Dealing with Natural Gas Leaks
We have all heard the horror stories before: a gas leak caused carbon monoxide poisoning or a lethal explosion. It is something that homeowners everywhere dread in the back of their minds and try to be as prepared for as humanly possible. That leaves the question of being able to properly identify signs of leaks in your own home. This can be difficult to do if you don’t know exactly what to look for. Thankfully, there are triggers for your sense of sight, hearing, and smell that can tip you off that there may be a gas leak in your home. So, what are those signs that there may be a gas leak? Are those gas leaks dangerous to you and those living with you? This is your comprehensive guide for how to detect potential gas leaks in your home and what it could mean for your health and safety.
What Are the Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home?
Unfortunately, there may come a time where a gas leak becomes an issue within your home. And while it isn’t 100% guaranteed that you will recognize the leak, there are some things to keep an eye (and nose) out for to help you identify gas leaks.
Visually, there are signs to be aware of. You may notice bubbles in your water or dead houseplants throughout your home. If you think there may be a leak and begin looking around, you may notice that you have a damaged gas pipe that needs repairing. You might also begin to smell something that smells of sulfur or rotten eggs. You may even begin to hear a sound of hissing or whistling when you get near the gas line itself. These are all common signs of a gas leak and if you notice any of them, you should contact your local professionals immediately.
Is a Small Gas Leak Dangerous?
Technically speaking, no it isn’t dangerous but it also isn’t ideal either. Exposure to natural gas in small amounts can cause headaches or nausea but won’t result in death due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep in mind that this is only true if the issue is recognized and addressed in short order.
Even the smallest gas leaks can result in very dangerous situations, however. If they are left unattended, those small gas leaks can result in a major buildup of natural gas in your home. This can be dangerous for the health of those in your home to breathe in and can create a potential explosion hazard. If you feel as though there may be a natural gas leak in your home, take the steps to call in a professional repair service immediately. If that natural gas leak is allowed to persist, it can have very real and dangerous consequences to you and those living in your home.
Is it Normal to Smell Gas?
When it comes to natural gas, you won’t be able to smell it because it is odorless. Because of this, as a safety precaution, there is a chemical that gets added to it so that the smell of rotten eggs permeates your home whenever there is a leak. If the smell is strong (and you might hear an accompanying hissing sound as well), you can open the doors and windows in order to ventilate the house but you want to get on the phone with a professional service immediately. Waiting and allowing the gas to permeate your home is dangerous and can have serious consequences if left unattended.
How To Detect A Gas Leak?
As stated previously, there are a few ways to detect if there is a leak in your home. If you know what to look for, you can actually see the natural gas leaking through the line because air is rushing out. This causes a disturbance in the area around the leak that can be visually recognizable. If there happens to be dust or dirt in the area around the leak, it could start to move around on its own even when there is no wind or breeze. Should the lines be near a body of water, the leak will create bubbles in the water, making it a visual sign that you are experiencing a leak.
Does Natural Gas Have a Smell?
The smell also becomes noticeable due to the chemical mercaptan. When added to natural gas, it acts as a safety measure so that you can smell the gas. Without it, natural gas is odorless, making it nearly impossible to detect. Lastly, listen for a low hissing sound. If there is a leak in the natural gas line, you may be able to detect it by listening for that low hissing sound. This lets you know that something is wrong and professional service is needed as soon as possible. When you suspect you may have a gas leak, it is imperative that you call the professionals immediately. Give us a call at (817) 476-9963 if you are worried there may be a gas leak in your home.