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Potentially Explosive Condition Discovered in Katy Home

By
Real Estate Agent with CEO - Dale Ross Realty Group 0316603

Recently, one of my clients was faced with a potentially explosive, and very dangerous, condition within their Cinco Ranch home. This condition was discovered after closing, as it's something that's typically not inspected during a home purchase. It's not a common occurrence, but there's a possibility that this situation could come up in many homes – and as demonstrated in my client's case, it could be a tragedy waiting to happen.

The dangerous condition that I'm speaking of involved a natural gas leak. I'd venture to say that 99% of homeowners have never thought about investigating this issue because of the unusual, uncommon, and hidden nature of the leak itself.

It was caused by deterioration of the natural gas pipe that's often called “black pipe,” a type used for interior piping or inside the walls of the home. Being concealed, most homeowners never even see these pipes, and when it's not exposed to the elements, the pipe is reliable and safe. However, when moisture and air are allowed to contact the pipe, it will rust and deteriorate over time, which is why it must be protected using sealers or paint, especially when it protrudes through an exterior wall.

In the case of my client and their Cinco Ranch home, there was a failure to protect that pipe from corrosion. Luckily, when they purchased their nine-year home, the gas had been turned off by the previous owner before closing. The utility company then detected a slow leak in the system when they came to turn the gas back on for the new owner. Investigation – which involved removing sheet rock – revealed that the leak was inside the wall behind the gas meter. A small pinhole that resulted from a good deal of corrosion. How did it happen?

It turns out that the lawn irrigation system had been spraying water onto the wall surrounding the gas meter. The water then drained onto the black pipe, hidden within the wall. Over time – years, mostly likely – the black pipe corroded to the point of developing the leak. Before gas service could be restored, a plumber had to investigate, determine the source of the leak, and replace several inches of rusted pipe before a pressure test could confirm a safe system.

Take note of this, as you may be able to avoid a dangerous or expensive situation of your own! If your irrigation system is spraying on or near your gas meter, take steps to redirect your sprinklers away from that part of the exterior wall. (You may wish to have the black pipe within the wall checked for corrosion if water has been hitting it for any length of time.) As always, if you sense or suspect a gas leak in your home, it's important to have your system inspected by a professional to ensure your family's safety.

 

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Comments (1)

Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Dale Ross This is an excellent report. I would have thought that there would be detectable mold levels with the moisture in the walls? Thanks for the tip on black piping.

Nov 09, 2015 07:27 AM