With the heating season underway, your home could be at an increased risk of gas leaks if you have a gas-powered furnace. Keep in mind that you can have gas leaks from other sources in your home as well, such as a gas stove or water heater. If you have a gas leak, it’s crucial to make sure you and your family are safe. Learn more about how to determine if you have a gas leak and what to do about it.
Signs of Gas Leaks
One of the most common telltale signs of a gas leak is a rotten egg smell inside your home. Your utility company puts a substance called mercaptan into your gas supply so that you’ll be able to tell if there’s a leak. Mercaptan gives off that rotten egg smell, while natural gases don’t always have a noticeable odor. Other signs that you could have a gas leak in your home include the following:
- Hissing noises near gas lines
- Unexplained changes in your gas bill
- Bubbles on pipes that appear when you apply a solution of dish soap and water with a cloth
- Damage to appliances or fixtures that run on natural gas
- Cloudy or foggy areas on your property, which can indicate a ruptured gas line
What to Do About a Gas Leak
If you’re fairly sure you have a gas leak, make sure you do the following:
- Let fresh air into your home by opening up your windows and doors.
- Shut off the gas supply, if you know how to, so that you lower the risk of fires or health problems.
- Stay outside your home to reduce your exposure to gas, and call your local utility company to report your gas leak. If you have pets, bring them outside with you to prevent health risks to them from breathing in gas.
- Avoid using lighters or anything else that could cause sparks, which can lead to a gas explosion.
- Have a professional plumber come over to inspect your property and make repairs as needed. Keep in mind that repairs can range from simply tightening a bolt or two or having damaged pipeline replaced.
Check Your Gas Meter
Your gas meter should indicate that your gas usage has changes, which helps you know whether or not you might have a gas leak. If your gas meter didn’t do its job of reporting a gas leak, you should have it replaced with a new one. This helps ensure that any problems with your gas supply, including leaks, are detected as early as possible, which lowers the risk of health issues and fires.
If you have a gas leak in your home, contact Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain in Denton for repairs. Our experts will find and fix gas leaks in your home to keep you and your family safe.