Natural gas is a common utility used in most homes across the country. Often a lack of proper maintenance or corroded lines can cause varying levels of gas to enter your home. Identifying the most common signs of a gas leak could mean the difference between life and death. Here are the immediate signs to look for that tell you your home may have a gas leak.
Very Distinct Smell
Although natural gas is technically colorless and odorless, utility companies add a harmless smelling chemical to your gas for the very reason of being able to detect when it may be leaking. This odor has been known to imitate that of sulfur or rotten eggs, allowing homeowners to react immediately and identify where the leak may be coming from.
A Hissing Sound
It is uncommon for you to audibly hear your gas leak unless it is substantial. If you can both hear and smell your gas leak, immediately remove you, your family members, and pets from the home and call a licensed plumber to identify and repair the leak.
Often you will be able to hear a hissing sound near your A/C if there is a bad compressor, leaking valve, or something wrong with the refrigerant. If that is the case, turn off your A/C before calling your plumber to avoid any additional seepage.
Physical Symptoms
If a gas leak is not found immediately either by smell or sound, it can fester in the confines of your home for a long period of time. Excessive exposure to natural gas can begin to have physical effects on your body. Many homeowners that have experienced gas leaks have felt symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even trouble breathing.
If you notice any of these symptoms taking place while you are at home, ask anyone living with you if they feel the same symptoms. If so, call a licensed plumber immediately to examine your house for a gas leak.
Visible Fog or Mist
Another easy way to tell if you have a gas leak in your home is if you can visibly see a layer of mist or fog forming in or around your property. This could mean that a major gas line in your community has burst and could be causing damage to not only you, but your neighbors as well.
If you can clearly identify the mist as a gas leak, do not try and approach the source, and do not use any appliances or lighters that could cause a spark to ignite the gas. Call our professional team at (618) 408-1446 to handle your gas line services.
