Tag: safety

Gas Leak Safety

Identifying a Gas Line Leak and Steps to Follow for Household Safety

Natural gas is a valuable resource and fuel for heating a home, cooking food, dying clothing, and other laundry. It can also be used as fuel to create electricity. Ostensibly, this means that gas lines are a prominent piece of infrastructure in many cities. Even if gas lines are well maintained, there is always the possibility of damage and a need for gas line repair. Natural disasters such as floods can cause ground shifting, leading to pipes breaking and leaking. Gas leaks are incredibly dangerous and should be dealt with immediately, whether residential or commercial.

The Dangers Associated With Gas Leaks

The symptoms of gas leaks can be minor to severe depending on the level of exposure and the amount of time a person is exposed. Some of the physical gas leak symptoms that can affect family members include headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and respiratory distress. In extreme cases, death can occur. Not only is a possible gas leak a danger to people, but the flammability of gas makes it a fire and explosion hazard. Property damage and physical injury can result from even a small leak. That is why if a person notices signs of a gas leak, they should report it immediately.

What Are the Signs of a Gas Leak?

bad smell

While physical symptoms experienced by a person exposed to a gas leak already indicate danger, there are still subtle signs homeowners can observe to detect it early and address the issue immediately. 

  • Hissing Sounds: If a hissing sound is hard to pinpoint and is coupled with any of the other indicators mentioned in this list, there is a good chance of a gas leak.
  • Methane Smell: That rotten egg odor often associated with turning on the gas is a safety measure to ensure that people can tell there is a leak. If a homeowner catches whiffs of this smell that linger, they should report it to the gas company.
  • Dead Grass: Spots of dead grass near a gas meter or in unusual patches near the house can indicate a gas leak.
  • Dead or Dying House Plants: If a homeowner is good about caring for their plants and they notice one seems to be suffering, there may be a gas leak.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Dealing with a Gas Leak

house A gas leak is an emergent situation, and action should be taken as soon as it is detected. The gas company and emergency personnel would rather investigate a false alarm than deal with an unreported leak's aftermath. If a homeowner suspects a leak, they should take the following steps:

  • Evacuate the area immediately. Get all family members, including pets, away from the home and to a safe spot.
  • The homeowner should not turn on any lights or flames as they leave, as the spark can potentially ignite the leak.
  • Call the authorities, either 911 or an emergency line associated with the natural gas provider, so they can turn off the gas and investigate the source of the problem. 
  • Wait until the gas is turned off and find a professional to do gas line repair.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is proud to offer 5-star service at a 3-star price. With same-day service and upfront pricing, they are the ones to call in Apple Valley, MN, and the surrounding areas. Call today for professional and courteous gas line repair services from licensed plumbers.

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Practice Gas Leak Safety This National Wellness Month

Identify and Respond to Gas Leaks With These Tips

Natural gas is an efficient and widely used fuel source. And gas companies do their best to protect homeowners from gas leaks. From adding foul-smelling odors to the normally odorless gas to ensuring those who work on gas plumbing are certified and competent, plenty of safeguards are in place. But this doesn't mean gas leaks don't happen. They do. And every homeowner should know exactly what to do if they experience a leak in their home. It could mean the difference between life and death. Read on to learn the steps to take if there's a gas leak in the home.

Signs There's a Gas Leakgas leak signs

There are many signs to look for that indicate a gas leak. Some of these are outward signs, while others are things people notice in themselves or others. First, the outward signs:

  • A hissing sound near a gas line — often accompanied by a whitish cloud
  • Visibly broken gas line
  • A rotten egg-like smell in the house or near the gas line
  • Dead or dying houseplants
  • Minor leaks may only be noticed by an increase in the gas bill

There are also physical gas leak symptoms to look out for. These include:

  • Dizziness
  • Breathing problems
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Ringing ears
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Chest pain

Responding to a Gas Leak

Homeowners who notice one or more of the symptoms above should immediately evacuate all people and pets. It's important to get everyone out of the house and into the fresh air to counter the effects of natural gas poisoning. It's also imperative that people avoid turning on any lights, appliances, or any other electrical components. While rare, explosions are possible when a gas leak fills the house and something causes a spark. Those who know they have a gas leak should never remain in the house to try and locate it. Instead, get outside to safety.

Once everyone is outside the house, it's best to call a professional. Depending on the situation, this could mean calling the fire department, 911, or the gas company's emergency phone number. If anyone needs medical attention, always call for emergency medical assistance first. When everyone's health is addressed, homeowners should call the gas company and have them turn off the gas.

gas detector

Pro Gas Leak Solutions

The gas leak will need to be repaired before the gas is turned back on and used again. Remember that only professionals should perform gas leak repair to ensure it's done properly. Certified plumbers use special gas leak detection equipment to locate and then repair the leak. The gas company won't do this, so homeowners need to choose an experienced and certified company.

There are preventative measures homeowners can take that can help alert them to a gas leak before dangerous levels build up. There are gas detection devices available that one can install in the home. And while most homes have carbon monoxide detectors, it's important to note that these will not detect a natural gas leak. Certain special models do both, so homeowners need to determine whether the one in their home will detect carbon monoxide alone or natural gas. A professional plumbing company can advise homeowners on the market's best natural gas detection devices.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has proudly served Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They provide same-day service performed by courteous and professional technicians. The company is known for its satisfaction guarantee and free estimates. Give them a call today for natural gas leak repair and detection in Apple Valley, MN.

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