The Hidden Dangers of Natural Gas
While natural gas is one of our cleanest and most efficient sources of energy, there is always a concern about gas leaks. A gas leak can be dangerous until gas line repairs are done and the entire system is checked by the gas company. If it wasn’t for the chemical mercaptan that is added to natural gas, it would be more dangerous because it doesn’t have an odor.
Mercaptan is a harmless chemical that creates the distinctive smell of rotten eggs. This is a measure to make natural gas safer. However, sometimes people don’t notice that particular odor.
Common Signs of Gas Leaks
So, what are the symptoms of a gas leak? The following are possible indicators that you have a leak and need natural gas line repairs as soon as possible:
- Rotten egg smell
- A hissing sound around gas appliances
- Air bubbles coming from the puddles of water outside your home
- Dying or dead plants
- Higher-than-normal gas bills, especially when it’s not the season for furnace use.
- Meanwhile, physical symptoms poisoning by natural gas can range from any of the following:
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness
- Eye irritation
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Pale skin or blisters (These occur when the skin has come in contact with natural gas in its compressed or liquid form.)
- Throat irritation
Natural gas leaks change the level of oxygen in the air, leaving less for you to breathe in, thus the breathing problems we listed. When you have more trouble breathing because of less oxygen, the other symptoms will start to develop.
If any person in your household experiences any of the symptoms we’ve listed, whether that rotten egg smell is present or not, you need to evacuate the house immediately and call 911 as well as the gas company. Once they have turned the gas off, call a plumber that is licensed for gas line repairs.
What do you do if you suspect a gas leak?
It cannot be stressed too much! Any indication or suspicion there is a natural gas leak in your home, everyone should evacuate the area promptly. Once you’re in a safe place, call 911 and the gas company. DO NOT GO BACK INSIDE! While inside the house or near it, do not light matches or turn anything electrical on inside the house. An unseen spark can cause a fire.
Who is responsible for gas line repair?
If the gas line leak is on your side of the meter and within your home or property lines, the gas line repair responsibility is yours. The gas company or 911 officials will turn your gas off and it will not be turned back on until the gas line repair has been made and inspected.
What happens with a gas leak?
Natural gas is a clean and safe energy source. There are over 70 million businesses and homes using natural gas today. However, gas leaks do occur. If gas line repairs aren’t made in a timely fashion, it creates CO (Carbon monoxide) poisoning, leading to the physical symptoms we’ve mentioned.
In fact, an unattended gas line leak can be deadly due to the CO poisoning or fire. Between the years 1999 and 2010, over 5,100 people died from CO poisoning. This doesn’t include the number of animals that have died from the CO poisoning, nor from the explosions and fires caused by a gas line repair not done.
Do plumbers repair gas lines?
Yes, they can, but not all plumbers do gas line repair jobs. Like doctors, plumbers have specialties, and gas line repair and installation is one of those specialties. When you need gas line repair in a house or a business, call several plumbers for quotes and ask if they are certified, licensed, and insured to complete gas line repairs.
How do plumbers check for gas leaks?
Professional plumbers that service gas lines and make gas line repairs are equipped with detection equipment that homes in on the specific area of a gas leak. They will inspect all gas appliances and the gas lines running to the appliances, as well as inspect around the gas meter, using this device. From the smallest pinhole, this equipment enables them to find any leak and make the gas line repair needed.
In Closing
Again, we cannot stress the importance of caution when there is a suspected gas leak. Line repairs are needed immediately to keep your family and home safe. If anybody in your home is exhibiting any of the physical ailments we have discussed, or you’re hearing and seeing any of the signs of a gas leak – evacuate!
Get everyone to a safe area, and then call 911 as well as the gas company. Once they have given the all-clear sign, call a plumber that is certified to do gas line repair. Annually, you should have a gas-certified plumber check your home’s gas lines and gas appliances for safety, especially in older homes. You can get the help you need with gas line repair in Fort Worth, TX by reaching out to Westside Plumbing at (817) 560-4144.