Natural has leaks in your home are dangerous and must be corrected as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and everyone else in your household. In this article we explore the symptoms of a gas leak in your home to look out for in order to avoid gas poisoning.
4 Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home
Foul Odor in Your Home: While natural gas is odorless, gas companies include an additive to the gas they supply our homes and businesses with called Mercaptan. This additive has a distinct smell that is foul and easy to detect whenever it enters your home. Many people describe the scent as similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. At the first sign of this scent in your home, contact your gas supply company to stop service in your home. Then have a certified plumber come and run tests to determine if there is a leak present in your gas line.
Unhealthy Houseplants: Houseplants will require fresh oxygen in order to thrive. If you notice your plants that are typically flourishing seem to be struggling, slumping, or dying, this can be an indication of a gas leak in your home. These leaks are harmful to more than just your plants and will need to be corrected immediately to protect you, your family, and neighbors.
Feeling Unwell: If you are experiencing nausea, headaches, or other unexplainable symptoms when inside your home but not outside of it this may be due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This type of poisoning can be lethal and should be taken seriously.
Severe Fatigue: Weakness and fatigue occur whenever you are unable to get enough oxygen. Not only will you experience these symptoms but animals in your household will also be displaying symptoms of fatigue and illness. They are smaller and may suffer more severe side effects than adults.
What to do in the event of a gas leak
If there is a gas leak, it is vital to do the following:
- ensure all people and pets are evacuated from the house immediately
- leave the doors open and immediately call 911, the local fire department, or the utility company’s emergency number
- do not make the call from within the house, as this action may ignite the gas
Symptoms of a gas leak in both people and animals require medical treatment. In cases of severe symptoms, someone should call an ambulance or go directly to the hospital’s emergency department.
If a gas leak is suspected but not confirmed, they should do the following:
- Take note of symptoms when entering or leaving the house. Symptoms that return when entering the home may indicate a gas leak, carbon monoxide poisoning, or another air contaminant, such as mold.
- If a mild gas smell is present, turn off the gas pilot light immediately. Open all the windows and call the utility company from outside the house. They will likely have a certified inspector assess the situation.
In the event of a gas leak or suspected gas leak, NEVER:
- use a phone inside the home
- search for the source of the leak
- attempt to repair the leak
- switch lights or household appliances on or off
- use lighters, candles, matches, or other sources of ignition
- keep doors and windows closed
- allow the situation to go unreported
What to do after a gas leak
A gas leak is usually confirmed by a certified inspector, using a device called an adjusted electronic gas analyzer. The inspector will also check appliances and outside gas lines for faults and leaks.
Once the leak has been located and repaired, it is essential to:
- wait until officially notified that it is safe to return to the home
- air out the house before going back inside
- install carbon monoxide alarms
The symptoms of a gas leak do not typically affect health if exposure was low and the leak was addressed quickly. However, long-term exposure may result in physical symptoms that persist, such as:
- depression
- other mood-related problems
- respiratory problems
Gas Line Repair in Humble, Texas
AAA Select Plumbing is here to help home and business owners get the most out of their plumbing. From simple plumbing repairs to full-blown plumbing remodels, our team of dedicated plumbing professionals is here to help you find the best plumbing solutions for your unique space. We proudly serve the Greater Houston area.
AAA Select Plumbing Services
713-252-9228
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