How To Detect A Gas Leak In The Home
Many homeowners will attest, that natural gas is much better than other fuels. At the end of the month when the utility bills come in, hands down natural gas is the way to go. However, the fuel that makes heating your home, as well as cooking, so cost-effective can be dangerous when not contained properly. In Australia, many homes use natural gas as a primary fuel but few people really know how to detect when there is a leak.
Natural gas leaks can, typically, be found in a few places in and around the home. There are many different appliances and home systems that might be fueled by natural gas and it’s important to be aware of where your gas is being used. It’s also crucial to be aware of some of the reasons that gas leaks occur, ranging from the age of the appliance to the age of the gas pipes. If homeowners suspect a leak, they can determine if there is a gas leak or not through a number of different ways.
Keep reading to learn how you can detect a gas leak around your home, so you and your family stay safe and protected.
Install A Detector
One of the quickest ways to determine if there is a gas leak is to install a gas detector. These gadgets are small and can be placed high up on the wall and an alarm goes off when the levels of carbon monoxide become too high in the living space. Consumers can also purchase detectors that plug into outlets as well, and they similarly go off in the presence of too much carbon monoxide.
Use Soap And Water
If you think there is a gas leak, homeowners can double check by simply mixing a solution of water and soap (mostly soap). Take a little bit of the solution and place a little on the pipe you suspect has the leak. If there is a leak, then you will see bubbles form on the pipe. However, homeowners should consult an expert if they see bubbles as natural gas is highly volatile.
Hissing From The Gas Line
Pay attention to your appliances as they can quickly alert you when there might be a gas leak. If you hear any hissing around the appliance, then this might be an indication that there is a leak in the pipes leading into the appliance. Again, this is an instance when you want to contact the gas company directly for assistance.
A Foul Odour
Natural gas by itself is a colourless, odourless gas, however, homeowners need a way to know whether or not there is a gas leak in their home. Gas companies will deliver gas to homes and include an additive that smells off, some say the smell is like rotten eggs. Others say the odour smells differently, but there is definitely a distinct odour emitted. If you smell either, consult the gas company or a professional plumber.
Dying Plant Life
Gas leaks can occur around the exterior of the home too. One way to determine whether there is a gas leak is by looking at the health of your plants. Gas leaks block the exchange of oxygen and eventually causes the plants to wilt and eventually perish. While plants become damaged for a variety of reasons, a gas leak near the perimeter of the home can be a major indication that there is a break in the line.
Safety First
When dealing with natural gas, homeowners should know that safety should always come first. The gas heats up quickly and can burn for a long time and that is why it is one of the cheapest forms of energy. At the same time, this ability to heat up quickly is why it is also very volatile. If you think you have a gas leak, do not wait, but contact the gas company, as their expertise can help you avert a potentially dangerous situation.
