Natural gas is typically safe for powering appliances and heating homes. However, if you have a gas leak or an issue with your line, it could be dangerous for you and your loved ones. Keep your family safe and watch out for these telltale signs of a gas leak.

You Notice a Distinct, Sulfuric Smell at Home

There could be something wrong with your gas line if there is a persistent ‘rotten egg’ smell in or around your home. Utility companies inject a harmless substance called mercaptan into the natural gas they provide, and it produces this sulfuric smell. It alerts the homeowner that they have a gas leak since natural gas is actually odourless.

If you notice that rotten egg smell in your home, you must leave the area and call 911 immediately. Call an emergency plumbing service or your utility company’s technician as well, and avoid lighting fires near or inside the home while it has an active leak.

You See Dying Grass or Plants near Your Gas Line

Sometimes, dead or dying greenery in your yard isn’t a landscaping problem. If your plants aren’t growing as they should, you might have a gas leak. Since gas displaces the oxygen that plants’ roots require, a leak can cause the plants near the line to suffocate. When you see that most (if not all) of the plants near your gas line have dried up, call your gas line plumber instead of your lawn care service.

Your Gas-Powered Appliances Are Malfunctioning

If only one of your gas-powered appliances isn’t working, it might be an individual issue. However, if you cannot get any of the devices or even your HVAC to start, there might be a gas leak. If your gas-powered appliances are working but are making sputtering or knocking noises, you might have a line problem and need to call gas plumbing services.

You Notice a Bubbling or Hissing Noise in the Yard

Standing water in your yard—puddles of rainwater, for example—might hiss or bubble if there is a gas leak. If you’re watering your grass or plants, you might also notice these noises. This happens because natural gas forms bubbles in water.

Your Home Is Using Up More Gas Than You Normally Would

If your gas bill has inexplicably gone up, but you haven’t been using your appliances more than usual, you might have a gas leak. You can identify leaks by shutting off your heat and all gas-powered appliances in your home and watching your gas meter. If it moves despite everything being shut down, your line probably has a leak.

How to Prevent Gas Leaks at Home

Preventing a gas leak boils down to proper inspections and maintenance. Do not DIY repairs on your gas-powered appliances; instead, enlist the services of licensed HVAC and appliance repair companies. 

You could also install CO detectors near the ceiling, high on the wall, or close to vents. Putting detectors within five feet of appliances is also a good safety measure. Finally, give your home a little more protection by installing fire alarms and fire extinguishers near gas-powered appliances. It’s a good idea to have fire safety services check these items regularly.

Conclusion

You can never be too cautious about gas safety—your loved ones’ lives depend on it. Watch out for these signs of a gas leak and ensure you have safety measures in place to prevent future accidents. It’s also good to have a go-to company for heating and air repair, as well as emergency plumbing services.

Trust Emergency Plumbing and Heating with the maintenance of your gas line and appliances. Our team of licensed and insured contractors provides top-notch gas plumbing services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us today for your plumbing emergencies!