Avoiding a Dangerous Gas Leak

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

While watching the nightly news, it’s not uncommon to see a story about a house exploding due to a natural gas leak. It happens all too often and is absolutely terrifying. All of your belongings could be gone in seconds. It only takes a spark to explode your home after a gas leak. Below are signs of a gas leak and how to prevent a gas leak. 

Know The Signs of a Gas Leak

Natural gas is naturally odorless, but they add another chemical to it to make it have a smell, so they can make it more detectable. The smell is usually similar to rotten eggs, so this can be a first sign of a gas leak. You may also notice bubbles in any standing water, thus showing a leak of natural gas into these locations. Also, check around the pipeline for any dying vegetation, because that is also a sign that there is a natural gas leak. You may also hear a hissing or roaring sound near the pipeline. The most common leak is actually carbon monoxide. To protect yourself against this, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. The most important spaces to have these detectors in is any utility rooms or near where any furnaces or water heaters are kept. 

Addressing the Leak

If you have noticed any of the above things and you assume you have a leak, don’t use any appliances in your home. Also, don’t smoke anything or use open flames, as this could cause an explosion. Don’t attempt to locate where the leak could be coming from, but instead, leave your home and call 911 and a utility company immediately. 

Tips to Avoid a Gas Leak 

Never use a gas stove to heat up your home. It may seem like a smart move, but the carbon monoxide from the stove will build up. Effectively, you’re just leaking your own gas now, which can escalate to be very dangerous. Make sure to clear out areas near any natural gas appliances or fireplaces. This is to avoid these things easily catching fire. Lastly, know where your gas shut off is located. If you notice a gas leak, shut off your gas immediately. This way, no more gas can be leaked. 

Another important tip is to have regular inspections of your gas lines and your gas connections to your appliances. It is recommended to have these inspections once a year. This way, a problem can be noticed before it can cause any damage.Also, a very important tip is to call before you dig! If you dig and hit a gas line, it can begin to leak and be very dangerous for you and your neighborhood. Instead, call and make sure there are no gas lines where you will be digging. 

SERVPRO of Norridge/Harwood Heights is proud to bring you these tips to keep your family and your home safe from any gas leaks that can cause dangerous explosions.