Dealing With Gas Leaks
Natural gas service in the home offers tremendous convenience. Natural gas is used for cooking and heating in most homes, but its presence can threaten a home's health and safety. The gas plumbing in every home is built to last for a long time, but eventually, age, wear, and tear can cause the plumbing to fail. This can allow gas to leak from piping or joints in the plumbing, potentially putting the home and family at risk. When this happens, homeowners must know what to do in response, but since gas leaks rarely happen, most people are caught completely off guard.
Here is a quick guide from local plumbers to help homeowners quickly navigate the threats of gas line leaks.
Threats of Gas Leaks
Natural gas is:
- Invisible
- Odorless
- Tasteless
- Explosive
- Flammable
Because of these characteristics, natural gas presents several serious hazards that can also be difficult to ascertain. First and foremost, the threat that should be taken seriously the most is its explosive and flammable nature. While these characteristics make it a perfect fuel for heating and cooking, they can also make natural gas a serious danger to the property if it starts to leak. Small sparks from static or inconspicuous flames like candles can ignite even small leaks.
A secondary threat posed by natural gas is prolonged exposure. This can occur any time someone is constantly exposed to natural gas or the gas has started to displace oxygen from living spaces. When this happens, a serious leak is present and needs to be dealt with professionally.
Signs of a Gas Leak
Gas leaks can be particularly tricky since natural gas is difficult to perceive. To make it easier, powerful compounds are added to natural gas that make it smell like rotten eggs. Tiny leaks can easily be perceived with the human nose, making it the best tool for a homeowner to find gas leaks.
In the wake of the COVID pandemic, many people find their noses aren’t up to the job of smelling. Knowing other signs of gas leaks is vitally important to keep the home safe. Some of the things to look out for are:
- Dead indoor plants
- Lethargic pets
- High gas bills
- Dead plants on the lawn
- Hissing sounds
- Physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, or fainting
Responding to Gas Leaks
If a gas leak is suspected, owners need to take immediate action. The priority is to get everyone out safely. When the leak is determined, evacuate through the shortest possible route. Extinguish any flames, but don’t turn lights or electronics off or on. Leave the doors open, and if it can be done quickly, open a few windows to ventilate.
Next, protect the property by attempting to shut off the gas. Don’t reenter the property to get tools; if they are available, use a wrench to turn off the gas service at the meter, which is well away from the home. While one person is doing this, another should call the local gas company. From there, follow the directions of professionals to ensure the home is ventilated and the repair is made.
About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc
Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc. offers after-hours service for emergencies like gas leaks. Their award-winning teams ensure that every family is in good hands when dealing with stressful plumbing emergencies. Call today for gas leak services in Seaside, CA.
