Gas leaks in the home are dangerous and scary, and they must be handled with expert care. When installed and used correctly, natural gas is a very convenient and safe option for your home’s appliances. However, on rare occasions, gas leaks can and do occur.
Gas leaks can lead to you experiencing physical symptoms and possible carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the American Gas Association, over 73 million buildings in the United States use natural gas. Gas leaks are very dangerous due to the fact that natural gas is highly flammable. A gas leak increases the likelihood of an explosion or fire occurring in the home. It only takes a small spark to ignite the gas.
If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area and call 911, the fire department, or the utility company’s emergency line.
Signs of a Gas Leak
If you use gas in your home, it’s very important to understand and be able to recognize some signs that you may have a gas leak.
Gas leaks are invisible to the eye,. but, if there is a gas leak, you may notice these smells or sounds:
- The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs
- A hissing sound near a gas line
- Dust or a white cloud near a gas line
- Dead houseplants
- Bubbles in the water
Furthermore, your gas bills could be higher due to leaks allowing extra gas to escape.
Residents of the home can also display physical symptoms if there is a gas leak in the house. The reduction of oxygen in the air from a gas leak can cause these physical symptoms to occur:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness and headaches
- Reduced appetite and nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Chest pains, ringing in the ears and nosebleeds
- Irritation to the eyes and throat
- Mood changes
- Difficulty breathing, fatigue and drowsiness
Even family pets can show physical symptoms due to a possible gas leak. Common symptoms in pets include:
- Loss of appetite
- Disorientation
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Breathing difficulties
Physical symptoms of a gas leak are likely to show in pets before they show in humans. If you see these symptoms in your pets, take heavy precautions. Very high exposure to the gas can cause pets to lose consciousness and die, so be sure to remove yourself and your pets from the area as soon as possible.
Prevention
There are ways to prevent gas leaks.
- First, you should educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of gas leaks listed above. Inform your family about these indicators as well so that everybody in the house has the ability to detect a possible leak.
- Schedule regular inspections. It’s important to have all gas appliances and lines inspected by a professional. This is important to gas line maintenance and preventing gas leaks.
- Have proper ventilation. The areas around gas appliances should have enough space to prevent any gas buildup and allow for good ventilation.
- Have a fire extinguisher in the house. Natural gas is flammable, so having a fire extinguisher on hand can help crisis management in case of a fire.
- Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors act like smoke detectors. They should be placed on all floors and in all the bedrooms.
While gas leaks are rare, they can be very hazardous to the occupants and cause long-lasting effects. Many steps can be taken to prevent gas leaks, such as scheduling annual inspections and installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Detection and Repair
After emergency services have turned off your gas supply and have evacuated the home, professionals will conduct detection and repair services. At Mission AC and Plumbing, we have a team of trained and experienced professionals that can locate and repair any gas leaks.
Mission AC and Plumbing is here to protect your family from dangerous gas leaks with our professional gas line maintenance in Houston, Texas. Schedule a gas line inspection with us today!
