Potential Gas Leak Signs and How What to Do About Them – Sobieski Services | DE, NJ, PA, MD

Potential Gas Leak Signs and How What to Do About Them

Gas leak signs should never be ignored in or around a house. The pressure of natural gas entering the home ranges from 1/4 p.s.i. up to 60 p.s.i., depending on the size and requirements of the house. Gas is a clean, safe fuel as long as it is properly conveyed through intact gas lines into functional, well-maintained appliances. Most gas leaks in the home originate from faulty appliances like a gas range or furnace, or a break in the hose conveying gas to the appliance.

Leaking gas can cause fire or explosion. It can also displace oxygen in the air and cause death by asphyxiation. Here are some critical gas leak signs that demand immediate action to save lives and prevent injury:

Odor

Natural gas has an extremely pungent “rotten egg” smell that is added as a safety factor to make leaks very obvious. If you smell the familiar odor, follow these steps:

  • Don’t try to locate the source of the leak.
  • Don’t turn electrical appliances on or off.
  • Do not smoke or light any open flames.
  • Get everyone out of the house first, then call 9-1-1 outside on your cellphone.
  • If you notice a gas line outdoors that has ruptured, call the gas company. Don’t attempt to repair the leak yourself.

Physical Symptoms

Prolonged exposure to lower levels of natural gas may cause these effects:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Other flu-like symptoms.

Outdoor Signs

A leak in the underground gas line leading to your home often kills grass and plants growing on the surface above the leaking pipe.

Prevention

To prevent gas leaks, all appliances should receive annual preventive maintenance by a qualified service person. These include stoves, furnaces, space heaters and water heater. Maintenance includes testing the indoor environment for presence of natural gas and carbon monoxide.

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