We are all aware of the dangers of natural gas leaks. Natural gas is highly flammable and can create a fire or explosion if it comes in contact with an open flame. Inhaling natural gas can also be harmful to your health. If you know what to look for, you can prevent these disasters from happening.
If you notice a leak in your home, do not attempt to fix it yourself. You should call your local utility company immediately so they can repair the leak. If you have an odorless natural gas leak, you should evacuate the building immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Do not use any kind of phone except for emergency calls during this time because it could ignite an explosion or fire if used near natural gas fumes or leaking pipes/fixtures that use natural gas as fuel (i.e., cooktops).
5 Signs of a Gas Leak
- If you smell an odor similar to the scent of rotten eggs, it may be a sign that you have a gas leak. This is because gas companies add odorants to the gas to make it more easily detectable if a leak occurs.
- If you hear a hissing sound from your furnace or gas-powered appliances, it could be a sign of a gas leak. This symptom is present even after the appliances are turned off. This means that gas is escaping through loose fittings or small holes in your pipes.
- Dead or dying houseplants, when they are properly cared for, may indicate a gas leak. When plants are exposed to natural gas the plant roots cannot absorb oxygen. This lack of oxygen leads to wilting leaves, yellowing plants, and eventually, if exposure is over a long period of time, to the death of the plant.
- Outside of your home may show you evidence of a gas-related issue. A gas leak from underground pipes will cause standing water near the leak to bubble up as the gas rises from the ground into the air. Underground pipes are susceptible to leaking since utility companies are failing to replace old and fragile gas mains.
- When summer arrives and you are running your air conditioning, heating your swimming pool, and barbequing daily, you expect your utility bill to increase. However, when there are unexpected increases in your utility bill it may be a sign you have an undetected gas leak.
Responding to a Gas Leak
If you’re a homeowner, the signs of a gas leak are probably something you’ve seen before. You may even have a vague idea of what to do in an emergency. But what if you don’t?
There is no excuse for not knowing where your shutoff valve is located or how to use it. This knowledge could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
If you suspect a gas leak, do not wait until there is an emergency to locate your shutoff valve but learn in advance of its location. Do not use a flashlight, candle, or match to aid your search as a spark could ignite the gas causing a deadly explosion. Instead, everyone in the home should be aware of where the valve is located and how to shut it off, going as far as to keep an adjustable wrench nearby for a quick response time. Every second counts when you are responding to a gas leak. Installing individual shutoff valves at each appliance is also a smart idea.
If you smell gas, don’t ignore it!
If you smell gas, shut off the source immediately, and open all doors and windows on your way out of the home. This allows for the gas to dissipate into the outside air, thus reducing the chance of a fire breaking out or an explosion.
Call 911 and your gas company to report the leak. Do not use your cell phone at the home to make this call since static electricity can create a spark and ignite the gas in your home.
Do not return to your home until a qualified inspector determines it is safe to return.
Before You Dig
When digging in your yard, it’s important to call your gas company three or more days before digging to allow them to locate and mark your gas line as well as other hidden utilities. This will prevent you from damaging underground utilities and help keep you safe.
Natural gas is an efficient choice for keeping your home comfortable and safe. Following these early detection tips and knowing how to properly respond to gas emergencies can mean the difference between life and death for you and your family.
Have a gas issue in your home? Contact us immediately. We are gas leak detection specialists in Vista, North County.
