Know the Signs that Could Indicate a Gas Leak

The prospect of a gas leak is harrowing. There are so many safeguards in place to prevent them, but the small possibility of one occurring while you’re sleeping or when your kids are at home alone is terrifying for obvious reasons. As a result, if you use natural gas in your home, you have to know what to look out for and everyone else in your home. Be sure to watch out for signs of a gas leak.

You can keep the message simple for younger children, but make sure they know to leave the house if they notice the most obvious signs. With any luck, you will never need this information, as well-maintained homes rarely run into problems.

However, on the off-chance that you do experience a gas leak, then knowing the signs could save your life or the life of someone close to you. Be sure to contact plumbing services in Highland Park for help. With that in mind, let’s take a few moments to go over the most common indications of an existing gas leak and the steps you need to take to ensure your loved ones’ safety.

The Signature Rotten Eggs Smell

Natural gas has no scent of its own. This turned out to be a fatal flaw that led to the explosion of the London School in Texas in 1937. The historic accident claimed 295 lives. In response, the United States government and Canada began regulating the odorization of natural gas to ensure that such a catastrophe would never be repeated.

Today, the scent added is most commonly described as “rotten eggs,” but sulfur is another popular comparison. So, if you smell something truly foul, and it’s not the dog, you need to:

• Escort vulnerable family members out of the home
• Turn off the gas to your home
• Open as many windows as possible
• Turn off any electrical appliance that could potentially start a fire

Once your family is standing safely away from the building, call your local gas company. You should also notify the fire department just in case.

Wilting or Dying Plants

If you have a green thumb and your plants seem to be wilting or even dying for no clear reason, then there’s a possibility a gas leak is contributing to the problem. To be safe, open as many windows as possible before going to check your gas lines. If the wilting is sudden or severe, assume the leak is serious and evacuate the home before turning off the gas and calling it a repair service. If you suspect the leak is serious, the local fire department and gas company should be notified.

Physical Damage to the Pipes

If you see that your gas lines are clearly broken or decayed, turn off the gas line immediately, as it is likely close by. Then follow the normal evacuation and airing out procedures described above. If the leak is severe, notify the appropriate authorities before calling a gas line repair service.

As an entirely invisible danger, natural gas leaks are frightening for a reason. Knowing the signs of a gas leak could be vital to your survival, but you can sleep more easily if you take preventative measures from the beginning. By arranging an annual inspection of your gas lines, the specialists at New Generation Plumbing, a top plumbing contractor in Pasadena. will be able to identify problem areas before they put your family at risk. Additionally, by talking with your family about the signs of a gas leak and having established evacuation procedures, you can increase the chances that your family will notice a gas leak and take the steps necessary to protect themselves and others. As long as you maintain your home and keep your family well-informed, there is no reason for fear.