Many components within a home are fueled by natural gas. The water heater, dryer, fire place, and furnace within your home may be running on gas. Natural gas is a readily available resource that is helpful for many reasons, but does have possible complications that you should make note of and prepare for.
What is a Gas Leak?
A gas leak occurs when natural gas escapes from a pipeline into an area where the gas should not be. Gas leaks are highly flammable and should be handled with extreme caution.
Signs of a Gas Leak
It’s important to be able to identify the signs of a gas leak, so that you can take action immediately.
- Pipes making a hissing sound, even when the appliance is turned off.
- Gas companies add chemicals to the gas to make it easier to detect a gas leak, so if you smell rotten eggs you may have a gas leak.
- A higher gas bill may indicate a gas leak because your home is using more gas than normal.
- Physical symptoms of gas poisoning, like, fatigue, dizziness, breathing changes, headaches, nausea, loss of consciousness, and memory problems.
- Gas leaks can occur in underground pipes, so you may notice bubbles in standing water like mud or puddles.
What Should You do if You Smell Gas
- The most important thing to do if you suspect a gas leak is to get out of the house. Turn off any gas appliances and open windows and doors on your way out of the house. Don’t do anything that may ignite the gas, like starting your car, turning lights on, making a phone call, etc.
- Call the gas company. It’s important to have the emergency number of your local gas company so it is readily available to you.
- Contact your local plumber for repairs. After the gas company comes and evaluates the situation, they will determine where the gas leak is at and what is causing it, but they will not perform the needed repairs, a plumbing company will.
- Contact the gas company to inspect the repair. Your gas will not be turned back on until the gas company inspects the repair and ensures that needed repairs have been made.
Any Questions?
Donovan WaterWorks is here for all your plumbing needs, so don’t hesitate to contact us
