A natural gas leak can be dangerous and more ways than one. While a gas leak always presents an explosion risk, it can also produce a wide range of side effects that closely resemble those of carbon monoxide poisoning. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, headaches and memory loss.
So how can you be sure your home has a natural gas leak? Fortunately, there are several gas leak signs you can check for if you believe your home is at risk:
- Follow your nose – Since natural gas is odorless, utility companies often add a chemical that simulates the smell of rotten eggs as a safety precaution. If you suddenly smell rotten eggs or sewage, you may be dealing with a gas leak.
- Listen out for hissing sounds – Hissing sounds are another classic indicator of a gas leak. You should also check your A/C system for refrigerant leaks, as these can sound similar to a natural gas leak.
- Check for dead vegetation – Underground natural gas leaks can cause vegetation die-off above ground. If you see a patch of dead grass, you may be dealing with an underground leak.
- Spot the fog – If you happen to see an unusual cloud of white mist or fog forming around your home, you may be dealing with a ruptured gas line. You should leave the area and call your local gas company immediately.
- Take the bubble test – the bubble test is a quick way to see if your home’s natural gas lines are leaking. First, add a few drops of dish detergent to a bucket of water. Next, wipe down the area near the leak with a wet sponge or cloth. If you see bubbles forming on the surface, it could mean you’re dealing with a natural gas leak.
If you see or hear any of the above gas leak signs, you should contact your gas company as soon as possible. You can learn more at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, proudly serving the Indianapolis area for over 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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