Natural gas plays a major role in every house – from providing efficient heating to operating household appliances. However, this natural gas can also pose grave safety and health hazards when a gas leak occurs.
Knowing the common signs that indicate there may be a gas leak in your house can ensure you take the right measures immediately to avoid any disasters and losses. Moreover, regularly inspecting your gas lines can be a great way to prevent gas leaks.
Here are six signs of gas leaks you should look out for:
1. Feeling Well
A high amount of gas leak, if not repaired, can result in gas poisoning that can impact your physical health. Since the amount of oxygen is reduced due to the gas leak, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Breathing difficulty
- Concentration issues
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Suffocation
- Throat and eye irritation
- Unconsciousness
It is important to get immediate medical attention if you, your family members, or your pets are experiencing these symptoms.
2. Strange Fog, Mist, or Clouds
If a gas line has ruptured, it releases gas and forms a fog, mist, or white cloud around the property. It is wise to leave your house immediately and avoid the following:
- Trying to switch off the gas
- Searching for the gas leak source
- Using any appliances, matches, or lighters
- Starting your car
Be sure to reach out to the professionals to switch off the gas and repair the problem.
3. Air Bubbles
In some cases, gas leaks may happen in the underground piping outside the property. When this happens, you might notice air bubbles forming in standing water, including mud and puddles. This is a major sign that natural gas is dispersing in the surrounding air through the soil.
4. Higher Gas Bill
With a gas leak, your gas bills are going to skyrocket quickly since there is a constant flow of gas running. While an increase in gas bills could also be due to seasonal changes, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Therefore, be sure to get your gas line checked if the increase in the bill is massive.
5. Dead/Dying Plants
Wilted shrubs and flowers, stunted vegetation, or dead plants may be a major sign of a gas leak in your house. The increased amount of natural gas in the environment stops the roots of the plants from oxygen absorption. This can start with yellowish leaves and grass and trees producing smaller leaves.
6. Rotten Egg or Sulfurous Odor
Gas companies include mercaptans in the gas which creates a sulfurous smell or a rotten egg odor to alert people when there is a gas leak. If your house has this bad smell, then you need to leave the premises immediately and call the professionals.
Consult W J McNabb for Gas Line Inspection and Repair in Pittsburgh
If you notice some or all of these signs, it is crucial to call emergency services and professional gas line services immediately. Make sure everyone leaves the house and avoid trying to fix the problem yourself, as a gas leak can be highly dangerous.
Our team is highly experienced and skilled in detecting a gas leak and fixing the problem to ensure your house is safe again for you and your family. Get in touch with us if you suspect a gas leak in your house, and our team will reach your place immediately.