What to Do If Your Home Has a Gas Leak
Natural gas has been a reliable and safe source of heat for homes over the years. And, while using gas safely usually doesn't pose a threat, leaks can sometimes happen even when gas lines are installed properly. Noticing the signs of a gas leak and taking action can be life-saving.
Causes of Gas Leaks
There are many things that can cause a gas leak, however, damage to your pipes is usually the reason leaks occur. This can be caused by everything from construction work to lack of ventilation to severe weather. Sometimes, even the age of your pipes can contribute to leaks.
It's important to immediately take action once you notice signs your home has a gas leak.
Signs of Gas Leaks
There are a few telltale signs that you may have a gas leak, and it's important to be able to recognize them.
The smells of sulfur or rotten eggs.
A hissing noise near your gas lines.
Bubbles in puddles near gas lines.
Your plants are dying for no apparent reason.
All of these signs point to a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
Health Symptoms from Gas Leaks
In addition to the physical signs of a gas leak, there are some symptoms that you may experience.
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Difficulty breathing
Headaches
Mood swings
Chest pains
Nosebleeds
Nausea
Reduced appetite
Ringing in your ears
Drowsiness or fatigue
Blistering skin
Pale skin
Gas Leak Symptoms in Pets
Also, pay attention to your furry family members for signs of sickness following a gas leak! They show signs just like we do, and noticing signs of sickness with your pet can also help save your family from experiencing sickness if you quickly take action.
Here are some signs that a gas leak is affecting your pet's health.
Sore throat
Coughing
Vomiting
Red or watery eyes
Loss of appetite
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Unconsciousness
Don't let your family suffer from leaking gas in your home. Keep reading to see how to safely navigate a gas leak.
What To Do In Case of a Gas Leak
If you believe gas is leaking, follow these steps to ensure your family can safely exit your home without getting sick.
Open Doors and Windows
If you think you may have a gas leak, the first thing you should do is open all the doors and windows in your home to ventilate the area.
Evacuate Your Home
Leave your home immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Do not turn any lights on or off, and do not use your phone inside of your home as this could create a spark and cause an explosion.
Dial 911 immediately
The fire department can safely inspect your home for a suspected gas leak and shut off the gas if the gas company isn't available at the time you call for help.
If you begin to feel symptoms of sickness from the gas, emergency responders will be there to help. So, it's always your safest bet to dial 911 first when suffering from a gas leak.
Call Your Gas Company
If you smell gas, it’s important that you take action immediately and call your gas company. They will be able to shut off the gas coming into your home and make sure that there is no further leakage.
Once you’ve been given the all-clear that the leak is contained and you can reenter your home, call a plumber to come and take a look at your gas lines. A professional will be able to quickly assess the situation.
Call Griffin Mechanical, LLC for Your Plumbing Repairs
When it comes to a gas line repair, you're going to want to call in a professional. At Griffin Mechanical, LLC, we have a team of experienced plumbers who can help you with any gas line repair that you may need. We'll work quickly and efficiently to get your gas line back in working order so that you can rest assured knowing that your home is safe once again.
Reach us at (615) 502-3030 when you need us for plumbing repair and inspection!