Staying Safe From Gas Leaks

Responding to Dangerous Gas Leaks

Plumbers have years of experience and training, enabling them to install gas lines and make repairs when they fail safely. Despite high levels of workmanship, gas leaks can still be a serious problem for homeowners. Here is a quick guide detailing the dangers of natural gas, signs of gas line leaks, and how to react when a gas leak is suspected. 

Gas Leak Dangers

dizzy Natural gas is a valuable fuel used for heating the home, producing hot water in the water heater, and cooking. Its greatest value is that it burns cleanly compared to other fuels. However, this trait also becomes its biggest danger. Natural gas is flammable and explosive, making it responsible for significant property damage in insurance claims every year. 

In addition to being explosive and flammable, natural gas carries other risks. Exposure to natural gas can cause: 

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Light-headedness
  • Asphyxiation 
  • Heart palpitations 

Because of the dangers of gas leaks and the harm they can do, owners should take the time to learn the signs of gas leaks so they can respond safely. 

Signs of a Gas Leak Is Present

bad smell Natural gas is invisible and odorless, making it very dangerous. The first thing gas producers do after they pump the natural gas from the well is add a powerful odorant to the gas so it can be smelled, a sulfurous agent that smells like rotten eggs. This is the first sign that a gas leak is present. 

Since the sense of smell isn’t reliable, it is necessary to know other signs of gas leaks to ensure safety around the home. Some of the signs to watch out for are: 

  • Dead plants on the lawn or indoors
  • General malaise in people or pets
  • High gas bills
  • Orange pilot lights
  • Hissing noises
  • Low gas pressure evident in weak flames on gas ranges 

If any of these signs are noticed, plumbers need to be called. No gas leak is safe, so professionals should check out any suspected leaks to prevent the hazards of gas leaks. 

Reacting to Gas Leaks

Once a gas line leak is suspected, the owner has only moments to decide. The home must be evacuated immediately to avoid exposure to the gas and potential harm from fires or explosions. Quickly and calmly instruct everyone to go outside to a designated meeting place. Extinguish all flames on the way out, and don’t turn lights or appliances on, as this may cause a spark that could ignite natural gas. If windows are already open, leave them alone, as the airflow will help disperse gas fumes. Likewise, leave the door open. 

Once outside, the owner should call the gas company or local firefighters. If the owner has tools available, they can shut the gas off at the meter, but it is still a good idea to have professionals help ventilate the home. After the immediate threat has passed, plumbers should be called to fix the leak before the home can be safely reoccupied. 

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling provides 24/7 service for emergencies like gas leaks. Their trained technicians use the latest technology to pinpoint gas leaks and make quick repairs so households can return to normal faster. Call today for a gas leak service in Rancho Cordova, CA. 

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