Even the slowest gas leak can cause major problems for the safety of your home, family, and the well-being of your bank account. If your home has any gas powered appliances, it’s important to know the warning signs of a gas leak and what to do if one is detected.
Signs of a leak
There are a few things to look out for when using gas powered appliances. If your home is showing the following symptoms, you may have a leak.
- Dry dead grass over underground gas lines or around holding tanks.
- Higher than normal gas bills without increased usage.
- Refilling holding tanks more often.
How a gas leak is detected
Smell: Even if you do not notice the above signs, you could still have a leak inside the home. Natural gas is odorless; however, manufactures add strong odors to their products as a safety precaution. If you smell a strong sulfur like odor in or around your home, there is likely a gas leak.
Sound: When gas escapes it can make a high pitched hiss, roar, or whistle like sound. These sounds can also be covered by other noises in and around the home.
Sight: If you see any signs of damages to natural gas fed appliances, lines, or tanks there could be a leak and caution should be exercised. If you experience an earthquake, the chances of a leak increase even if damages are not visible.
What to do if a gas leak is detected
If your home is showing signs of a potential gas leak the most important thing to do is remain calm and take precautions to avoid sparks. These include:
- Do not turn on electrical appliances.
- Do not light candles, incense, or smoke.
- Do not attempt to light extinguished pilot lights.
- Avoid creating static electricity by either removing socks while on carpet or putting on shoes.
- Vacate the area and contact a licensed professional.
If you suspect a gas leak in your Indianapolis area home, or would like to learn more about how a gas leak is detected, please contact the experienced staff at Mowery.
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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