Natural gas is the cleanest energy source on the planet since it produces only water vapor, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of nitrogen oxide when it’s burned. It used to power a vast range of consumer appliances, including furnaces, stoves, and heaters. Nearly all homes have at least one appliance that runs on natural gas.
When used as intended, natural gas is a safe and efficient power source, but like most energy sources, it can prove to be detrimental if improperly handled. A natural gas leak in a house can start fires, and inhaling the gas can also lead to natural gas poisoning.
This blog will shed light on how to detect a natural gas leak and what to do when there is a gas leak in your home.
How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak
- Listen for a whistle or hiss:Be quiet for a minute and focus on what you can hear. If you know where the gas line is situated, try to find out if it is emitting any noise. A hiss or a whistle is usually an indicator of gas moving through a confined space.
- Check your appliances:Turn on the burner on your heater and see if it gives off a blue flame. The blue color indicates there is enough oxygen in the air for combustion. However, orange or red flames spell trouble.
- Try the soap-water test:Make a concentrated solution by mixing one teaspoon of dish detergent with one cup of water. Apply the mixture to wherever you suspect there is a leak, like a connection near your heater. Look for bubbles to form in the mixture. These bubbles indicate natural gas movement.
- Use a gas leak detector:The surest way out if there is a gas leak in your home is to use a gas leak detector such as a carbon monoxide detector that can indicate problems in air quality and alert you to the danger of a gas leak long before you get exposed.
What to Do When There Is a Gas Leak inside Your House
If you detect a gas leak in your home, the first thing you need to do is open all doors and windows. This will allow the gas to escape and let fresh air in.
Next, you must turn off the main gas supply. This will ensure no gas reaches any appliance or leaks any further into your home. Please do not use any of your appliances during this time as it poses a severe hazard risk.
Immediately leave your property and dial 911 from outside the property. Use your cell phone to make the call and follow the advice given to you by the person on the line. If you live with pets, children, roommates, or family members, make sure they exit the premises with you.
Sometimes you may experience physical symptoms due to a gas leak. These symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and nausea. If you feel unwell or nauseous, visit a hospital emergency and tell them you have been exposed to carbon monoxide.
In case of a gas leak, it is also crucial for you to note what you shouldn’t do. Do not do any of the following as these could put you in further danger:
- Don’t turn any light or power switches on or off.
- Don’t light any flame inside your house, such as cigarettes.
- Don’t use any electric or gas appliances that can cause a spark.
Contact JVS Plumbing Co. to Check Your Natural Gas Heater
We hope that by now are fully aware of what to do when there is a gas leak. Once emergency services have cleared your home, and there is no chance of hazard, call expert technicians from JVS Plumbing Co. right away and have them inspect your heater. Our licensed and insured technicians offer various plumbing services and make sure no job is left obscure. They will quickly identify your service needs and repair your gas leak as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Call us today at (847) 702-2111 or visit our website for more information on our products and services.
