How To Tell If You Have A Gas Leak

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You can’t smell natural gas, but it’s a dangerous substance that must be carefully monitored and vented to prevent leaks. Natural gas is odourless and invisible, which means you cannot see or smell it when there’s a leak. Fortunately, there are several indicators that can tip you off if you have a gas leak in your home.

In this article, we’ll explain the most common warning signs of a gas leak so that you can protect your home and your loved ones.

Signs of a Gas Leak

Remember that the following signs may not always indicate a gas leak, but if you detect more than one of the red flags listed below, then be sure to contact a professional gas fitter immediately so they can come out, investigate, and fix the leak right away.

Foul Odour

If you notice a foul odour, this could be a sign of a gas leak. This could range from a strong rotten egg smell to a sweet but pungent smell. If you smell this in your home, check the gas appliances to see if they’re off. If they are off and the smell persists, contact your local gas fitter to have them inspect the property for a leak.

Hissing Sounds

If you hear hissing or a continuous bubbling sound when you turn on your gas appliances, this could be an indication of a leak. If you hear this in your home, turn off the gas appliances and call a professional gas fitter to inspect the property. For propane appliances, the hissing sound is normal. But if you have natural gas appliances, this is a clear red flag that there may be a leak in your home.

Dead Plants

Dead or wilted plants are another tell-tale sign of a potential gas leak in your home. This happens because the gas is being sucked up through the soil and killing the roots of plants. If you notice this in your home, check the gas appliances and have them inspected. It could just be that your plants are dying because of other more natural explanations, but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Small Bubbles

Bubbles in your gas lines are another sign you might have a gas leak. These bubbles usually form in thin-walled pipes that receive water or gas. Small bubbles usually indicate a small leak in your piping. But, a large group of bubbles can indicate a larger leak, such as a broken gas pipe or valve.

Physical Symptoms

Finally, if you notice any physical symptoms (such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or pain), you might have a dangerous gas leak. If you experience these symptoms, it might not necessarily mean that you have a gas leak. But, if you detect any of the other warning signs listed above and start to experience these symptoms simultaneously, you should contact a gas fitter immediately for professional advice and assistance.

What To Do Next

If it turns out that you do have a gas leak in your home, the first thing you should do is shut off the gas valve if you have access to it. Next, you should evacuate everyone from the home and contact a professional gas fitter for help. Once a professional has fixed the leak, they can instruct you on when it will be safe to enter your home again.

Conclusion

Natural gas is colourless and odourless, but there are several tell-tale signs of a potential gas leak in your home. If you notice any of the warning signs discussed above, then shut off the gas and call a licensed gas fitter to safely fix your gas leak. You should also stay outside until the leak has been fixed and the gas fitter tells you it’s safe to enter your home again.

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