Discussing Gas Safety for National Wellness Month
History has repeatedly shown that a gas leak can be deadly. Whether residential or commercial, a natural gas leak is a serious and emergent problem and should be dealt with. If a homeowner suspects there may be a gas leak in their home, however minor, they should have it evaluated by a professional immediately. Loss of property and loss of life can result from negligence involving a gas leak.
How To Recognize a Gas Leak
Once a person knows the signs of a gas leak, they will easily be able to recognize them if they are present in their home. Beyond the eternal warning signs of a gas leak, people within the household may experience symptoms that may disappear if they are removed from the area or may cause severe health problems after extended exposure. Below is a list of signs and symptoms associated with a gas leak:
- Hissing Sounds: If a homeowner hears hissing that sounds like gas escaping from a pipe, it may be gas escaping from a pipe.
- Foul Smells: Because of the danger posed by natural gas leaks and natural gas having neither a color nor a scent, methane is added to the gas as a leak detector. If someone catches a whiff of this odor, it may not be a problem, but if it is strong or lingering (even if faint), one should investigate it.
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness/Headaches: If someone in the household experiences headaches or a feeling of lightheadedness that quickly goes away after leaving home or a certain area, there may be a gas leak present.
- Disorientation: Signs of confusion are also associated with gas leaks.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness can accompany exposure to a gas leak.
- Nausea: Nausea just adds another layer to the nastiness of exposure. This is likely due to the body reacting to the poisonous gas.
What To Do If a Person Suspects a Gas Leak
If a homeowner or another household member identifies signs of a gas leak, the first step is to not panic. Not panicking should be quickly followed by evacuating the house. Do not turn any lights on or light any flame as this could trigger an explosion. After evacuation, here are the steps that one should follow:
- Call the gas company
- Follow their instructions
- The gas company will investigate
- If there is a leak, they will turn off the gas
- After investigating, the company may recommend that professionals call for gas leak repair
What the Pros Do About Gas Leaks
When plumbing professionals deal with gas leaks, they have specialized tools to work with. If a homeowner is concerned about the possibility of a gas leak, but nothing emergent has been detected, a technician can use these tools for gas leak detection. Another preventative measure for homeowners is purchasing gas detectors for the home. The only thing to be aware of is that the specific gas detector only works for that specific gas, such as carbon monoxide; it will not detect others.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing understands that people’s time is important. That is why they will pay their customers $5.00 for every minute they are late up to $300. Call today for punctual plumbing services in Northfield, MN, and the surrounding areas.
