Natural gas is one of the most common fuel sources for homes in the United States. It is used for heating, cooking, generating electricity, and as fuel for motor vehicles.
In its natural state, natural gas is imperceptible to the naked eye and has no smell. Because it is a highly flammable material, this makes it very dangerous. How can you tell if there’s a gas leak in your home if there is no way to spot it?
Smell for Rotten Eggs
Developers quickly realized the danger that was posed by natural gas’s invisible nature so to assist homeowners in detecting leaks, they added an odorizer similar to rotten eggs. If you ever walk into your home and think you smell something off, check your egg carton and then check your gas lines.
Look for Dead Vegetation
To get to your home, natural gas must travel through gas lines which are housed under the ground around your home. Sometimes, a gas line will break and that’s where your leak will stem from. To detect a gas line break outside of your home, look for dead patches of grass or vegetation, also keep your eyes out for bubbling pools of water.
Listen for a Hiss
If you notice what sounds like air forcibly being pushed through an opening, this is an indicator that you have a major gas leak on your hands. In this case, follow safety precautions immediately.
Feel for These Symptoms
If there is a slow but steady stream of natural gas entering your home, it might be even harder to detect the leak and you might not be able to smell, see, or hear any of the above signs that we mentioned. In this case, you’ll likely feel the effects of the natural gas.
Some of the common symptoms of natural gas exposure include:
Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness or nausea
Respiratory problems
In any of these cases, your first step should be to leave your home and call your gas company. They will be able to shut off the gas lines so that no more gas enters your home. Next, you’ll want to contact an expert gas plumber who can locate the source of the leak and repair it for you in no time. If you have questions about gas lines in your home or think it’s time for a repair, contact the professionals at AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling online or by calling 5162172196 today!