Gas leaks are not only damaging to your business or home, but can be extremely damaging to your health as well. According to Angies List, the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration estimates that “gas pipeline explosions cause an average of $74 million in commercial and residential property damage” each year.
We’ve compiled a list of steps to help if you suspect that there may be a gas leak in your home:
Refrain from using gas powered appliances. Anything that requires an open flame is a no-no! This includes gas range stovetops or ovens that are powered by a pilot light. If gas has contaminated the air in your home, using these appliances can ignite a fire. The same goes for certain electrical appliances. Using light switches or electronics that generate a charge can have the same igniting affect.
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.
Leave everything as is. 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.
Don’t explore. Leave the leak-finding to the experts. 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, and we’ll take it from there!
Call for backup. The first indicator that you have a gas leak is often the presence of a particular gas or fuel odor. The stronger the odor, the more likely you are to have a leak. We recommend getting out of the house and calling a professional to come inspect your home to evaluate the problem. If the leak seems to be particularly dangerous, you may want to call your local fire department as well.
At Barker and Sons of Orange County, we are committed to providing honest, friendly and timely service with satisfaction guaranteed. Visit our website to learn more about our gas leak detection and repair services, or give us a call at 714-630-8766.
