Keeping Households Safe From Gas Leaks

Recognizing the Signs of a Gas Leak and Responding Appropriately

Natural gas has been a valuable resource for energy and heat generation for decades. Unfortunately, it can also be very dangerous to both people and property. There have been terrible accidents involving gas leaks, which is why safety measures are in place, such as adding methane gas to the odorless natural gas to aid in detecting gas leaks. If a homeowner detects a gas leak, it is an immediate danger and should be dealt with immediately.

This article will examine what happens to people and property around gas leaks and how to handle a possible gas leak.

Physical Gas Leak Symptoms and Other Dangers

There are obvious physical dangers to having a leak of something flammable in the vicinity of people, such as fire or explosion. This can certainly cause injury, death, or destruction of property, but there are other symptoms of a gas leak that are not so immediately damaging. Some physical symptoms of gas leaks are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. If people are experiencing any of these symptoms and go away once they are out of the house, there is likely a severe problem with the gas line, and gas leak repair is needed.

Does This Gas Line Have a Leak?

Though the symptoms above certainly warrant immediate evacuation from an area, there are more subtle signs of a gas leak that don’t immediately affect people. Some of these signs are listed below.

• Dead Grass: Patches of dead grass near the home often indicate that the plant has been suffocated by a gas leak.
• Dead or Dying House Plants: If plants are dying, particularly in one spot in the house, it may be due to a gas leak.
• Foul Smells: The smell of methane or rotten eggs, usually associated with gas leaks, can be detected indoors or outdoors.
• Hissing Sounds: The sound of gas escaping from a large leak can sound like a constant hissing. This sound accompanying other indicators listed is a clear reason to call for shutting off the gas line.

The Proper Response to a Natural Gas Leak

When a homeowner notices a gas leak, action must be taken immediately. The steps to follow are listed below.

• Evacuate everyone from the home.
• Do not ignite any flames or turn on any appliances or electronics.
• Call the gas company to report the leak, and they will come and turn off the gas.
• Call emergency services if needed.
• Call a reliable plumber for gas line repair.

Once the gas is turned off, there will be nothing to worry about. As recommended by the gas company representative, allowing a bit of time for the natural gas to dissipate will ensure everyone’s safety.

About Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing

Based in Sparks, NV, and serving the surrounding areas, Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company offering honest, upfront service. Call today for gas line repair services in Sparks, NV!

Contact Information:

Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing

58 Hardy Drive
Sparks, NV 89431
United States

Jacob Hansen
(775) 626-7777
https://www.ihsplumbing.com/