How to Recognize & Respond to a Gas Leak
You may not know it, but your home in Los Angeles is very susceptible to gas leaks. From old construction to earthquakes, gas lines often face leaks that can be detrimental to your home and to your health. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a gas leak and being able to respond to them properly is the best way to protect yourself.
Recognizing A Gas Leak
Fortunately, there are many warning signs that let us know when we are in danger from a hazardous gas leak. Some of the major signs that you may have a gas leak in your home or business are:
1. Foul Odor
This is one of the easiest, and the most unpleasant, signs of a gas leak. The gas that we use in our homes is natural gas. This kind of gas is colorless and odorless.
Because this makes it nearly impossible to spot, utility companies have added a foul smelling substance to the gas to make it easier to detect if there is a leak.
Here’s What You Can Expect
When you smell something that closely mimics the scent of rotten eggs, don’t go poking around in the fridge. Call your local plumber to get your gas lines checked out right away.
2. Whistling Sound
Gas pipes run throughout your entire home to feed the gas to the proper appliances. The gas that travels through these pipes is pressurized to travel through the pipes. What this means is that more gas is compacted into a small area. If there is a loose connection in the pipes or even a small tear, the pressurized gas will push out, causing a whistling sound.
3. Dry Patches
Although we are in one of the biggest droughts in California history, there can be other reasons why you have dead spots on your lawn. Some parts of your gas line run underground. Because gas is lighter than air, it will rise up. If you have a gas leak underground, the gas will rise up through the soil and cause discoloration to your greenery.
Responding to A Gas Leak
If you have noticed any of the above signs of a gas leak in your home, here’s how you should respond.
Contact a Professional
Digging up your yard or breaking into walls to find gas lines is EXTREMELY dangerous. A local professional will have the correct tools, knowledge of local codes, knowledge of city gas and water line locations, and the expertise you need to fix them properly.
Natural Gas Leak Detectors – sub heading
Your local plumber will have access to tools and specialized machinery like natural gas leak detectors. These tools will allow them to get a closer look as to where the leak is without any damage to your home. Not only will this save your home from being damaged, but will also save you time and money.
Avoid These 4 Common Mistakes
If you believe that you have a gas leak in your home, here are four things that you should NOT do.
- Operate electrical equipment near the leak
- Smoke
- Try and locate the main source of the leak on your own
- Start a vehicle nearby
By trying any one of these four common mistakes, you are putting yourself, your neighbors, and your home in danger of fires, explosions, and health risks.
We hope that after reading this you will be better prepared in the case of a gas leak in your home.
