What to Do if You Have a Gas Leak?

Gas leaks in your home can cause health problems, and in the worst cases, they can be fatal. Learn about the common indicators of a residential natural gas leak and tips for a quick and effective response.

Identifying a Residential Gas Leak

A residential gas leak can be extremely dangerous, as gas can build up and cause an explosion. Here are some ways to identify a leak before it becomes life-threatening.

Signs of a Gas Leak

Be careful when you come across these signs:

• Rotten egg smell: Natural gas is colorless and odorless in its natural state. When there's a gas leak, the gas creates a rotten egg smell.
• Hissing sound: Smaller gas leaks are often not loud. However, bigger leaks can produce a hissing noise, which needs to be identified immediately.
• Air bubbles: If you see bubbles in mud or puddles outside your home, it can indicate a leak in underground pipes.
• Dying plants: When your favorite home plants are dying even with proper care, you might need to check your natural gas system. Gas leaks can kill vegetation.
• Higher gas usage: A gas leak can increase gas consumption. An unexplained surge in usage and costs might suggest a rupture in enclosed gas systems.

Using a Residential Gas Leak Detector

There are times when you cannot identify leaks on your own. Invest in gas leak detectors for timely and effective identification. A gas leak detector is a device that helps you monitor leaks and alerts you to the presence of natural gas in your home. When the sensor comes into contact with the gas, it triggers the alarm system.

Take Immediate Action

In case of a gas leak, here are some evacuation steps you need to take:

• Avoid turning on any appliances or anything electrical that can generate a spark.
• Shut off the gas supply following proper techniques.
• Leave doors and windows open to help disperse the gas.
• Evacuate immediately and ensure the safety of all occupants.
• Contact your local gas provider or emergency services from a safe distance for help.
• Wait until local emergency support arrives to handle the situation.
• Ensure professional clearance before returning home.

Shutting Off the Gas Supply

When turning off the gas supply, follow these steps for your safety:

• Locate the residential gas shut-off valve, which is often near the gas meter.
• Position yourself to the side and not directly in line with the gas.
• Use a gas valve wrench to rotate the valve perpendicular to the gas flow.
• Ensure the gas valve is completely closed and the gas flow has stopped.
• Leave the area immediately and call your residential gas provider for assistance. To save time and ensure safety, practice shutting off the gas valve regularly. Teach your family members how to shut down the equipment properly.

Repairing a Residential Gas Leak

While you may consider repairing gas leaks on your own to save money, it's best to let the professionals handle the work. Hiring certified professionals is the safest choice, especially given gas leaks' unpredictability. Licensed technicians have the expertise and tools to locate and properly address gas leaks. With guidance from the professionals, you can also save significant costs over time.

Understanding the Repair Process

Professional technicians handle residential gas leak repair safely and effectively. Here's what to expect during professional repair process:

• Thorough assessment and inspection
• Detection of the exact leak location
• Replacement of damaged gas line
• Repair of leaky gas pipes
• Replacement of damaged valves
• Compliance with safety regulations
• Testing of repair for effectiveness

Preventive Measures and Inspections

Prevent leaks with regular residential gas inspections. Check each appliance for signs of disconnected hoses, worn seals or damaged valves. Early detection is the key to unwanted gas leaks. Conduct visual inspections as part of your preventive measure, starting with common natural gas-powered appliances like:

• Ovens
• Gas ranges
• Grills
• Heaters
• Dryers
• Pool heaters
• Fire pits
• Outdoor lighting fixtures

Installing and Maintaining Gas Detectors

When installing a gas detector, consider placement considerations such as potential hazard zones and obstructions. Set them up in areas following the manufacturer's guidelines. You can also consult a qualified electrician to map out the best location for the system. Regular testing is as important as the installation. Inspect sensors and alarms for effectiveness and signs of wear.

Work With a Reliable Residential Gas Company

Residential natural gas leaks can happen in any home. With proper maintenance and quick thinking, you can save yourself and the people you love. As your trusted retail energy provider of residential gas, we prioritize your energy demands and safety. We deliver safe, dependable residential gas and other sustainable solutions to every New York, New Jersey home and beyond. Trust us to provide insights on how to properly use residential natural gas systems to prevent leaks and accidents. Contact us today to discuss