By: Mat Cloak
The Parsons Advocate
A recent gas leak in a Tucker County home prompted officials to warn residents about the dangers of improperly installed plumbing lines.
A Parsons City employee responded to a call about the smell of gas emanating from a private residence. A gas line was recently worked on at the residence by uncertified plumber. The individual who installed the line at the residence reportedly did not check for leaks or damaged lines.
Plumbing work, especially gas lines, need to be installed by a professional, recommended a representative from Mountaineer Gas Company. “Ask for a business license or insurance credentials,” the representative said. There are a number of plumbing certifications that exist in West Virginia, including Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumber in Training. For more information about the supervision of plumbing work, refer to Article 14 of The West Virginia Code online at: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/Code.cfm?chap=21&art=14
A plumber installing a line without insurance cannot be held liable for property or personal injury. “Attempting to save money is not worth the risk of damaging your house or yourself,” the representative said. Parsons Police Chief Bill Rowe said, “People need to be careful who they get to come work on their gas lines.”
The representative also recommended that a countywide ordinance be passed to ensure that certified professionals do plumbing work.
Gas leaks most frequently occur in residential buildings when a gas pipe is damaged. This can occur if someone unfamiliar with the location of a pipe is digging or working in the area of the pipe and accidently breaks or damages a gas line.
Leaks can also occur through home appliances. If appliances are poorly fitted, badly maintained, or faulty, gas can leak into the home. Signs of a leaking appliance are an orange or yellow flame instead of blue, a pilot flame that will not blow out, soot or brown areas on the outside, and excessive condensation on the interior of windows. A certified professional should install appliances.
The dangers of an enclosed gas leak are substantial. When gas fumes leak into an enclosed area, any flame or spark can set off an explosion. An undetected gas leak poses a health risk as well. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include tiredness, nausea, headache, chest or stomach pains, blurred vision, and loss of muscle control. The smell of gas along with these symptoms can help you detect a gas leak in your home.
