Gas leaks can be dangerous to your personal health. Therefore, it is important to identify them and to deal with them as quickly as possible.
How to detect a leak
- Smell: Propane and natural gas are generally odorless, but gas companies add a chemical to give them a strong “rotten egg” smell.
- Sound: Check for hissing sounds near gas appliances.
- Bubbles: Spray soapy water on a pipe joint and check for the formation of bubbles.
- Symptoms: Physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, and dizziness can mean you have been exposed to gas.
- Sense: While smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can’t usually detect propane or natural gas leaks, there are special detectors available for this purpose.
How to deal with the leak
Different leaks may need to be handled in different ways. The following are some of the ways to handle a leak:
- Turn off gas appliances: If you suspect a gas leak, immediately turn off all gas appliances in your house, including your stove, furnace, and water heater. Do not turn them back on until the problem has been resolved.
- Turn off the gas supply, if safe. This is usually located at the meter outside your house. Check with your gas company to see whether they have any special procedures associated with the gas supply – some may not turn your gas back on without a safety check and inspection.
- Open windows and doors: This will help ventilate your home and allow any gas to escape.
- Do not use any flames (matches, candles, cigarettes, etc.) or electrical equipment (fans, switches, etc.) in the house, as these can ignite the gas. Don’t operate any vehicles next to the leak.
- Evacuate your house: If you know there is a leak but can’t figure out where it is, evacuate your house immediately. Call your gas company or local fire department from a safe location. Do not reenter until the house has been declared safe.
- Get your appliances inspected: This can even be done proactively to ensure your appliances are working safely.
Gas leaks are serious and should not be ignored. If your house already has fire damage from something like a gas leak, you may also be considering selling. Reach out to us to see what we can do for you!