children, know exactly what to do in the event of a fire.

A gas leak is an emergency; but if you are prepared and know what to do when a leak occurs, there is no need to panic.

The good news is that it is fairly easy to know when you have a gas leak. Instead of spending each day in fear, remember that gas has a “rotten egg” odor. This is added to the gas to help make it easy to notice. If you ever smell that stinking odor, you know that you have a potential problem. There are also gas detectors, much like smoke detectors, that will alert you if you have a gas leak.

Once you notice a gas leak, stop what you are doing and evacuate the premises. It can be deadly to inhale too much of the fumes, so get you and your loved ones out of the house. Make sure you do not forget your furry friends, too.

DO NOT try to use the phone in the house, shut off lights, or unplug anything. When you have a gas leak, you are in a dangerous situation. The only thing you need to do is get out of the house. Once you are safely away from the danger zone, you can then take action to remedy the problem.

Contact the appropriate people to repair the problem. You can dial 911 or contact your gas company directly. Keeping you and your family safe is the priority. The professionals will take care of the rest. Once the gas leak has been repaired and the pros have given you the “all clear”, you and your family can go back inside and resume your normal lives.

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Whether it’s a water heater, a stove, or a furnace, most households have at least one appliance that is dependent upon natural gas.  While natural gas makes our lives easier and more comfortable, it does pose a potential health hazard.

Do you know what to do to keep your family safe and keep your natural gas appliances effective and efficient?

Upkeep - The first step to natural gas safety is prevention.  If you can prevent a natural gas incident, you won’t need to know how to respond in such an instance.  Your appliances need consistent cleaning for greatest efficiency and safety.  Clear out filters, remove lint, clean burners, etc.

Avoid fires - Be sure to keep all combustibles far away from natural gas appliances.  There is no reason to tempt fate by practicing unsafe storage practices.  Heat sources or open flames that are commonly associated with appliances do not mix well with flammable materials.

Keep children clear - Be sure to teach your kids the potential dangers of natural gas.  While they should never play on or around any major appliance, also teach them the warning signs. Natural gas has a pungent odor, much like that of rotten eggs. If they smell anything unusual, or see a dangerous situation, have them alert a grown up immediately.

Keep a first aid kit handy - In the case of a natural gas leak, you will want to have a first aid kit handy.  Among other things, be sure to keep a list of emergency numbers handy including the natural gas company phone number.  In case of a leak, be sure to contact them as soon as possible to request service. Then move your family to safety.

Don’t use appliances – If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the house immediately. Don’t turn on lights, unplug/plug electrical items, or even use the phone, as any of these may trigger a fire or even an explosion.

Know where the shut off valve is - While it will not negate the need to call the natural gas company, turning off the gas at the valve will be temporarily effective in the event of a gas leak.

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There are many reasons why you might need an additional gas line installed in your home. Perhaps you bought a gas stove to replace your electric stove or you need to install a new gas water heater. No matter what the reason is for the installation of a gas line, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These do’s and don’ts will help you decide if you need a new gas line and, if so, the best way to go about having it installed.

Do hire a professional. When you are dealing with gas lines, unless you have the proper certification to install the lines yourself, leave it to the pros. There is just too much risk of injury and even death with improperly installed gas lines.

Don’t assume that you know best. No matter how skilled you may be at other handy work, you do not know more than the professionals do. Let them come in and install your gas lines so they are up to code.

Do seek advice before assuming that a gas line can be installed. Instead of buying that brand, new stove, speak with a pro first about the installation of a gas line. Find out if the process is going to be too complicated and expensive.

Don’t treat old or new lines as if they are made for hanging. Many people see a pipe and think, “that would be a great place to hang some clothes to dry”. Wrong. Gas lines are strictly for moving gas into your home. They are not made to withstand huge amounts of weight. Save yourself the risk and invest a few bucks in a clothesline or metal rod for hanging clothes.

Do your research. Before hiring anyone to install a gas line, it is up to you to make sure they have the proper credentials. Avoid taking your neighbor’s cousin’s uncle’s word for it – do your own research and choose a professional that has experience and proper certification.

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Summertime is just around the corner.  As the temperatures rise, people are contemplating the end of school, days at the pool, and backyard get-togethers with friends.  These visions wouldn’t be complete without that checkered picnic tablecloth, ice cold lemonade, and something delicious cooking out on the grill.  If you are considering constructing an outdoor room this summer, here are a few reasons why a gas grill is a must for your outdoor decor.

1. Family fun and food - The most important elements of any outdoor room focus on the family’s ability to use it for fun and food.  Who wants to be stuck indoors cooking on a beautiful summer day?  A gas grill allows you to enjoy the sunshine while you feed your family and friends.

2. A unique cooking place – While you can try to mimic grilled taste in your indoor kitchen, there is no way to truly get that hot-off-the-grill goodness without a grill.  Your new outdoor room provides a perfect opportunity for you to get that great grill taste without smoking up the kitchen.

3. Gas versus charcoal - Some people may like the cooking experience associated with charcoal grill cooking, but for others, it seems like way to much hassle.  Any time you want to grill, you have to go out, arrange the charcoal (if you still have any), douse it in lighter fluid, try not to burn your eyebrows off with the first spark, then wait several minutes for the coals to get hot.  With a gas grill, you go out, flip a switch, and voila, practically instant heat.  (And did we mention no ashes to clean up later?)

4. Sophistication is in – A gas grill is more than a small, portable unit you park at the end of your patio. Today’s gas grill can make your kitchen look tiny in comparison. From multiple grilling units, to warming trays and burners, today’s grills can offer you enough space to quickly cook for your whole party.

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Fall may finally be here in Colorado. Warm days and cool nights mean its time to bring out the warm blankets and sweaters, and turn on the fireplace – inside and out.

It’s also the time when you’ll hear about natural gas poisoning affecting families around the area. Over the summer, gas lines may have cracked or broken while working in the yard, or simply from old age.

Many people are subjected to natural gas poisoning, yet don’t notice any of the warning symptoms before its too late. Natural gas poisoning isn’t limited to your indoors environment; you can be affected just as easily outdoors. As you turn on your gas lines this season, watch for early warning signs in you and your family.

Headaches and dizziness. If you have a headache for more than a day, or you notice it becomes stronger when you linger in one room, or come home from work, you may be in danger. Also watch for headaches in more than one family member.

Nausea. Nausea may become apparent quickly in a closed up room or car as the gas fumes overtake you.

Breathing difficulties. Gas poisoning decreases your oxygen supply. If you live with a slow, undetected leak for a long period of time, lack of oxygen could eventually lead to seizures.

People exposed to natural gas poisoning for long periods of time may end up with a variety of long term health issues. Epilepsy, pneumonia, memory loss, depression, claustrophobia, seizures, and heart problems have all been reported in patients suffering from natural gas poisoning.

While a strong odor is combined with natural gas to help you detect leaks as they happen, it may not be easy to detect right away. If at any time you detect a rotten egg odor, have it checked out immediately.

[Quality 1st Plumbing can help you install, fix, replace or maintain your gas lines. Give us a call today.]

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If you haven’t set up an outdoor room yet, now is the time to get started! The fall is a beautiful time of year in most areas, and having a comfortable space to enjoy it will encourage your entire family to spend time outside. The fresh air, crisp fall weather, and lovely colors of changing leaves can do wonders for the spirits as well as overall well-being. Set up your outdoor room and enjoy more time in the changing beauty of autumn!

Central Focus of your Outdoor Room
To begin, it helps to have a central focus for your outdoor room. Patio fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, or other attractive heat sources are an excellent choice. If you are serious about your outdoor room, you can hire a plumber to run a gas line outside for your exterior fireplace. By spending a little extra cash on the professional, you can eliminate the need to gather firewood or other types of portable fuel each season.

Furniture for your Outdoor Room
Next, select furniture for your outdoor room. How many pieces you buy is really up to you. Even one or two chairs or a loveseat can work. Keep in mind how many people are in your household and how many will likely want to use the set at a time. It is helpful to add in at least one or two spare seats for the occasional guest. Position these around or near the outdoor gas fire pit, fireplace, or whatever you choose to act as a heat source.

Accessorize your Outdoor Room
Now that you have the main pieces ready to go, it is time to add in a few outdoor room accessories. An end table or two are recommended. These flat surfaces are great for placing a mug of hot coffee or coco, or a meal prepared on the outdoor grill. A few durable trinkets can help set the tone and personality of your outdoor room. Just remember to use items that can stand up to the elements. You may also consider bringing in all or most of your outdoor room pieces during the winter season. That way every chair, table, outdoor rug and decoration stays in pristine condition for far longer. Bring your family outside this fall by creating your own cozy outdoor room!

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Natural gas is an odorless, shapeless, colorless gas that contains no liquid or mass. Because you can’t detect it until it’s too late, gas companies add a rotten egg odor so that it’s more easily detected.

Natural gas itself is not always the killer; instead, its carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a gas leak. Carbon monoxide kills over 500 people in America every year, and sends over 15,000 people to the emergency room. As we enter the winter months when we close up our homes, its more important than ever to use a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home. And it’s also important to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, and seek safety and medical advice if you ever suspect a gas leak.

Carbon monoxide poisoning will most likely start out with flu like symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, tiredness and nausea are all common signs. It can quickly progress to impaired judgment, poor memory and loss of coordination. If several people within your home suddenly have the same or similar symptoms, and improve when they leave your home, it may also be a sign your home should be checked for carbon monoxide.

Though carbon monoxide is one of the deadliest components of natural gas, natural gas can also be a hazard if it leaks. A rotten egg smell, puddling or dirt blowing away from your home, or a hissing sound could all be signs of a gas leak. Never turn on lights, or continue to stay in your home; a professional should assess the situation, make corrections, and ensure your safety before you return home.

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Fire pits are permanent or portable containers designed for containing a fire within one location. As more people are expanding their outdoor living space, more are investing in fire pits to help you make that space usable throughout the year. Fire pits either allow you to burn wood, or use natural gas. Walk into any home improvement store and you are bound to find many different options: from chimeneas, to tables and cast iron pots.

While freestanding units are the easiest to install, nothing looks nicer than a custom designed and built fire pit that blends in with your home and surrounding landscape. Natural gas gives you the added bonus of not having to find wood to burn, and the additional mess of ash and soot when your evening is through.

Ready to install your own natural gas fire pit? First, plan out your outdoor living space. Where is the best place to install it? As a plumber, I can help you determine where your gas line is, and the easiest way to bring the line to where you want your fire pit.

Then work with a designer, handyman, or contractor to help you plan out your space. Will you be adding a garden area? A patio? In order to get the most out of your fire pit, make sure you have an enjoyable area to bring family and friends out to, with ample space for visiting.

Then enjoy. The great thing about Colorado is the cool nights. Even in the heart of the summer, a warm fire at night can bring the chill off a late day rainstorm. And give you a reason to enjoy the gardens you’ve been growing all summer long.

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• turn your wood fireplace into a gas fireplace

• exchange your electric range for a gas range

• remodel your kitchen and move the location of your gas range

• add a gas grill on your deck

• install a gas fire pit to your outdoor living area

Once you make the decision, the next step is to follow up on your ideas with a certified plumber with experience in installing a gas line.

The first step is to locate where your existing gas line is, and determine the best way to tap into the line and move it to your new location. Instead of being set on your addition, talk with your plumber first. While you may have little options when converting your wood fireplace to a gas fireplace, be more flexible when adding a fire pit. Your plumber can show you the easiest gas line to tap into, and the best way to move it to the area you are looking to improve.

Any time you work with gas, its important to stay safe and be aware of the safety guidelines. A plumber knows how to properly install a gas line, and will carefully check all connections for safety. Many do-it-yourselfers simply aren’t aware of the dangers – to protect your family, check everything before use. Natural gas does have a distinct odor for a reason; if you smell it, get out and seek safety, and call for help.

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Once you make the decision to convert from an existing system to gas (such as from electric to gas range) or you decide to add something new to your home like a gas fire pit, we’ll help you put it into place.

As a plumbing service, we are licensed and trained to help both with water and gas piping throughout your home. Running gas lines is not a simple task, and should be handled with the greatest care to avoid potential hazards.

Here in the Denver Metro area, we typically run gas lines from one of two sources: either natural gas through underground pipe lines into your home, or from storage tanks of propane gas located somewhere on your property.  Once you decide on your home improvement, we’ll locate the most effective way to connect up a gas line from an existing pipeline, and run it to the new location.

Before and after any installation, keep in mind the general safety rules for gas. Natural gas has a distinct odor; if at anytime you smell gas, it could be a sign of a leak. Locate the main shut off valve and turn off the gas immediately. Than contact us and we’ll plug the leak for you. Never light a stove, candle, fire or use an electrical appliance – any spark can set off an explosion.

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