Rancho Cucamonga, CA, plumbers offer a guide to dealing with gas leaks.
How to Spot and Respond to Gas Leaks Safely
Gas leaks are one of the most urgent plumbing problems possible. These leaks can cause severe property damage, resulting in high repair bills, injury, or death. Understanding the risks of gas leaks can help homeowners understand the severity of the problem. Once owners know this, they need to be able to spot the signs and get gas leak repairs immediately to keep their homes and families safe. Here is a quick guide to the dangers of gas leaks, the signs that leaks are present, and how to respond if a gas leak is found in the home.
Gas Leak Dangers
Natural gas and propane are odorless, colorless fossil fuels widely used as cooking and heating fuels. Powerful odorants are added at refineries to make them more detectable, giving them the distinct smell of rotten eggs. Despite the powerful smells, natural gas leaks can go undetected, allowing people to suffer from the risks of natural gas. Some of the risks of natural gas can include:
- Fires
- Explosions
- Chemical burns
- Asphyxiation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
Because natural gas can be so harmful, homeowners must remember the risks and look for leaks regularly to call in the experts quickly when needed.
Signs of Gas Leaks Around the Home
The difference between safety and disaster is learning to spot the signs of gas leaks around the home. Apart from the odors produced by natural gas leaks, there are several other indicators that gas line leak repairs are needed. Watch out for signs like:
- Dead indoor plants or dead spots on the lawn
- Rotten egg odors
- Orange pilot or flame on gas appliances
- Irritable or lethargic pets
- Hissing noises near gas appliances
- Physical symptoms of gas exposure like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting
- High gas bills
How to Safely Respond to Gas Leaks
If the signs of gas leaks are noticed, owners should take action immediately. No gas leak is safe, so the area should be vacated immediately. If the owner knows the outdoor gas shutoff and has the appropriate tools ready, they can shut it off. If the owner can’t shut off the gas, they should immediately call for an emergency plumber or the gas company.
The local fire department can also be called to shut off the gas and ventilate the home. On the way out of the home, occupants should not attempt to turn appliances or lights off or on, which could ignite gas fumes. All flames should be extinguished on the way out, and the door should be left open. If there is an opportunity to open other doors and windows, this will help speed up ventilation.
Once the gas is off and the home is vacant, plumbers can be called to repair the gas line. Most plumbers are qualified to locate and safely repair gas leaks, but people will want to return to the home quickly, so an emergency plumber is the best option. Once repairs are made and the home is properly ventilated, it is safe to reenter the home.
About Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc.
Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc. has the skills and tools necessary for gas line leak repairs and installation. They are available to residential and commercial customers at extended hours since emergencies don’t always occur during business hours. Their team also performs home services with thorough communication for 100% guaranteed satisfaction. Call today for a plumbing service in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.