Natural gas is a standard household fuel for heating and cooking in many parts of the world. When it’s working correctly, a natural gas system is also safe to use, making our energy use more efficient.
However, when something goes wrong, whether due to improper placement of a component in service or inadequate maintenance, a natural gas leak can pose a threat to your family and home.
Being able to recognize a gas leak and knowing what to do in the event of one can mean the difference between life and death.
Why Gas Leaks Are Dangerous
At high concentrations, natural gas can cause suffocation. Incomplete combustion of gas results in the emission of noxious gases (such as carbon monoxide). If you breathe in too much carbon monoxide, it can make you sick and even kill you.
Gas is also highly flammable so that a leak can cause a fire or explosion. Heat or a spark can lead to serious injury or death. Even a small gas leak can cause a fire or explosion.
How to Check for a Gas Leak
One of the first indications that a natural gas leak has occurred may be a peculiar odor. What does gas smell like when there is a gas leak? If you detect the smell of sulphur or rotten eggs, it is likely a gas leak. Most of the time, one of the sulphur compounds is mixed into natural gas to produce that warning scent, but not always. Other signs that there might be a gas leak include:
- Breathing difficulties or chest pains,
- Light-headedness or dizziness,
- Eye or throat irritation,
- or headaches.
Aside from the odor and the enumerated symptoms, you’ll want to be aware of a few other gas leak detection options so you can conduct some investigation if you have suspicions but are not quite sure.
Watch and listen for a whistling or hissing sound. It’s easy to hear these sounds near the gas lines in your home. An unusual sound near your gas pipes may indicate a high-pressure leak.
There are also visual clues that indicate a gas leak. You might observe bubbles in still water, dirt, or dust gurgling from pipes running underground outdoors. You may also observe dead plants, like houseplants that are discolored or dying for no apparent reason.
Prevention Tips
A gas leak is never good, and prevention is key. There are ways to lower your risk of poisoning, fires, and explosions, one of which is the purchase of a carbon monoxide detector. Other easy preventive tips are ensuring that your chimney, stove, or furnace is adequately vented.
The number one way to prevent a gas leak is to ensure that all your pipes and the natural gas system inside your home are in good working order. We can assist you in resolving issues that, if left unaddressed, could become problems in themselves down the road.
If you suspect a gas leak in your home, exit the house immediately and contact both the local fire services and a licensed inspection service company.
Get Prepared for an Emergency
Santos Water Service & Drain is available for 24/7 emergency service. We are experienced and can help resolve the issue and get you the necessary repairs. We are one you would like to be one of your emergency contacts.
Get ready for any home emergency. Contact us by calling 416-824-3352 or completing our online contact form to learn more about how we can help keep you, your home, and your loved ones safe.