Beware of Dangerous Gas Leaks
With summer approaching, homeowners are readying their homes for gatherings with family and friends. An essential part of readying the home is to ensure that all proper safety measures have been taken to safely enjoy the festivities. One of the most important measures homeowners should take is to beware of gas leaks.
Gas leaks can be hazardous to homeowners and their families, but they can potentially be lethal if not addressed early enough. Homeowners should prepare themselves by understanding what gas leaks are, how to detect them, and what to do if they have a gas leak. Read on for all this information and more!
Why Gas Leaks Are Dangerous
Gas leaks are extremely dangerous to homeowners and their families, so they should be taken extremely seriously. One of the biggest reasons why they are so dangerous is their combustibility. If there is a leak in the home, a small fire or electrical spark can potentially lead to a huge explosion.
Additionally, prolonged exposure to natural gas can be highly detrimental to the health of those living in the home. Specifically, people can suffer from asphyxia (oxygen deprivation) and potentially die if they inhale large concentrations of this gas.
On a related note, homeowners may instead be dealing with carbon monoxide, a byproduct of natural gas that has not burned completely. Similar to the case with natural gas, inhaling this can lead to oxygen deprivation and potentially death.
How To Detect Gas Leaks
In addition to investing in detectors, there are several other ways that homeowners can naturally detect a gas leak:
- Check stovetops – homeowners should make sure gas stoves are fully turned off when not in use
- Listen for sounds – hissing or whistling noises near gas lines may signal leaks
- Pay attention to smells – rotten egg smells are commonly associated with natural gas leaks
- Test with soap and water – cover the suspect area with this solution and see if bubbles appear, as this will signal a gas leak
These are some of the most common signs of gas leaks, so if homeowners detect any of these signs, they should take adequate safety measures to combat the gas leak immediately.
What To Do if There Is a Gas Leak
If homeowners identify or even suspect a gas leak, they should have everyone evacuate the house immediately. After they exit the home, they should call 911 for help. Importantly, they should NOT make this call from inside the home, as this could potentially ignite the leaking gas.
After getting immediate help, they should call professionals to have a certified inspector address the situation. Professionals will know the best practices and how to handle an emergency like this to resolve the immediate problem at hand and figure out better safety measures long term.
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA operates with the motto of “We turn nightmares into pipe dreams.” Their team of expert technicians provides top-notch workmanship, flat-rate pricing, 24/7 services, and satisfaction guaranteed for each and every one of their customers. Call them for plumbing help today!
