How Do You Spot a Gas Leak?
For many homes, natural gas is a safe and reliable energy source that powers many of the most-used appliances in the home – from the kitchen range to the air conditioner system – as long as it’s working properly. While gas offers convenience to many homeowners, it can also be a severe safety risk should there be a leak. Unfortunately, natural gas is often known as a silent killer because it’s mostly odorless and nearly impossible to spot (compared to a water leak). So, how can homeowners protect themselves and their families?
In this article, plumbing experts discuss common gas leak symptoms and how to respond in an emergency.
Why Are Gas Leaks Dangerous?
Gas leaks are mainly dangerous because of their physical health risks for anyone in the home. This can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory difficulties. Furthermore, since gas leaks are carbon monoxide poisoning, they can be lethal when inhaled for extended periods. Aside from the risk it poses to people’s health, it can also put the home in danger. If the gas leaks come into contact with a spark or flame, it can easily ignite, causing an explosion.
A carbon monoxide monitor is the first line of defense for any home. These devices can help warn anyone in the home in emergencies, so ensure they are placed in areas with gas appliances, like the kitchen.
Tips for Spotting a Gas Leak
While a carbon monoxide detector can help with early gas leak detection, it’s often the hidden signs that will help alert homeowners that a gas leak repair is needed. Some of the signals to look for include:
- Strange Odors: While natural gas doesn’t smell or taste, chemicals are usually mixed to help homeowners detect leaks. These often have a sulfuric odor like rotten eggs, making it easy to smell a problem.
- Strange Noises: A gas line is naturally pressurized to help keep the gas flow consistent. If a strange hissing sound is coming from behind any appliance or anywhere in the home, it could warrant an inspection.
- Dead Plants & Grass: Natural gas poses a health risk to anyone in the home and can damage grass and houseplants, too. Be on the lookout for indoor plants that have wilted for no apparent reason or spots in the lawn that are overly brown, as this could indicate a gas line leak.
Responding in a Dangerous Situation
A gas leak is considered an emergency. While not every gas leak turns into an explosion, the chance is still there, so all homeowners should know how to respond. If any of the above symptoms have been spotted in the home, the first thing to do is immediately evacuate the home. It’s important not to touch anything, as even switching on a light may cause an electrical spark that could ignite the gas in the home.
Call an emergency plumber and the gas company once outside and safely away from the home. They’ll be able to shut off the flow of natural gas to the home and begin any necessary gas line repair.
About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service
Since 1920, Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service has been serving homeowners in Evansville, IN, and has become one of the most trusted companies in the area. They’re committed to honest service and quality workmanship, with technicians participating in ongoing training to ensure they provide you with the best service possible. Contact them today for expert gas line services and other solutions that earned them the Angie’s List Super Service Award!
