Having a gas leak in your home is a nightmare you should prevent. Exposure to a low level of natural gas is not harmful, but long-term exposure can negatively affect your health. Inhaling a high concentration of gas can also give you symptoms of fatigue and chest pain. A gas leak may also potentially be fatal. 

The best way to prevent gas leaks is awareness. Unfortunately, not everyone can identify a gas leak already occurring in their home. This is why you need to familiarize yourself and everyone in your family with these signs so you can prevent the problem from happening and potentially becoming worse.

Signs That There’s a Gas Leak in Your Home

– The “Rotten Egg” Smell

Most people describe the smell of natural gas as something similar to the smell of rotten eggs. If you start smelling a hydrogen sulphide-like odour or something smelling like sewage, start inspecting your house for other signs of a gas leak. 

– Plants Inside Are Starting to Wilt or Die

If the plants inside your home start to wilt, even if you have been taking care of them well, it might not be because of you. Natural gas itself is not toxic to plants. However, a gas leak can displace the oxygen and eventually produce hydrogen sulphide gas, which can inhibit root respiration and nutrient absorption in your plants. If the wilting is sudden or severe, it could mean that the leak is serious. Notify your local gas company and the local fire department when this happens.

– There Is a Hissing or Whistling Sound

One manifestation of a gas leak in a hissing or whistling sound. When there is ringing in your ears, you need to inspect your gas pipes to confirm.

– Your Pipes Are Damaged

Physical signs are the best way to verify whether you have a gas leak in your home. Check all your gas pipes, and turn off the gas line immediately if you find any broken pipes. Then, follow the next steps enumerated below.

What to Do When There Is a Gas Leak Inside Your Home

If you have checked all of these signs, here are the things you need to do immediately.

• Ask everyone inside the house to go outside. Make sure to prioritize the most vulnerable members of the family. Stay somewhere distant and safe. 
• Turn off all the gas sources inside your home if you haven’t yet. 
• If you have working electrical appliances, make sure to turn them all off. 
• Open as many windows as you can.
• Call your local gas company and notify the fire department if you can. 

Never try to repair a gas leak on your own. Always ask for help from professionals who know what they are doing. 

Conclusion

A gas leak is an invisible threat that any homeowner should pay close attention to. The more aware you are about the signs of a gas leak, the better you can prevent it from getting worse. Keep the signs of a gas leak in mind and orient everyone of an evacuation plan in case it happens. Always remember that awareness is key to preventing the worst scenarios at home. 

Gas leaks need immediate attention and service. If you need a 24-hour emergency plumbing service for your gas lines, we are here to help. Emergency Plumbing Heating Company has more than 20 years of experience providing top-quality plumbing services across North America.