Even professionally installed gas lines or pipes can burst, crack, or leak. There are many common causes, including shifting soil, corrosion underground, or a tree root growing up and damaging the gas line. Often homeowners don’t know until it’s too late.
Detecting a Gas Leak Before it’s Too Late
A strong sulfuric smell is one of the signs that a gas leak is occurring. Many refer to it as “rotten eggs” smell. Contact us if you smell sulfuric or rotten eggs. Long Beach plumbers are available to assess the gas line and recommend next steps.
You may also notice other signs of gas leaks:
- An audible hissing sound or whistling near the line.
- A cloud of dust and white mist close to the line
- Your water will bubble!
- Houseplants that are dead
- Visible damage to your gas lines, pipes or ground surrounding them
Consistently higher than normal gas bills is another sign. Gas escapes from pipes when they leak, and can reach your home and appliances. To keep your heating and appliances running, you will need to pump more gas to your property. This will increase your monthly bill.
If the gas leak has been ongoing for a while, other homeowners might notice symptoms. These symptoms can be serious and should not be ignored if they are linked to a gas leak.
You should look for signs and symptoms in family members, friends, or anyone else who lives in your home. Even if one person has symptoms, a Long Beach plumber can quickly provide professional assistance. These signs and symptoms could include:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and frequent, severe drowsiness
- Headaches
- Light-headedness
- Eye and throat irritation
- Nausea
- Nosebleeds
- Ringing in the ears
- A decreased appetite
- Depression or mood changes
- Other flu-like symptoms
Gas leaks can also be experienced by pets. You should look out for signs such as disorientation, vomiting, loss of appetite, marked lethargy, and other unusual behavior.
What to do if you suspect a gas leak
Do not wait if you or someone in the home experiences any of these symptoms. These steps will ensure that you, your family members and your home are safe.
Evacuate Your Home NOW
LEAVE if you suspect there is a gas leak. Do not wait to find out if the situation changes and do not second guess yourself. You and your loved ones should always be your priority.
Worst case scenario? The worst case scenario is that you evacuate, and there’s no gas leak. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when we’re dealing with gas leaks. Even a small leak can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and even fires or explosions that can all be fatal.
Stop using electrical devices
Even a minor gas leak can cause explosions or fires. A spark from an electrical device, phone, or light could also be dangerous.
While you evacuate, avoid touching any electric devices, even light switches. Leave it on if it’s on. If it is off, turn it off. You want to avoid any sparks. Even turning off something could cause it. You can leave everything alone and just go.
Keep Your Doors Open
When you leave your home, keep windows and doors open. Although it won’t stop the gas from escaping, it can reduce the risk to your property and home.
Call Your Gas Company – And 911
When you are at a safe distance to your home, dial 911 and ask for assistance from your gas company. Your gas company and the fire department can inspect your gas line and turn it off. There, you can have your property and gas lines inspected by teams. Once everything is secure, they will grant you access.