How to Spot a Gas Leak (And What to Do About It)
Natural gas is one of the planet's most efficient and cost-effective energy sources. But it does have its downsides. For one thing, burning any fuel can have some negative environmental impacts. Fortunately, natural gas is less harmful than other fuel types in this regard.
The main downside of natural gas is the risk of a gas leak or carbon monoxide exposure. The latter can generally be avoided with regular maintenance and inspections of gas-burning appliances – and with a reliable carbon monoxide detector. However, every homeowner should know the risks of a gas leak and the warning signs. This article will explain how to identify gas leaks and their dangers and respond to them safely.
The Dangers of a Gas Leak
A gas leak can be dangerous for a few reasons. The most obvious one is the risk of a fire or explosion that it poses. Natural gas is highly combustible and works well as an energy source. If it leaks from a faulty appliance or gas line and builds up in the home, even a tiny spark can ignite the gas, resulting in a devastating explosion.
Moreover, natural gas can also be dangerous since it is toxic to humans and animals. Exposure in high quantities can lead to natural gas poisoning, which can have a range of negative health effects, from headaches and nausea to suffocation and even death.
Signs of a Gas Leak in the Home
Because gas leaks are so dangerous, everyone should know how to identify them. Natural gas is odorless and invisible in its raw form, so gas companies put chemical additives (mercaptan is the most common) to give it a distinct odor resembling rotten eggs. While this is the most obvious sign, there are several other signs of a gas leak to watch out for.
- The smell of rotten eggs.
- Hissing sounds – Gas escaping from a gas line leak or faulty burner.
- Dead spots in the yard – Indicate an underground gas line leak.
- Air bubbles in puddles or mud – Also indicate an underground gas leak.
- Indoor houseplants are wilted or dying.
- Unusually high gas bills.
- Physical gas leak symptoms – Headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and loss of consciousness.
What to Do When There’s a Gas Leak
If homeowners notice any of the above signs of a gas leak, they should immediately exit the house and get to a safe distance in case there’s a gas explosion. It may be wise to leave the door open to help ventilate the gas. They should then call the gas company to shut off the gas to the home and a reliable, qualified plumber to repair gas leaks. On the way out of the house, everyone must refrain from using electronics (including cell phones) or flipping light switches, as even a tiny spark of electricity can ignite built-up gas.
Homeowners shouldn’t try to find the leak themselves, as this puts them at extreme risk of gas poisoning or injury from a fire or explosion. After the gas company has shut off the gas, a certified professional can enter the home and use specialized equipment to locate the source of the leak. Gas line repair is dangerous, so it should always be left to qualified professionals trained to deal with gas leaks safely and quickly!
About Plumb Perfect Plumbing
For over 20 years, Plumb Perfect Plumbing has been the go-to resource for plumbing and gas line services in Fredericksburg, Virginia. As an award-winning, BBB-accredited local business, they proudly offer competitive flat-rate pricing, financing, and same-day service seven days a week. Their punctual technicians are licensed, bonded, insured, and background-checked, so every customer knows they’re in great hands when they call Plumb Perfect for gas leak repair in Fredericksburg, VA!
