How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak: 7 Tips
A gas leak in your home can very dangerous and life-threatening. You may need to evacuate immediately, and call your gas company! If it is a tiny leak that you think you smell you may be able to find it before shutting the gas off. There are a number of clues for a potential gas leak to look out for and a way to detect a gas leak before you call the professionals.
First, have your eyes open for these six signs of a gas leak.
Smell
A gas leak is going to cause a rotten egg or sulfuric smell. Natural gas is odorless but the gas from the utility company has a chemical added so you can detect a leak with the smell.
Sounds
A gas leak may cause a whistling or hissing sound. The closer you get to the origin of the leak the louder the sound will be. Be aware that hissing or whistling occurs when gas leaks through a tight spot so some gas leaks won't make any sound.
Flame Color
Look at the color of the flames on your gas stove. The flames are supposed to burn blue thanks to proper oxygenation. However, if there is a gas leak the flames can burn orange or yellow for an extended period of time.
Plants
Plants need carbon dioxide to thrive and a gas leak may make CO2 hard to come by causing your plants to turn brown and start wilting even if you are caring for them.
Gas Bill
If you see an unplanned rise in your gas bill, you may have a gas leak driving your charges up.
Health
A natural gas leak in your living areas can cause a number of health problems. Symptoms such as body aches, lightheadedness, headaches, and nausea with no other apparent reasons can point to a gas leak.
DIY Detection
If you notice any of these signs in your home, and it's not an emergency, then you can perform a do-it-yourself gas leak location in your home.
- Mix one cup of water with 1 teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Find your meter and start working towards the house.
- Spray your entire gas line paying special attention to joints, fittings, valve shut-offs, and appliance connections. Be sure you are spraying thoroughly.
- Look for bubbles where you sprayed. Leaking gas will cause the soapy water bubble up. No bubbles mean there is no gas leak.
- Keep spraying the gas line until you find where the bubbles form.
- Use a permanent marker to mark where you find the gas leak to expedite the process for a professional.
At Texas Green Plumbing, we treat your home as if it is our own. We know time is of the essence when it comes to gas leaks. That is why we offer same-day detection and repair of gas leaks.
If you suspect a gas leak in your home, make sure you are safe and then contact us!