Essential Gas Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
August is National Wellness Month, which is a time to reinforce habits that will keep homeowners healthy and safe. In celebration of this month, plumbing experts have compiled a list of essential safety tips all homeowners should know when their home is equipped with natural gas lines.
The Dangers of Natural Gas Leaks Are Nothing to Mess With
Natural gas is extremely flammable, and in some situations, can be explosive. According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters respond to 125,000 gas leaks every year, which cause 4,200 fires and 40 deaths each year.
Given the fire and explosion potential with leaking gas, it makes sense that gas leaks need to be detected as quickly as possible. The following are eight tips for how to identify a gas leak:
- There is a foul odor, like rotten eggs: The smell is the first hint of a gas leak in most cases. When natural gas comes out of the ground, it is invisible and odorless. Gas distributors intentionally add a chemical called Ethyl Mercaptan to give the gas its signature foul smell. The entire purpose of forcing a scent into the gas is so the nose can tell if a gas leak is occurring.
- There is a sound like a hiss or a roar: Natural gas is forced through pipes at high pressure. If a pipe gets a hole in it, the gas will make a sound as it is rapidly released through the hole. It is a sound similar to a bike tire that has a puncture hole in it.
- There are unexplained deaths in plants and grass: A small gas leak is going to slowly poison the roots of vegetation, so homeowners should keep an eye out for unusual patches of dead vegetation.
- There are health issues: Residents feel dizzy, nauseous, and lethargic; leaking gas forces oxygen out of the room. When the body doesn't get enough oxygen, it starts to feel ill.
Of course, the other big signal something is off is an increase in utility costs. Given how common natural gas has become in American households, keeping the nose, ears, and eyes on the lookout for possible leaks is important.
Here’s What Homeowners Should Do
- Evacuate all people and pets from the area. Homeowners should not try to locate or fix the leak themselves.
- While exiting, residents should open as many windows and doors as they can without delaying the exit. Lights and electronics should be, as these devices may produce a spark that ignites the gas.
- Call 911. Don't assume someone else has reported the possible leak.
- Follow the instructions of emergency personnel and the gas company.
Leaking gas is a serious situation and must be dealt with in an urgent matter. Get to safety and call an expert.
Things To Know About Professional Gas Leak Detection
Most local plumbing contractors have the tools and training needed to safely identify gas leaks. We can come out in an emergency or as part of routine preventative maintenance. Once onsite, we will use a portable gas detector to inspect all of the visible gas pipes in the house.
These experts can identify tiny leaks, especially at the joint connections, that are too small to cause any of the above tell-tale symptoms. Identifying these leaks when they are tiny can avoid the danger and expense of the leak becoming larger.
About Sheely Plumbing Inc.
Sheely Plumbing Inc. supports the plumbing needs of residential and commercial customers throughout the Alto and the Greater Grand Rapids Area of Michigan. With more than a decade of experience, homeowners can trust us with their most important projects. Satisfaction is 100% guaranteed, so call us today for gas leak service!
