How to Detect A Gas Leak

The American Gas Association announced that more than 73 million locations in the United States, both residential and labor, use natural gas. It is convenient, efficient and completely safe when equipment is properly installed and used according to guidelines, but this doesn’t mean that leaks cannot occur. It is crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of potential gas leak, as well as understand the steps to follow to ensure your safety, and that of your family and neighbors. Take a look!

When a gas leak is present in your home or place of work, you may experience one or multiple of the following symptoms:

• • Headache
• • Dizziness
• • Nausea
• • Lighted-headedness
• • Drowsiness
• • Loss of appetite
• • Changes in personality(depression)
• • Irritations of skin, eyes or throat
• • Ringing in ears

It is important to be aware if symptoms occur upon entering the home or building. If symptoms subside while outside the potentially affected place, there may be a gas leak present. Be mindful, as these symptoms may also occur in your pets.

There are several signs to look out for when detecting a potential gas leak.

• • Smelling sulfur/rotten eggs: Natural gas has no smell in its original form, so gas companies add a harmless chemical to make it more easily detected. If you haven’t left eggs in your refrigerator for longer than recommended and the air still smells like rotten eggs, you may have a gas leak.
• • Hearing a light hissing or whistling noise: If there is a small, unexplained hissing/whistling sound coming from your gas line, chances are you have a gas leak.
• • You see bubbles: A great way to detect a gas leak is to mix together a small amount of soap and water. Dab a little bit of the solution onto the pipe and rub it around. If bubbles begin to form, you will know you have a leak in your gas line. Blowing bubbles is a gas leak’s favorite pastime.
• • Dead houseplants: If you like to show off your green thumb like your neighbor does their new car and suddenly you realize you cannot seem to perk up your indoor botanical friends, you may have a gas leak. The escaping gas may cause them to wilt and eventually die.
• • You see dust flying: If you can see a small white cloud of dust or debris flying up and around one of your outdoor pipes, your gas line is probably leaking.

• • If the smell is mild:
  • – Make sure all the pilot lights are completely off.
  • – Make sure all windows and doors are open to increase ventilation.
  • – Call the fire department or the gas company as soon as possible.
• • If the smell is strong:
  • – Leave the building immediately with all family members, coworkers and/or pets.
  • – Call 911, the fire department or the gas company’s emergency line from outside your home/building.
  • – Do not turn on ANY electronics, lights, etc., as this may light the gas within the house and cause a potential explosion.

When installed and used appropriately, natural gas is perfectly safe. Don’t forget to trust your gut and your senses. Smell sulfur/rotten eggs? Hear hissing/whistling? See bubbles, dead houseplants or dust clouds? Call for help!

ASAP Plumbing specializes in gas line installation, repair and system replacement for home and business owners in Gulfport, Mississippi. Contact ASAP Plumbing today at 228-865-2727 or visit www.plumbinggulfportms.com and request a free estimate!