A gas leak is an emergency that requires fast action and awareness to avoid serious risks. Many households in Salem, OR use gas for things like powering appliances, cooking and heating. While gas lines are safe when they are installed correctly and maintained on a regular basis, issues can unexpectedly occur. It’s important to know what to look for to spot a gas line leak. Our team at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing is also here to provide helpful information regarding what to do in the event of a gas leak. Remember, fast action is incredibly important.
The Dangers of Gas Leaks
While exposure to natural gas isn’t toxic, large accumulations in a small area can lead to a fire or explosion. All it takes is for a light switch or static electricity to create a spark, and you have ignition. Gas leaks can also cause physical symptoms. Inhaling gas can make you feel dizzy, give you a headache or even cause you to become unconscious.
Smelling a Gas Leak
Gas companies add mercaptan to gas to make it more detectable. If you have a gas leak in your home, you may notice a strong rotten egg odor throughout your home or concentrated in one area. You may notice that the smell is strongest near the appliance or pipe that is leaking the gas. Even a subtle gas smell is worth investigating for safety and peace of mind.
Leaks Producing Abnormal Sounds
You won’t always be able to detect a gas leak by listening for abnormal sounds. However, in some cases, you may hear hissing coming from a pipe or appliance. This may come from the pipe itself, connection points or a valve. The louder the hissing sound, the bigger the leak likely is.
A gas leak may also produce a whistling sound if gas is escaping from a small hole. You may hear a whooshing sound if it comes from a larger opening. If you don’t hear anything, you may still be dealing with a gas leak if other signs are present.
Dying Houseplants Inside and Outside
If you have houseplants indoors, they may start to show signs of struggling to survive. Look for wilting or brown leaves even when soil is moist. If you have a leaking gas line outside your home, patches of grass or nearby bushes may suffer.
Changes in Your Soil Outside
An outside gas leak can disrupt nearby soil. Look for small mounds of dirt or areas that appear to have shifted. You may even see small plumes of dirt wafting up from the ground when it’s very dry outside.
Pilot Light Issues
If you have a pilot light that is frequently going out, there may be an issue with the gas supply line. There may be safety features that turn off the pilot light when they detect a leak.
Physical Symptoms and Health Issues
You may not immediately detect a small gas leak by using your sense of smell or listening for abnormal sounds. However, you may notice that you or someone who lives with you has been feeling unwell. Your symptoms may go away once you leave home. If you have ruled out things like indoor air quality issues, but you are still experiencing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue and/or nausea, check for a potential gas leak.
What to Do About a Gas Leak
If you spot signs of a gas leak in your home, you need to stop what you’re doing immediately. Don’t turn any lights or appliances on or off. Immediately open windows and doors, and have everyone, including pets, leave your house.
Once you are a safe distance away from your home, call for assistance. Your gas company likely has an emergency line that you can call. A technician will come to your home and shut off the gas. Then, they should inspect your home and declare it safe before anyone reenters.
What Not to Do
We’ve talked about what you should do when you suspect a gas leak in your home. However, there are also some things you should avoid doing to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Don’t attempt to locate a leak yourself. If you smell gas, immediately get out, and let the professionals do their job. Even if you know where the leak is, don’t try to repair it yourself.
It’s a good idea to leave windows and doors open to ventilate your house. However, don’t turn on any fans before you leave.
Never assume that you’re imagining a smell and ignore a potential leak. It’s best to have a professional check your home even if it turns out that there’s nothing wrong.
Preventing Gas Leaks
There are steps you can take to prevent a gas leak in your home. Not all leaks are preventable, but regular maintenance and awareness are extremely important.
Schedule an annual inspection for things like your furnace, water heater, dryer, stove and gas lines. This process can help you spot issues early so that you can call for repairs.
Install gas leak detectors throughout your home. Keep in mind that these devices are different than carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure to replace batteries in your detectors at least once a year. Use the test feature on each detector to periodically confirm that they’re functioning properly.
It’s possible for gas connections and fittings to loosen over time. Make it a point to periodically inspect and tighten these connections. If you smell gas during this process, call for assistance right away.
Always keep all the vents and registers in your house open. If you close some of them, it can cause incomplete combustion. In this scenario, gas leaks and carbon monoxide buildup can occur.
If you have very old appliances or equipment in your home, it may be time to consider replacing it. The equipment may have damaged components or fittings that increase the risk of a gas leak. Upgrading to a more-modern system ensures safety as well as efficiency. You may notice a decrease in your utility bills each month when you upgrade to a new furnace, dryer or other appliance.
A gas leak can create a stressful and scary situation. It’s important that you know what steps to take to ensure your safety and that of those around you.
It’s Safer to Let the Pros Handle Gas Leaks
Trust your senses, and always treat a potential gas leak like a real emergency. You can count on our team here at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing in Salem to keep you safe. We can assist with routine inspections as well as emergency repairs. Contact us at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing for assistance in Salem or the surrounding area.
