Natural gas is one of the most common sources of energy in the country. It is used every day to heat homes and buildings, cook, and even fuel power plants. While it is a reliable source of energy, it can also be hazardous. Natural gas is flammable and can also displace oxygen, creating a risk of oxygen deprivation for those around it.
What Causes a Gas Leak
Gas leaks can happen any time, anywhere, any season. It is important to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings to take action in the event of a leak. The most common gas leak causes are corrosion, poor piping, and human error.
Corrosion
Gas is responsible for powering high-use appliances, like stoves, fire places, water heaters, and HVAC units. Over time, parts naturally wear out and corrode. Sometimes, appliance seals wear away and can allow gas to escape. This usually happens slowly over time but worsens with time as well, so a tiny leak can eventually become a big one.
The best way to spot corrosion is to inspect your appliances regularly. Scheduling a yearly appointment to have your appliances and gas connections inspected will ensure that any leaks or potential leaks are caught early on.
Faulty Piping
The piping in your home is a complicated maze of pipes that is responsible for carrying gas and liquids from one place to another. Even the best quality pipes can erode due to natural wear and tear. In some cases, the pipes can even become disconnected, allowing gas to escape into your home.
Unfortunately, not every home is built with quality piping installation. Sometimes builders cut corners and install pipes incorrectly. Pipes installed improperly can experience premature wear and tear or just come apart over time.
Human Error
Another common cause of gas leaks is human error. Humans can cause gas leaks when they dig into the ground and accidentally hit a gas line. This is why you’ve probably seen the signs that say “call before you dig.” It’s extremely important to have 811 services come out to mark the location of all your buried gas lines before doing any excavation.
Since gas lines are frequently run up through the attic as well, they are easily damaged when repairing or replacing your rooftop. If you are having any work done on your roof, make sure to inspect the gas lines in the attic for any nail punctures.
Signs of a Gas Leak
Recognizing the signs of a gas leak can avoid damage to your home and get you and your family out of a potentially dangerous situation.
Smell
The most common way that gas leaks are detected is the smell. If you notice a “rotten egg” smell, you most likely have a leak.
Whistling Sound Coming from Gas Lines
Another tell-tale sign is a whistling sound coming from a gas pipe or gas line. Whistling is almost always the sound of gas escaping the line, indicating a leak.
This is why you should always pay attention to the sounds that your appliances make. Remember to listen carefully when using your HVAC system, water heater, gas range, or fireplace.
Elevated Gas Bill
If you don’t see or smell the sign of a gas leak, another indication is a higher-than-normal gas bill. Unless you are hosting guests, out of town, or breaking some other way from your normal routine, your gas bill should stay relatively consistent all season.
If you notice that suddenly there’s been a jump in your bill, you should first call your utility company. If the utility company indicates that everything is normal, you should consider calling ABC Plumbing to check for a gas leak.
How to Prevent a Gas Leak
The best thing you can do to keep your home safe from gas leaks is to maintain your gas-powered appliances and call for repairs right away if you see, smell, or hear a potential gas leak.
