A gas leak can occur if an appliance is not installed correctly or needs to be maintained or repaired. Consider a propane home delivery service with the most extensive safety training available to prevent this from happening. Here’s what to do if you note a gas leak in your home:
How To Spot a Gas Leak
A strong sulphuric smell, often a rotten egg smell, is a common sign of a gas leak. Other signs include:
- Bubbles in water
- A hissing or whistling sound close to the gas line
- Dead houseplants
- Visible damage to the gas pipe or ground around it
- A white mist or cloud of dust near the gas line
To prevent gas leaks, get professional installation services from a reputable propane home delivery service. Another sign can be physical symptoms if the leak has been there for some time. The symptoms can be severe and require one to seek medical attention immediately. They include:
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Ringing in ears
- Throat or eye irritation
- Nose bleeds
- Reduced appetite
- Headaches
- Heavy drowsiness
Pets can also experience gas leak symptoms. Check for changes in behavior, watering or red eyes, disorientation, marked lethargy, vomiting, or other strange behaviors.
What To Do if You Suspect a Gas Leak
Avoid Using Electrical Devices
A minor gas leak can cause explosions or fires. A phone, light, or electrical spark can trigger a fire. Avoid touching any electrical appliances, especially light switches. If something is off, leave it off. The goal is to avoid sparks because turning something on and off can trigger it. Here’s a list of other things that you should not do if you suspect a gas leak:
- Avoid using the telephone
- Avoid the use of elevators
- Stay away from the area with the gas odor
- Don’t adjust appliance controls or thermostats
Leave Your Windows and Doors Open
Open all doors and windows as you leave your home. It may not stop a gas leak, but it can help to disperse the gas to reduce the risk to your property and home. Avoid using a fan to help with ventilation because this may need switching on or plugging in the appliance. Doing so may cause a spark that can cause a fire or explosion.
Turn the Meter Off
If you can access the meter safely and quickly, close the valve by turning it off. Everyone in your home should know where the gas meter is located and how to turn it off. It will help to prevent more gas from leaking, reducing the likelihood of fires or explosions.
Evacuate Your House
Leave the house whether the gas leak is minor or significant. Avoid second-guessing yourself or waiting to see if things may change. Your priority should be the safety of you and your loved ones. Even a tiny leak can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, or fires, which can be life-threatening. Keep a safe distance from the building until help has arrived.
Call For Help
After evacuating the building and confirming that everyone is safe, call for help. If you switched the meter off and the gas smell has stopped, contact a certified gas installer to repair the problem immediately. If the smell continues after closing the valve, contact a gas emergency vendor. Your gas company and the fire department can inspect and shut off your gas line. They may confirm that everything is safe before allowing you to enter your home.
Read Also: Hiring an Air Conditioning Service: What To Expect
Get Help From a Propane Home Delivery Service
Get a professional propane home delivery service to deliver propane safely and efficiently. Your safety should be their top priority. They should finalize all the installations with a gas safety check for your home or business. Find an experienced delivery service today.
