How to Safely Navigate Gas Leaks

Identifying and Responding to Gas Line Leaks

Gas leaks are serious dangers that come with the convenience of having natural gas service in a home. Most US homes have natural gas service to help them heat the home or provide fuel for cooking, but from time to time, this fuel can pose a hazard to the health and safety of those living in the home. For natural gas service owners, understanding how to identify and respond to gas leaks may be the difference between life and death. Here is a quick guide from local experts about dealing with gas leaks. 

The Dangers of Gas Leaks

Gas leaks can occur anywhere in the home where gas lines or appliances are present. A gas line leak can cause people to be exposed to natural gas that can, in turn, cause physical symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Difficulty breathing  

There is also a possibility of long-term health problems if a person is exposed to the leak for a long time. Apart from the physical dangers of gas leaks, there are dangers to the home and surrounding property. These can include explosions and fires. The tiniest spark can create a large problem if the room has enough gas.

Gas Leak Signs

The horrible smell of rotten eggs is a good indicator that something is wrong. The scent comes from added mercaptan in the gas and should be treated seriously. Owners should also listen for the sound of hissing from pipes or appliances and respond as if a gas leak exists. Even if these signs aren’t spotted, gas leaks can be noticed by monitoring monthly gas bills for spikes.

The other things living on the property are good indicators of gas leaks. For example, dead grass in the yard is another good indicator of something being amiss. The same can be said of dying house plants. Even pets can suffer from gas leaks by displaying signs of malaise and symptoms similar to those listed above for humans. 

Proper Responses to a Gas Leak

Responding quickly and safely to a gas leak is essential to keeping people safe from the dangers of gas leaks. Too many people are in the dark regarding responding to gas leaks, but learning can help them avoid dangerous situations. When a gas leak is suspected: 

Immediate actions should include:

• When a gas line leak is suspected, getting everyone out of the house immediately is the top priority. Open a few windows on the way out, and do not forget about the pets.
• The next step is to call the authorities. The local gas company is the best to call since they can turn off the gas supply and always have techs on call for emergencies.
• Once the gas lines are shut off, it is time to call a professional to take care of the gas leak repairs. Other non-professionals should NOT attempt gas line repairs.

General Safety Precautions To Keep In Mind

• Avoid making any flames or sparks. This is not just limited to lighters and matches.  Something like metal scraping against metal could create a dangerous spark as well.
• Do not turn on lights, appliances, or any other electrical device before exiting. Just get up and go.

About E.R. Services

E.R. Services handles everything from water leaks to gas leaks to installations. They have over 20 years of experience handling gas leaks. E.R. Plumbing Services is known for having live people answer their phones 24/7, offering fast turnarounds and upfront prices on every service. Call them today for any water or gas line repairs. 

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