Gas leaks are one of the most dangerous things you can experience as a homeowner, especially when they are left unattended.
At Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter, we take gas leaks and repairs seriously. With our emergency service, we get the job done immediately so you can rest easy. As a homeowner, make sure everyone knows about the gas leak warning signs listed below in this post.
Signs of natural gas leaks can be found through 3 main senses (sight, smell, and hearing). If you notice a sign through one sense, consider using another sense to confirm.
However, never wait too long to call a qualified professional and always keep in mind that this list is not all-encompassing! Knowing the common signs of a gas leak can help you keep your family safe from harm.
Gas Leak Warning Signs
- Smell:
- You smell an odor similar to rotten eggs. Since natural gas is odorless, this strong smell is added by natural gas providers to help warn you and your family of any possible dangers. The stronger the odor, the more likely you are to have a leak.
- Sound:
- Whistling or hissing sounds, especially near a gas line or appliance, that resembles air escaping from your pipes could actually be a gas leak.
- Sight: While it is impossible to see natural gas itself, you can keep an eye on some additional signs of gas leaks in and around your home.
- Water or mud bubbling outside of your home.
- Fire coming from the ground or appearing to hover above the ground.
- Dirt or dust being blown into the air.
- Soil that appears blackish green in color.
- A dry patch of grass in your lawn. Dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise green area outside of your home is a potential sign of a gas leak.
- If you see more flies around your home or yard than usual, keep an eye out for the previous signs mentioned, as flies have a natural attraction to gas leaks.
What To Do If You Have a Gas Leak?
So what should you do if you notice any of the above signs?
First and foremost, you’ll want to get everyone out of the home and into a safe spot – since gas leaks can cause a lot of harm and damage to your home and the people inside of it, your main priority should be to relocate everybody.
Then, give your plumber, gas company and local emergency officials a call to come check out the scene.
If you suspect a natural gas leak, follow these instructions:
- Do NOT attempt to locate the leak
- A gas leak can be harmful to your health, and can potentially filter flammable gas into your home. Instead of trying to find the leak, give us a call at Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter, and we’ll take it from there!
- Do NOT turn on or off any electrical appliances
- If gas has contaminated the air in your home, using light switches or electronics that generate a charge can ignite a fire.
- Do NOT try to shut off any gas valves
- Attempting to shut off the gas supply or disconnect your oven may cause more harm than good. It’s best to leave everything alone, as tampering with gas lines can potentially cause a spark that ignites the gas leak, causing damage to pipes, appliances and more.
- Do NOT smoke or use any open flames, matches, or lighters
- Anything that requires an open flame is a no-no! This includes gas range stove tops or ovens that are powered by a pilot light.
- Do NOT start any vehicles
- Is your car is in the garage? Leave it there! Similar to light switches and gas-powered appliances, a hot exhaust or a spark produced when you turn the key in the ignition could potentially start a fire.
NEVER try and repair a gas leak on your own—it’s a lethal gamble that should not be taken!
For those of you located in Orange County, California, Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter can help you with all of your gas needs. Even when you don’t suspect a leak, our team can check to confirm and make any repairs necessary to prevent potential gas leaks from happening in the future.
Additionally, we can install new gas lines, gas appliances, and are available to repair gas lines and gas valves 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Last but not least, we can install a shutoff valve for you, which will automatically turn off your gas during any natural disaster.
Additional Resources:
Gas Leak Detection & Repair Services
Signs Sewer Gas Is Leaking Into Your Home
Natural Gas Safety Tips
