Ways to Identify and Respond to Hazardous Gas Leaks
While natural gas is a safe and efficient way to cook and heat the home, there’s always a chance that a gas leak can occur. No matter how many regulations are in place to keep consumers safe, nothing is 100% safe. This is why homeowners need to familiarize themselves with the dangers and signs of a gas leak in the home. But most importantly, homeowners need to know what to do if they identify a gas leak in their home. It could be a matter of life and death. Luckily, it’s not too complicated. This article will cover everything homeowners need to know about how to keep safe from gas leaks.
Dangers of a Gas Leak
There are several dangers associated with a gas leak in the home. At first, people may experience gas leak symptoms that include dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and ringing in the ears. In extreme cases, natural gas can cause death through asphyxia by reducing the amount of breathable air in the house. This is why it’s important to take action when homeowners suspect a gas leak is important.
Since natural gas is highly combustible, a leak can also result in an explosion or fire. Even something as seemingly harmless as an electronic appliance turning on could cause a spark large enough to result in an explosion. While this isn’t likely, it is possible, and homeowners should always plan for the worst-case scenario.
How to Spot a Gas Leak
The first step in avoiding the dangers of a gas leak is knowing how to spot one. There are many signs that homeowners should be familiar with so they can act swiftly in case of a leak. Perhaps the most infamous sign of a gas leak is the smell of rotten eggs. Natural gas doesn’t have a smell, but the additive natural gas companies put into the gas smells strongly of sulfur. This is done so that people can smell natural gas in the event of a leak.
But relying on smell alone isn’t a good idea. It’s just one of many signs of a gas leak that should be considered. Aside from using the sense of smell, hearing is also key in identifying a gas leak. Often, homeowners can hear a hissing sound near a gas line or an appliance that uses gas. Also, natural gas can cause houseplants to die. The same can be said for grass if the leak is outside under the lawn. Lastly, homeowners should be mindful of the physical symptoms listed above.
What to Do if There’s a Gas Line Leak
When homeowners suspect they have a gas line leak, the most important thing is to get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible. Many people will have an instinct to try to locate the gas leak. This is a mistake, and it could be a fatal one. Instead, get everyone out of the house and gather at a safe distance from the structure. Leave any windows or doors open to help air out the gas, and make sure no one uses any electronics or ignites any open flames on the way out.
Once everyone is out of the house and safe, call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Next, call the gas company and tell them about the leak so they can shut off the gas to the home. Once the gas is off, a professional plumbing company will need to locate and repair the gas leak before it’s safe to use gas in the home again.
About All Clear Plumbing
All Clear Plumbing has been proudly serving Belleville, NJ, since 1952! Their technicians arrive on time and never leave a mess behind. All Clear also offers up-front, flat-rate pricing and 24/7 emergency service. Contact them today for gas leak repair in Belleville, NJ!
