How to Keep Your Home Safe From Gas Leaks

CAPE MAY COUNTY – On Nov. 7, there was an explosion that now has some people questioning the safety of their own homes.
This included Paul Larsen who lives a few blocks away. Larsen is a registered Master Plumber with 39 years’ experience in the business. The explosion motivated Larsen to offer his advice to his neighbors and fellow homeowners in Cape May County.
Larsen said he realizes there is a lot of fear around gas whether it is natural gas or propane. He offered some tips that may allay those fears and help people take steps to avoid trouble.
If you smell gas in the house, get out immediately. Then call emergency services.
But there are two main things you can do before there is gas leaking. If you have any suspicions about your gas service lines, piping, tanks or anything, get an inspection. Make sure, Larsen warns, that the person you select is qualified to do the work.
Getting a friend to do the work who says they know what they are doing or hiring an unlicensed contractor to save some money is a foolish move. If the house blows up or the pipes leak and make you or your family sick you would have made a poor choice that will cost you more in the end.
The second most important thing to do is to make sure that your contractor pulls a permit from the local government agencies and follows all state regulations as listed in the New Jersey State Code specifications.
Living by the seaside is good for the mental and physical health of human beings but it can corrode pipes.
In the past couple of weeks Larsen said he has found multiple leaks in the homes of people living in the area. “I found two in one home,” he said. This is why Larsen recommends that every homeowner get a house inspection. Ask yourself, he said, “When was the last time your equipment was inspected?” This you should ask your energy provider. “Call any licensed plumber or other qualified contractor and tell them you’d like your house checked out.” This should include all piping and the crawl spaces and attics.
There are also devices on the market that homeowners can purchase to sense gas leaks.
Larsen said, ”The following gas detector can be purchased at Walmart, First Alert GCO1CN Combination Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Backlit Digital Display $39.99.” The store should also offer training in the use of these devices that conforms to manufacturer’s specifications.
The price of home inspections varies and the consumer should inquire as to the cost as well as the qualifications of the person being hired.
“I will be happy to answer anyone’s questions” Larsen said. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
To contact Paul at Paul Larsen & Son Plumbing and Heating LLC, call 675-6986.
Ron Ferrell of Ferrell Cooling and Heating has been in the trade since 1976. “That’s almost 40 years and I can say that explosions like that one are rare.” Ferrell who does business in both New Jersey and Sussex County Delaware says there has been a large increase in conversions from propane to natural gas in the area. His worry is that some people may not be hiring professionals to do the work. He said that even when the work is complete it is important for the provider to return in two or three days to make doubly sure that the fittings are tight and there is no leakage.
“Nowadays they put an additive into the gas that causes an odor to make a leak easier to detect,” Ferrell said. He recommends that at the first hint of gas you leave the premises and do not have any flame present. “Don’t even turn on the electric switch.
The spark could set things off. Even static electricity could set it off.” Ferrell does inspections for his customers twice a year, which is included in the yearly contract. He suggests hiring licensed, professional help, maintaining equipment and having regular inspections. “Keeping up with maintenance is a wise investment,” said Ferrell.
To reach Ferrell Cooling and Heating in New Jersey, call 463-0992.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com.