Did you hear about the recent gas leak at the oil refinery in Durban? Do you know that to do if you have a gas leak? What if you’re not sure if you have a gas leak or not?
In this article, you’ll get to explore how to tell if you have a gas leak, and what to do once you spot it. Read on to learn exactly how to identify it to keep you and your family safe from a gas leak.
What Is a Gas Leak?
A gas leak is when a gas line leaks carbon monoxide, propane, or natural gas. They can happen in your place of work or at home. No matter where it occurs, you’ll want it fixed right away since it’s dangerous for you and your family.
1. Odd Odors
While in years’ past you couldn’t smell liquid propane or natural gas, over the years many companies include an additive that you can smell to recognize it.
The additive is what’s known as methanethiol or mecaptan. It’s harmless to you and your family. You can find the smell is similar to rotting cabbage or rotting eggs. If you smell this, it’s one of the signs of a gas leak.
2. Dead House Plants
If you notice your plants dying, that might be a sign of gas leaks. Plants are very sensitive to gas, and a plant that’s dying might be a sign that you’re having a gas leak occur.
3. Any Health Symptoms
If you start to notice you or your family have flu-like symptoms, dizziness, or trouble breathing, this can be an indicator. Check your symptoms and see if it can be something else.
Common symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Drowsiness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Irregular breathing
If not, it might be due to a leak. A good way to test it is to leave your home and see if the symptoms stay or disappear. If they disappear, then something is going on inside of the home that’s making you sick.
4. Strange Noises
Do you notice a hissing sound by your gas lines? If you notice this sound, you’ll want to contact a professional immediately. A hissing sound is a sign of a large leak. If the sound is coming from near your air conditioner, then it can be a leaking refrigerant, a bad compressor, or a leaking valve.
5. Small Bubbles
You can test to see if there’s a gas leak depending on if there are small bubbles. You’ll want to make sure the gas is on. Next, you’ll want to mix a small amount of dish soap into a container of water.
Wipe down the area that’s suspicious with a sponge or cloth. If you start to notice bubbles, then you have a gas leak. If the bubbles show up in wet areas, then it might be an underground gas leak.
6. Fogging
If you notice fog or mist around your home, that can be a sign of a gas leak. This can be a sign that your gas line has broken. If this is the case you’ll want to call your local plumber right away.
Are Gas Leaks Dangerous?
If you hire a professional plumber, they can fix your natural gas leak immediately. If you leave your gas leak alone, then it can cause dangers to yourself, your family, pets, and plants. Natural gas is flammable as well.
Don’t start your car, or use electrical appliances during a gas leak. You’ll want to open all windows and leave the area immediately if you suspect a gas leak. When you and your entire family and pets are outside, then you can call up a plumber to fix the leak.
Preventing Gas Leaks
While you don’t have control over the gas lines themselves, there are methods you can take to protect yourself and your family. Tell your children to never hang on any pipelines, or play with the gas meter.
If they’re playing on the pipelines, this can cause it to break down or become loose. This can lead to gas going into your home.
When you use any gas appliances, you won’t want to use them as a heat source. This can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
For moving any gas appliances, you’ll want to be careful. Never pile objects near gas appliances. If you do so, it’s flammable.
Have a plumber come to your home every year to do an annual inspection. They’ll check your exterior gas connections, visual gas lines, and gas hookups.
What to Do If You Find a Gas Leak
If you find a gas leak in your home, you’ll want to open all windows and doors. Never stay in that area. Don’t try to find the leak yourself, always leave it to the professionals. You could harm yourself by doing so.
If there’s a gas leak, you’ll want to avoid using any electric equipment. All matches and lighters shouldn’t be used. Any sparks of any sort can cause an explosion. Leave the home with your family and pets, and contact your local plumber right away.
Keep in mind that you might not always notice all of these signs. If you don’t notice all of them, you can still be experiencing a gas leak. It’s better to be cautious and protect you and your family.
Answering the Question, How to Tell If You Have a Gas Leak
Now that you have the answer to how to tell if you have a gas leak, you should be better prepared to notice the signs. Do you suspect a gas leak in your home or office? Don’t delay on getting professional help right away.
Contact us today! We specialize in various services from construction to detecting and fixing gas leaks. Keep your family safe today.
