How Do I Know There’s a Gas Leak in My Home?
Many homes have at least one or two appliances running on natural gas, including furnaces, oven ranges, and water heaters. While natural gas explosions are rare, they do occur. Gas line leak detection and repair are critical at the first sign of a gas leak.
What is a Gas Leak?
A gas leak occurs when gas escapes from a pipe or connection. They are extremely dangerous, with the potential to harm home occupants, pets, the home, and the environment.
How Does a Gas Leak Occur?
Gas leaks can occur in many places in the home, but the most common are where pipes join together at the fittings. The most common causes of gas leaks are corrosion, and poor piping.
Gas Leak Symptoms
Gas leaks are especially dangerous – and potentially life threatening – and require immediate attention to ensure everyone’s safety. Knowing the signs of a leak can help you act quickly!
Common signs of a gas leak include:
Smell of Rotten Eggs
While natural gas is odorless, gas companies add a chemical, ethyl mercaptan, which produces a sulfurous, or rotten egg, smell. This is specifically designed to help detect leaks.
Hissing Sounds
Hissing coming from gas lines or gas appliances can occur as gas escapes from a damaged pipe or connection.
Physical Symptoms
Sudden dizziness, headaches, nausea or fatigue could be signs of exposure to gas, especially if these symptoms disappear once you leave the affected area.
Pilot Lights Going Out
A pilot light going out frequently could be a sign of a leak impacting the flame.
Unexplained Increase in Gas Bill
If your gas bill increases without any obvious change in usage, you may be wasting gas due to a leak.
What to do if There’s a Gas Leak
If you suspect a gas leak, it’s important to act quickly, taking the following steps:
Evacuate Your Home
Leave the premises and ensure everyone else does too. Avoid using any electronic devices or switches, as sparks could ignite the gas.
Do Not Use Flames or Ignite Anything
Don’t do anything that could cause a spark inside your home, including using the telephone, flipping switches or unplugging any appliances.
Open Windows and Doors (from the outside!)
This will allow fresh air to circulate.
Turn off the Gas Supply
Shut off the gas supply at the main shut-off valve, which is usually located outside.
Call 9-1-1
Contact Emergency Services right away – from outside the building. Your gas company will have an emergency line, and the fire department should also be contacted. Once emergency services have been contacted, you can contact the gas leak repair experts at Kiddco Plumbing.
Stay Outside
Don’t re-enter your home until emergency personnel have given you the go-ahead to go back inside.
Gas Leak Repair in Northern Virginia
Suspect a gas leak or need help with maintenance of your lines? Our 24/7 gas leak repair experts can help! We are licensed, insured and certified to handle it all! Check out our client testimonials and request a service appointment to receive a prompt response from your friendly neighborhood gas leak repair experts.
