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What you need to know about gas leaks
With nearly 70 million American households with natural gas lines in their homes, there is an increased need for awareness regarding gas leak safety. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments respond to around 125,000 residential gas leaks annually. While only a small percentage of these result in fire, experts agree that early action to detect and prevent gas leaks is the best course of action.
Let’s take a look at some of the telltale signs of a gas leak in your home and how to recognize them.
Whether you’ve already connected a gas supply or are looking to make the switch, we’ve got you covered with this no-nonsense guide. Read on to learn how to tell if you have a gas leak, what to do if you smell gas in your house, and pick up some practical natural gas safety tips.
What does a gas leak smell like?
In its pure form, natural gas is odorless. However, an odorant called mercaptan is added to give it a distinct smell, making potential leaks easier to detect. Even a small gas leak can be relatively easy to identify thanks to mercaptan’s rich, sulphur-like aroma, which closely resembles the smell of rotten eggs. That said, not all gas leaks emit an unpleasant odor, particularly if they occur in outdoor or well-ventilated areas. So, learning to recognize other signs of a gas leak is essential.
Signs of a gas leak
Signs of a gas leak can manifest in various visible, audible, and physical ways:
- Visual indicators – Common signs include bubbling or foaming standing water in your yard, a visible haze or fog over the ground, discolored patches of grass near your gas line, and dying or dead plants in the surrounding area.
- Auditory signs – A whistling or hissing sound near natural gas appliances or gas flow pipes merits a call to your utility company and inspection by a qualified professional.
- Physical clues – Even if there’s no gas smell in the house, you should suspect a gas leak if you notice an unexplained increase in humidity or condensation indoors. Additionally, the visual clue of dying plants also applies to indoor environments.
Gas leak symptoms
Exposure to gas leaks – and carbon monoxide, in particular – can result in physical symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe respiratory issues. Common symptoms of natural gas poisoning include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Ringing ears
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
Prolonged exposure may lead to unconsciousness, so it’s essential to leave the premises immediately if there’s an evident natural gas smell, even if you’re not yet experiencing any physical symptoms.
How to detect a gas leak
Looking, listening, and being aware of the physical symptoms of poisoning should help you identify increased gas levels quickly. But these are by no means the only proactive steps you can take. Here’s a comprehensive list of gas leak safety tips to help keep you and your family stay safe.
Use a carbon monoxide gas leak detector
The normal carbon monoxide (CO) level in homes with gas appliances typically ranges from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Installing carbon monoxide detectors is crucial as they allow for quick and decisive action if these levels are exceeded. As a guideline, a relatively low CO level of 50 ppm may take a few hours to trigger a carbon monoxide alarm. However, higher CO levels of 150 ppm or more are usually detected within minutes, providing a faster warning to ensure safety.
Install a dedicated natural gas detector
While CO may appear during a leak, it’s very different from the methane contained in natural gas — which, in low doses, is a harmless chemical. Excess methane may indicate a leak, but it usually cannot be detected by the same sensor used for CO. Therefore, either a stand-alone natural gas leak detector or a combined methane/carbon monoxide detector should be considered to ensure maximum vigilance.
Check your pilot light regularly
The pilot light is the small flame that lights the gas from the main burner. Much like the flame that comes out of gas stoves (or any other flame-based gas appliance), it is usually blue in color. Gas leaks can result in frequent pilot light burnouts or cause a change in color to orange or red flames.
Monitor your gas meter frequently
Sudden jumps or fluctuations in gas meter readings may indicate a leak somewhere in the system – especially when no appliances are in use or during periods of low usage. If you notice unusual activity, let your gas company know immediately and wait for an assessment by a qualified professional.
Check connections with soapy water
Mix a solution of dish soap and water and apply it to the connections of gas pipes, fittings, and appliances. If bubbles form, it indicates a gas leak. This method is particularly effective in identifying problems in outdoor areas or spaces where odors may not be detectable due to ventilation.
Schedule an annual inspection
Aside from conducting your own natural gas safety checks, you should schedule a thorough examination by a trained professional once a year to ensure all systems are functioning correctly and that gas appliances have suitable air flow and are operating at the correct pressure, etc.
Now, let’s explore what happens when you detect a gas leak in the house and what to do when you spot these signs.
What to do if you smell gas in your house
Imagine a scenario where you smell a gas leak in your home. What should you do? Preparation is key to keeping your family safe and avoiding damage to your property. Follow these gas leak safety steps to ensure prompt action and mitigate potential risks.
1. Extinguish open flames
Extinguish any candles and refrain from lighting matches or cigarettes to avoid accidentally igniting flammable materials.
2. Open doors and windows
Natural gas is lighter than air, so opening windows and doors helps diffuse and push it outside your home.
3. Avoid using electrical switches and appliances
Even the tiniest of sparks from appliances or light switches could ignite leaking gas.
4. Leave the area
Evacuate the premises immediately, taking all occupants with you, including pets. If feasible, turn off the shutoff valve on your way out to prevent further leakage.
5. Know who to call
Knowing who to call for a gas leak in your house is imperative for speedy action and damage limitation. Local gas companies and emergency services should both be alerted as soon as possible.
6. Await professional clearance
After reporting the leak, wait for trained professionals to arrive and assess the situation, and only re-enter the premises once they have confirmed it is safe to do so.
Affordable energy plans from BKVE
Ensuring gas leak safety is essential when selecting a reliable utility supplier. At BKVE, we offer assistance whenever you need it, coupled with fair and transparent pricing. With BKVE, our straightforward energy plans are designed with both your safety and budget in mind. Explore our range of plans today to find the best deal for your household.
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