There are an estimated 4,200 gas leaks every year in the United States that result in a house fire.
Leaking gas can be very dangerous, as it is heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas. A single spark is enough to cause combustion, which can be explosive if the quantity is sufficient.
It isn’t hard to tell why detecting leaking gas is important, any of the fuels we use to heat and power our homes can be incredibly combustible. Whether you’re dealing with a natural gas leak or a propane leak, they can be extremely dangerous, and cause numerous injuries and fatalities. How can you protect your family and what are the signs of a gas leak?
Table of Contents
The Smell
One of the first lines of defense you have against a gas leak is your nose. Chemicals are mixed in with natural gas and propane, as well as others, that produce a distinctive odor. This could be called the gas leak smell, as it is pungent and impossible to not notice and signifies that gas is leaking in noticeable quantities.
This method doesn’t always work, however, because not everyone is capable of smelling or identifying the smell. It is also often a cause for false alarms, but if you notice an unusual smell, particularly around the pipes in your home do not ignore it.
Plant Life
If you begin to notice the plant life in your home wilting and dying, a gas leak could be the culprit. Plants draw in the gas, breathing it in like they would carbon dioxide, only they can’t extract oxygen from it. This leads to the plant dying, slowly wilting as it is starved of the CO2 it needs to live, this makes them great natural gas leak detectors.
There are some plants that are more sensitive than others because overall many plants can survive for a while unless the exposure is too great. Placement also matters, those closest in proximity to the leak will show signs first.
Listen For Noises
Hearing a hissing or squeaking noise coming from a pipe can be a bit disconcerting. It is also an excellent way to determine whether or not there is a problem even if you can’t smell the leaking gas. A hiss or whistle is a sign that gas is escaping, and that there is a thin hole it is escaping out of, if you notice this call a professional right away.
Gas Leak Detectors
Modern technology is here to help as well, with gas leak detectors. These devices can determine if gas is leaking from a pipe and alert you to the danger before it becomes a problem. If you’re interested in such a device, speak to propane gas suppliers, or your natural gas provider.
Leaking Gas And Your Home
Leaking gas is nothing to play around with, it can cause horrible destruction, death, and injury. If you think you might have a gas leak, be sure to contact a professional immediately to have it inspected.
We hope this article was useful to you. Be sure to browse our site for more interesting reads!