November 18, 2022

How to Check for a Gas Leak in Your House

Gas leaks are a danger to your health and your home. Do you know the signs of a gas leak or who to call for a gas leak in your home? We’ve made a quick guide for you along with an infographic so that you never second guess a leak in your home.

What are the Symptoms from a Gas Leak?

Natural gas is a danger to humans. Inhaling it for any length of time can lead to:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Breathing trouble
• Loss of consciousness

If you or family members experience any of these symptoms, leave your home immediately. Only after you are outside of your home should you call for help. Not only is gas dangerous to continually breathe, but it could also explode when you use your phone or other electronic devices.

What Causes a Natural Gas Leak?

Home gas leaks can be the result of faulty appliance installation, aging pipes and older valves. Whenever you add a new appliance that uses natural gas, such as a water heater, dryer or furnace, test all the seals around it afterward. Faulty connections might be overlooked during the initial installation.

If you have older gas lines, it may be time to repair or replace them. As pipes age and rust, the seals between them degrade and can begin to leak. At a minimum, have your plumbing inspected regularly to identify any possible leaks. Upgrading your gas lines is a sound investment for your family and your home.

How to Detect a Gas Leak

Natural gas is a colorless and odorless gas on its own. Your utility company adds a foul-smelling chemical called Mercaptan to it to make it easier to detect. When confirming a gas leak in your home, look for these signs:

• Rotten egg smell. If you begin to smell a chemically sulfuric, rotten egg odor in your home, it’s likely due to gas leaking out of your pipes and into your living space.
• Hissing sound. Larger gas leaks will make an audible hissing sound at the site of the leak.
• Wilting plants. Natural gas can affect your houseplants and cause them to sag, dry up or even die.
• Increased gas bill. If your gas bill makes a sudden leap, it may be more than inflation. It could me you’re paying for gas that’s leaking into your home.

A natural gas leak detector can give you an early warning for a gas leak in your home. Note: these are different than carbon monoxide detectors. Wall mounted versions will alert you to the presence of gas in the air. Handheld detectors can help you confirm the location of your leak.

A second method to confirm a gas leak is to use soapy water in a spray bottle. Simply spray the solution along your gas line and watch for bubbling. The leak will cause the soap to foam up at the site of the leak.

Who is Your Colorado Gas Leak Plumber?

In the event of a gas leak in your home, leave the premises immediately. From a safe distance call your trusted gas leak plumber to investigate and repair the leak. Even if your house smells like gas but no leak can be detected, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Applewood Plumbing, Heating and Electrical provides fast and reliable gas leak repair when you need it. Call us now for immediate help.