How To Prevent Gas Leaks in Your Home?
Back to BlogEven small gas leaks can create a lot of heat. A tiny leak and a seemingly insignificant spark, like from a light switch, for example, can have disastrous consequences for your home or family. Gas is a principal source of fuel for homes across the United States. It’s affordable, reliable, and, generally speaking, safe. But it’s flammable and, if not adequately contained, can cause fires or explosions.
Many gas residential gas fires or explosions come from a gas leak. To keep your family and property safe, you need to know how to prevent gas leaks from happening in your home.
Why Gas Leaks Happen?
The most common way gas leaks happen is through a home appliance malfunctioning. Common appliances like water heaters, furnaces, and stoves can use natural gas to work. If the lines, fittings, or connections degrade or crack, the natural gas flowing through them can seep out.
How To Detect a Gas Leak?
The best way to detect a gas leak is by smell. Natural gas doesn’t have its own smell. For safety and easier detection, gas companies add the chemical mercaptan to the gas. Mercaptan smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. So, if you notice a rotten egg smell in your home, you may have a gas leak.
Another way to detect a gas leak in your home is to listen for hissing sounds or notice bubbles in wet spots. The gas forcing itself out of a crack in your gas line can create a sound, and the air can create bubbles in damp places.
A final way to detect a gas leak is by wilting plants and unexplained feelings of sickness. Plants and people can be sensitive to gas leaks. If a normally healthy plant suddenly starts to turn brown and die, it could be a sign you have a gas leak. The same is true for people. Unexplained headaches and flu-like symptoms that never seem to disappear could signal a gas leak, especially if you start feeling better when you leave your home.
What To Do When You Have a Gas Leak?
When you suspect you have a gas leak, the most important thing to do is leave your home. Gas leaks are hazardous and can be fatal. It’s important to evacuate your family and pets right away. Then, call your gas company and have them shut off the gas to your home. Finally, call a trustworthy plumber for emergency services.
How To Prevent Them?
Homeowners can take a few steps to minimize the risk of a gas leak. The most crucial step is to get regular professional HVAC maintenance. It allows the technician to check the lines and components to keep them in good working condition. It’s also essential to have your gas lines and other appliances regularly maintained.
Why Choose Conditioned Air?
Keeping your home and family safe is vital. Conditioned Air, Inc. offers comprehensive gas leak detection and repair services and maintenance services for your appliances. We’re the Macon area’s leaders in HVAC systems, and our NATE-certified, friendly, and skilled professionals are ready to help you.
Our more than 80 years of experience show our dedication to helping our customers be comfortable in their homes. We deliver expert work and exceptional customer service.
To schedule your gas leak detection or repair service, call Conditioned Air, Inc. at (478) 742-8768 or contact us online.