Signs of a Gas Leak

You smell a funny odor in or around your home. Could it be a gas leak? If you’re one of the millions of homeowners using natural gas as an energy source, knowing how to detect a gas leak is crucial.

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What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of a Gas Leak?

One of the most common signs of a gas leak is a strong sulfur or rotten egg smell. Natural gas, in its original form, is both colorless and odorless. However, most energy companies add odorants to their supply to make gas leak detection easier.

If one of your gas appliances leaks, you may hear a hissing or whistling sound. This could also indicate a gas leak in your home. You may also notice your houseplants are dying or not growing normally. This issue could be due to a gas leak in your home that’s stunting the growth of your plants. Another common sign of a gas leak around your home is air bubbles in standing water, such as a mud puddle.

A gas leak in your home can also make you and your family sick. Prolonged exposure to natural gas can be extremely dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Common gas leak symptoms include:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Nosebleeds

• Ringing in ear

• Chest pains

• Trouble breathing

• Confusion

• Flu-like symptoms

• Loss of consciousness

What Should You Do If There’s a Gas Leak in Your Home?

Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous. They can lead to explosions or even have lethal consequences. It’s critical that you know exactly what to do if you detect a gas leak in or around your home.

The first and most important step is to evacuate everyone from your home, including your pets. Be sure to keep any doors and windows open on your way out to prevent gas buildup in your home.

Once safely outside, contact the authorities by calling 911 or your energy company’s emergency number. These emergency responders will tell you exactly what to do and how to protect yourself and your family. Once your utility company’s emergency crew is at your location, they can quickly check for a gas leak and identify the source using specialized tools.

Remember, a natural gas leak can be extremely dangerous. You should never try to search for the source of the leak or make any type of repair. Leave this job to a professional plumber. Don't use any electronics or light a match or candle inside your home. If gas is built up inside, this could cause an explosion.

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How Do You Prevent Gas Leaks From Happening in the Future?

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and your family from a gas leak in your house.

Install Detectors

The best way to protect your family from a gas leak is to install natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors. Natural gas detectors should be placed close to heating vents or any gas appliances. It’s a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home.

These detectors can alert you and your family members as soon as there’s even a small level of gas in the air. This early alert system can save your life. It gives you and your family plenty of time to evaluate the home and contact the emergency crew before it becomes more serious.

Inspection HVAC System

Biannual inspections of your HVAC system are a must. Typically, these inspections are done at the start of high-peak seasons, including winter and summer. An HVAC professional ensures everything is working properly, inspects the fuel line and identifies any corroding or rusting fittings or shutoff valves.

It’s equally important to have your gas appliances, such as a gas water heater or stove, inspected on an annual basis. These inspections also make sure your appliances are working properly and can identify any issues before they lead to a more serious problem.

Avoid DIY Projects

DIY repairs on gas appliances aren't recommended. Unless you have experience making these types of repairs, the risk of injury or damage is too great. Failing to make the proper repairs could lead to a gas leak and put your family at risk.

Don’t ignore the signs of a gas leak, and don’t try to make any repairs on your own. Instead, evaluate your home and contact emergency services right away.