Nearly 13
miles of natural gas pipelines run beneath Alma delivering natural gas for
a variety of uses. Residents primarily use natural gas to heat their homes
during the cold winter months. It is also used to provide hot water and for
cooking.
Detecting Leaks
Natural gas allows
for greater living comfort but users must be extremely cautious due
to its explosive nature. In its natural state, natural gas is odorless and
colorless. Any leaking of natural gas from a service line is an extremely
dangerous situation. Since natural gas naturally has no color or odor, how
can someone detect a possible leak? The natural gas distributed by Alma
Utilities contains an additive chemical, mercaptan. Mercaptan smells like
”rotten eggs.” It is very pungent. Should you smell an odor similar to
“rotten eggs,” go to a neighbor’s home and call the City Office at 928‑2242 OR if after
hours call the City's On Call Number at 920-1047.
If an emergency - Call the Sheriff's Office at
928-2147 immediately!
Alma Utilities will
dispatch a crew with leak detection equipment. There is no charge for this
service. The safety of the resident is paramount. Report any possible leaks
immediately, do not wait until our regular business hours. If you suspect a
leak, notify everyone on the premises. Leave the dwelling and call from
another location. Do not turn on lights, do not strike a match to “see” the
leak. The smallest spark, even from a light switch being turned on, can
have a catastrophic result. Alma Utilities will check for leaks on the
main service and the customer’s piping with no charge to the customer. Alma
Utilities owns the meter and regulator.
If a leak is found
on a customer piping the customer should hire a heating contractor (plumber)
to fix the leak. The customer is responsible for all leaks and/or repairs
done on house piping including service line to house, from property line.
Meter Changes
Alma Utilities replaces gas meters
periodically, as needed. There is no charge for this service.
Conserving Natural Gas
One of the best, and
easiest, ways to conserve natural gas is by making sure the filter of a
gas furnace is regularly checked, cleaned and/or replaced. Before and during
the heating season, check the condition of the filter. A dirty filter
requires the unit to run longer and harder in order to provide the amount of comfort
that you desire.
Lighting/Extinguishing Pilot Lights
Alma Utilities will light or extinguish your pilot light at no charge to its
customers one time per season as a courtesy. However, if it becomes obvious
the customer's furnace is faulty and needs repair, Alma Utilities will cease
to respond to requests to light or extinguish pilot light.
