The Hidden Dangers of Skipping Gas and Electrical Safety Checks in Older Homes
It makes a whole lot of sense to want to go for an older home; like, why not? You get a vintage house with style, character and stories to tell. In most cases, it is cheaper and easier to buy than relatively new and contemporary houses. So we see you and understand why you would go for an older home.
However, no one drives a car, especially an older car, without proper routine checks like the brakes or the oil, right? Exactly! So never move into an older home without thorough gas and electric safety checks.
Beneath most older homes, if not all, is an ageing network of gas lines and electrical wiring working to keep the building in place. However, best believe that the most minute breakage or leakage in this gas and electrical system can make you homeless at the snap of your fingers!
We have to avoid that, right? So let’s see the risks with older homes across Melbourne and how to deal with them.
Fire Hazards from Faulty Wiring
Most older homes were built with a system called “knob-and-tube wiring.” This system was very common and useful at the time, but it lacked grounding. (Grounding prevents electrical shocks and reduces fire risk). Over time, the insulation around these wires deteriorates and exposes live wires to wooden beams, plaster and other flammable materials.
Another issue is that modern households consume far more electricity than those in the past. Decades ago, homes were wired to handle about 30 amps of power, enough for basic lighting and a few appliances. Today, the average home needs between 100 to 200 amps to power everything from refrigerators and washing machines to air conditioners, televisions and multiple electronic devices. This overload can cause older wires to heat up, melt insulation and spark fires.
Gas Leaks and Explosions
It won’t be abnormal to walk into an old home and meet old and outdated sofas, right? So it’s not far-fetched to say that most older homes have ageing gas lines and appliances.
Over time, gas pipes can corrode, joints may weaken and seals can deteriorate and cause gas leakage. These leaks are more dangerous because natural gas is both colourless and odourless. Even the artificial "rotten egg" odorant added in older systems to aid leakage detection can fade and make leaks harder to notice.
These leaks would accumulate gas in confined spaces like basements or crawl spaces. Guess what that means? Even a minor spark from something as simple as turning on a light switch or using a household appliance can ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
Electrocution and Electrical Shocks
The outdated wiring systems and ageing electrical components in older homes make them very susceptible to electrocution and electrical shocks. In most cases, these homes were built before modern safety standards were established, so they may lack essential safety features like grounding wires and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets.
Most older homes have ungrounded wiring outlets, which are quite dangerous because they don’t provide a safe path for excess electricity. For example, if an appliance short-circuits, the current can flow through a person touching it, which may cause serious injury or even death.
Moreover, ageing electrical systems are prone to loose connections, frayed wires and damaged insulation. These issues increase the likelihood of arc faults (unintentional discharges of electricity) that generate intense heat and can lead to both fires and shocks.
Another common issue is outdated circuit breakers or fuse boxes that were never meant to handle the power demands of modern appliances and electronics. If you’ve ever noticed a tingling sensation when touching an appliance or seen sparks when plugging something in, it’s a sign of potentially dangerous wiring issues. In a case like this, connect with a local property inspection company and book your gas and electric safety checks asap.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you’re not convinced enough to do a thorough safety check on your new home by a professional, then this point will make you rethink everything. Unlike other hazards, carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless, so it’s virtually impossible to detect without proper equipment.
This toxic gas is produced whenever fuel (such as gas, wood, oil or coal) is burned. Faulty gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and stoves are the primary culprits here! In older properties, these appliances may have been installed without modern safety features or may have deteriorated over time.
The most dangerous part of this is that you may mistake the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning for the flu. Headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion and chest pain are common signs of low-level exposure. Prolonged or high-level exposure can lead to loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage and even death.
Conclusion
So, getting an old house can be this dangerous, and is it a bad idea to invest in an old property? Relax. They can be dangerous, and they can also be the most beautiful and sensible financial decision you’d ever make. The difference is in the care and maintenance.
Now that you know that your old home may be a recipe for a fire outbreak, what do you do? Never ignore the little signs you see.
A constantly flickering light or a warm outlet can be a warning sign. Pay attention to your property and get trustworthy professionals for routine gas and electrical safety checks. Remember, your actions determine how safe your home is.
Also Read: Why Electrical and Gas Safety Checks Are Essential for Victorian Homes
