As contractors, we understand the joy that homeowners get out of do-it-yourself projects. It’s fun to learn a skill to give yourself a unique piece of furniture, or to make a much-needed improvement in your home—all while saving anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds of dollars.
Yet, we have to be the bad guy here and say that plumbing problems aren’t very DIY-friendly. When it comes to gas lines, we’re even more adamant about not doing it yourself! Not only are they dangerous, but there are some hidden risks that can get you in trouble.
Huge Risk of Danger
We shouldn’t have to tell you that gas is a flammable substance. If it weren’t for gas lines being built with extreme caution and proper procedures, it would be pretty crazy to assume that leading gas into the home would be a safe idea. Yet, natural gas is one of the most common fuel sources for heaters and other gas-using appliances.
When installed properly, accidents are actually quite rare. This is mostly due to the fact that gas companies add a chemical to the gas that makes it smell like rotten eggs. Normally, gas is odorless, but even the smallest leaks can be found thanks to the artificially added smell.
A gas leak can also appear as medical symptoms in the home’s inhabitants, such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Eye and throat irritation
An improperly done DIY job can welcome all of these dangers into your home, putting you and your family at great risk.
You Need a Permit or License
Another reason gas line accidents are rare is because the lines are installed by licensed professionals. In most jurisdictions, it’s illegal for anyone other than a specially licensed professional to work on your gas lines. Plumbers in Frisco, TX are usually the ones who hold these licenses because they’re already well-versed in installing metal pipes.
While a competent DIYer might be willing to challenge us on this, we simply cannot condone it. A 100% safe gas line job requires thorough knowledge of welding pipes, using sealants, knowing your tools, and knowing all the precautionary tasks to ensure that the line is flawlessly sealed. Being a licensed pro means having all the qualifications and knowledge to do the job properly.
Insurance Companies Can Deny Coverage
For any sensitive DIY work—like that of a gas line—your insurance company will want to see that all of the proper licenses and permits have been ordered for the work to be done. If a fire breaks out in your home and your insurance company finds out that you did unlicensed gas line repair or installation, that’s grounds for them to deny your claim. The last thing you want while recouping from the accidents of a gas line or fire problem is to find out that your insurance company wants nothing to do with you!