Natural gas leaks are a danger to your health and your home. Do you know the signs of a gas leak, or who to call when you suspect one? The experts at Applewood have made this quick guide for you, so you never second-guess a leak in your home.
What are the Symptoms of a Gas Leak?
Natural gas is a danger to humans. Inhaling it for any length of time can lead to:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Breathing trouble
- Loss of consciousness
If you or family members experience any of these symptoms, leave your home immediately. Call 911 only after you’re outside of your home. Not only is gas dangerous to breathe, but it could also explode when you use your phone or other electronic devices.
What Causes a Gas Leak?
Home gas leaks can result from faulty appliance installation, aging pipes, and older valves. Whenever you add a new appliance that uses natural gas, such as a water heater, dryer, gas stove, or furnace, test all the seals around it afterward. Faulty connections might be overlooked during the initial installation. A licensed plumber can easily test and give you peace of mind that your appliance is installed safely.
If you have older gas lines, it may be time to repair or replace them. As pipes age and rust, the seals between them degrade and can begin to leak. At a minimum, have your plumbing inspected regularly to identify any possible leaks. Upgrading your gas lines is a sound investment for your family and your home.
How Do I Know I Have a Gas Leak?
Natural gas is a colorless and odorless gas on its own. Your utility company adds a foul-smelling chemical called Mercaptan to it to make it easier to detect. When confirming a gas leak in your home, look for these signs:
- Rotten egg smell. If you begin to smell a chemical, sulfuric, rotten eggs odor in your home, it’s likely due to gas leaking out of your pipes and into your living space.
- Hissing sound. Larger gas leaks will make an audible hissing or whistling sound at the site of the leak.
- Wilting plants. Natural gas can affect your houseplants and cause them to sag, dry up, or even die.
- Increased gas bill. If your gas bill makes a sudden leap, it may be more than inflation. It could mean you’re paying for gas that’s leaking into your home.
A natural gas leak detector can give you an early warning of a gas leak in your home. However, these are different than carbon monoxide detectors. A carbon monoxide detector will not detect a natural gas leak. Wall-mounted natural gas detectors will alert you to the presence of gas in the air, and handheld detectors can help you confirm the location of your leak.
Another method to confirm a gas leak is to use soapy water in a spray bottle. Simply spray the solution along your gas line and watch for bubbling. The leak will cause the soap to foam up at the site of the leak.
Who Should I Call If I Suspect a Gas Leak?
In the event of a gas leak in your home, leave the premises immediately. From a safe distance, call your trusted gas leak plumber to investigate and repair the leak. Even if your house smells like gas but no leak can be detected, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Applewood Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical provides fast and reliable gas leak repair when Denver-area homeowners need it. Call us now for immediate help!
