Gas Leak Detection 101

Natural gas provides heat in many forms to a home. These include heating a stove, using the dryer, or hot water. However, gas leaks can be dangerous to your home if the system is not installed correctly or maintained well. A gas leak can lead to health issues, as well as the vapors being highly flammable. Here is everything you need to know about gas leaks from the experts at Bird Dog Plumbing.

Signs of a Gas Leak

The first thing you should do if you suspect a gas leak is turn off the gas meter and call your gas company or authorities. One of the first signs you’d notice in a gas leak is a sulfuric smell in your home. Gas is naturally odorless, so professionals add this scent to alert you if there is a leak. Some other signs include a whistling sound, bubbles, dust, or cloudiness in standing water, visible damage to a gas line connection, or house plants that are suddenly dying. 

Some health concerns that could indicate gas and carbon monoxide exposure are breathing difficulties, chest pains, dizziness, headaches, eye or throat irritation, nausea, reduced appetite, mood changes, ringing in your ears, or nosebleeds. 

Checking for a Gas Leak

Listen for a Whistling Sound 

If you know where the gas line is, listen to see if it might be emitting a whistling or hissing sound. A whistling sound doesn’t guarantee there is or is not a leak, but it’s a start.

Check the Stove 

Your stove should be giving off blue flames when it’s lit. If there are red or orange flames, there is probably a leak, and you should immediately turn off the flame and call an expert like your gas company, the authorities, and a plumber. 

Try Soapy Water

This might sound too easy, but by mixing soap with water and applying it where you suspect a leak, bubbles forming will tell you that gas is escaping.

Use Gas Leak Detectors

A detector is the most surefire way to know if you have a leak in your home. There are many out there, but you can pick the right one for your home with just a little research. There are also carbon monoxide detectors for this kind of issue as well. 

Routine maintenance and proper ventilation are the best ways to prevent gas leaks in your home. Call Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX if you suspect a problem or would like us to take a look at your home! We want to keep you and your family safe from gas leaks.