If you notice a “rotten egg” smell or you hear hissing near a gas appliance, leave the property immediately and call 911. A gas leak isn’t just dangerous; it can be deadly. Never turn on a light, never use electronics, and under no circumstances light a match. Remember it is always better to call an expert if you suspect a gas leak.

Of course! If you replace or install a gas appliance inside – or outside – of your home, trust the professionals at MAS Plumbing. Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, we’ll make sure the job is done properly and safely. Call (630) 924-0665 to schedule service.

Legally, yes, but we strongly advise against any do-it-yourself gas line work in your home. Commercial gas work can only be completed by a licensed plumber. Gas lines can be dangerous, that’s why the professionals at MAS plumbing have the training to ensure the job is handled correctly and up to all local codes.

Flexible gas lines for appliances can last 10-20 years, but should be checked periodically. If the appliance is replaced or moved, the rule of thumb is to replace the flexible gas line. Repeatable bending of the line can cause metal fatigue and failure.

If you notice damp or soggy spots in your yard, or you experience lower than normal water pressure, you may have a water leak. Other signs include hearing the sound of running water when no water is in use as well as a higher-than-normal water bill. Contact MAS Plumbing and we’ll check your water lines for leaks and make recommendations for proper repair or replacement. Throughout Chicagoland, we’re you’re water line experts.

The obvious sign is finding dripping or pooled water near a water connection such as a sink or toilet. You may also notice a brown or yellow water stain, bubbling paint, or warping drywall on your ceiling or a wall. The challenge with a water stain is, it may not indicate the true source of the leak. Inside your home leaks can travel along pipes or woodwork and appear almost anywhere.

If your home does not have a basement or crawl space surface moisture or an unusually warm spot on your floor, may also be a sign of hot water line leak.

If you are experiencing any of the above, contact your MAS Plumbing professional at (630) 924-0665 and we’ll make sure we identify and repair the leak with minimal disruption to your home.

Locate the specific fixture’s shut off valve, usually behind the toilet or under the sink, and turn the valve clockwise (to the right) until it stops. For sinks, you will need to turn off the water supply to both the hot and cold water.

Locate your main shut off valve which is usually located where your main water pipe enters your home. Typically, this is in the basement or for homes with a slab foundation, near the hot water heater. If you have a straight lever handle, turn it a quarter turn so it is perpendicular to the pipe. If you have a round wheel knob, turn it clockwise – to the right – until it stops.

Chicago winters can be brutal on water lines. If you have a frozen pipe, turn on a faucet to relieve pressure and slowly thaw the line using a hair dryer or a heating pad. Never use open flame to thaw a frozen line. MAS Plumbing offers emergency services 24/7 throughout Chicago and the suburbs so don’t hesitate to call us.

It all depends on what it is made of. A well-maintained copper line and modern PEX lines can last 50 to over 70 years. Older steel or lead lines typically degrade much faster and require replacement.

If you have an older home, typically over 40 years old, you may have lead or galvanized water lines. Contact MAS Plumbing and we can test your water for lead and make recommendations based on the results. If you have lead or galvanized lines that need to be replaced, many municipalities have homeowner cost sharing agreements that you can take advantage of.