Identifying a Gas Line Leak

Any sign of a gas leak in the home should not be ignored. Short-term exposure to hazardous natural gas will affect the entire family and, if left unaddressed, will only continue to get worse, potentially leading to more serious physical harm. Recognizing the physical signs in your health and home can prevent the issue from reaching hazardous levels. This article will break down the health risks, signs to look out for, and how to respond safely to the burden of a gas line leak.

Dangers of a Gas Leak

Exposure to a gas line leak will eventually lead to short-term and long-term physical symptoms. Breathing natural gas harms the body, specifically the lungs, which could lead to irregular breathing within the first few days. Other short-term physical symptoms of natural gas exposure include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. If the family is experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it’s a huge indicator it might be time to call a professional to identify and address a gas line leak safely.

The longer a gas line leak is left untreated, the more severe the issue will become regarding safety and physical symptoms. Long-term exposure could lead to natural gas poisoning that includes fatigue, severe headaches, memory problems, loss of concentration, nausea, loss of consciousness, and suffocation. If these symptoms are present in any household member, it’s recommended that the home be evacuated immediately and that a health professional be contacted as soon as possible. 

Don’t Ignore the Signs of a Gas Leak

Luckily, there are ways to avoid experiencing the unpleasant physical symptoms of a gas leak, and they all start with gas leak symptoms seen around the home. One telltale sign that there might be a gas line leak is dying plants and dead patches of grass in the yard. Natural gas and anything that breathes oxygen do not mix well together. 

If the plants in the home aren’t making it past a few weeks despite being loved and cared for properly, they might be breathing in hazardous gas in the air. Similarly, dead patches of grass in the yard are also a sign there might be a gas leak in the pipes under the yard. 

Another common and most widely known sign of a gas leak is the smell of rotten eggs. Natural gas does not have a smell in its natural state, so gas companies add chemicals to give the compound a “rotten eggs” smell. The presence of this odor in the home almost guarantees it’s time for gas line repair.

Hissing sounds coming from the pipes are also an indicator that there is a gas line leak. The hissing noise comes from gas escaping a compact space and squeezing through a small crack in the gas line. Dead plants, the smell of rotten eggs, and hissing pipes are all signs it’s time to contact a plumbing professional for gas leak repair.

There’s a Gas Leak in the Home… Now What?

Even if all the proper steps are taken, sometimes things just happen. If all signs of a gas leak are identified, it’s important to know exactly what steps to take to keep everyone safe.

The first step is to evacuate everyone in the home immediately. Identify a place to meet that’s a safe distance from the home and call for professional and immediate gas line repair assistance. Before exiting the home, open all the doors and windows and do not turn any light switches on to avoid a potential spark leading to catastrophe. Once a professional arrives, they will provide further instructions on the next steps.

Sometimes, gas line leaks are unavoidable, but taking the proper steps to monitor and avoid them and knowing how to respond to a serious gas leak will help keep the home happy and safe.

About Quality Mechanical Services

Since 2022, Quality Mechanical Services has proudly served the North Conway, NH, area, with services extending as far as Cumberland, Oxford, and Carroll counties. Their team is eager to assist you in the fastest and most efficient service without breaking the bank. Call Quality Mechanical Services today to schedule a plumbing maintenance consultation or gas line repairs.

Contact Information:

Quality Mechanical Services

42 Hunting Ridge Road
Conway, NH 03813
United States

Evan Butters
(603) 730-4590
https://www.qualitymechanicalservices.net/