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How To Recognize A Gas Leak In Your Home

Posted On Wednesday, 04 May 2022 07:57
How To Recognize A Gas Leak In Your Home

Many homeowners use natural gas as a convenient and efficient energy source to heat water, cook food, or dry clothes. Some home appliances can also only function when natural gas is used. This fossil energy is sourced from underneath the Earth’s surface and comprises non-hydrocarbon gases, methane, and other natural liquids. But even with its function and benefits, natural gas can pose a serious threat to your home when the gas lines are poorly maintained or improperly installed. Ultimately, this may lead to gas leaks. (1)

What is a gas leak?   

Gas leaks happen when the natural gas from a gas pipeline or appliances seeps out and spreads into an open area. Most of the time, gas leaks happen when using old gas lines or faulty appliances. Although natural gas is known to be harmless and non-toxic, the methane present in it can bring numerous serious problems, such as:  

  • Dizziness when confined or inhaled high concentrations of natural gas   
  • Flashfire or explosion when exposed to spark or flame   
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning to plants, animals, and even humans   
  • Property damages   
  • Higher gas bills   

(2) (3)

In other words, gas leaks are a serious issue that should be dealt with immediately before it’s too late.   

How to recognize a gas leak?   

It’s often challenging for people to distinguish and detect an occurring gas leak, especially since gas is colorless and odorless. Thankfully, there are still other ways to help you check for any possible gas leak. Here are some steps to recognize a gas leak in your house for your guide.    

  1. 1. Sniff around for any suspicious rotten egg smell    

Your sense of smell will lead you to a potential gas leak most of the time. Gas doesn’t produce any color and odor, so gas companies add mercaptan to their gases to give them a recognizable smell. Many people often compare its odor to a rotten egg or sulfur. (3) 

So, if you suddenly smell something like rotten egg or sulfur around the house, you need to find the primary source and contact a professional gas fitter plumber immediately. They’ll help further investigate the cause behind the suspicious smell and find out if the smell comes from the kitchen or one of your faulty appliances. They’ll also do necessary repairs or replacements before the leak worsens. (3)

  1. 2. Listen for any hissing or whistling sound   

Another way to recognize a gas leak is its sound. A gas leak from a pipeline will emit a hissing or whistling sound due to the gas peeping out from the leak most of the time. So, if you hear any hissing or whistling coming out from any of your appliances, find out if the leaking gas line comes from the valve, refrigerant line, or damaged compressor. (3)

  1. 3. Check the gas range top or the stove   

Typically, gas stoves emit a blue flame when turning on the burner. The blue flame indicates enough oxygen in the area to combust the gas. However, if the stove or gas range top emits a red or orange flame, it’s a huge indicator that a leaking gas is seeping the oxygen away. When this happens, you need to immediately turn off the gas stove or range top and check where the leaking gas is coming from. (3)

  1. 4. Perform a soapy water test   

For starters, a soapy water test is a leak test used to detect a possible LPG or natural gas leakage. In this test, you’ll need to coat or douse all parts of the gas transmission gear (valves, hoses, pipes, etc.) or any area you suspect has a gas leak. If you see bubbles show up from that particular area, it only means there’s a leak. (4)

Here are the steps to create and conduct the soapy water leak test:   

  • Fill a small jar with clean water.   
  • Add at least two to three tablespoons of soap or dish detergent.   
  • Pour at least two teaspoons of liquid glycerin to help the bubbles last longer when they appear, making them easier for you to detect.  
  • Stir the mixture before pouring it into the area.   

(4)

The soapy water solution becomes more effective when you let it sit for a few hours or overnight in an open container. The longer you leave it to mix, the clearer and better bubbles it can produce.  (4)

  1. 5. Use a gas leak detector   

Out of all the techniques, this is probably the most efficient and accurate way of finding out if you have gas leaks in the house. There may be several kinds of gas leak detectors sold on the market, including: 

  • Propane and natural gas detectors  
  • Carbon monoxide alarm  
  • Carbon monoxide and explosive gas detector 

(2) (3)

Out of all kinds, the carbon monoxide and explosive gas detector is the one that can detect all types of gases. Preferably, go for a gas leak detector that can detect smoke and combustible gases to ensure nothing is missed.  

How can you mitigate the risk of gas leaks? 

The best way to reduce the risk of gas leaks in your house is regular checkups and maintenance of all your appliances that use gas, such as fireplaces, stoves, and furnaces. Even if you think no damage or repair is required, routine maintenance will ensure no damage, breakage, or warping on your gas pipelines and eventually reduce the chance of a gas leak occurrence.   

The bottom line 

Knowing how to recognize an ongoing gas leak can greatly help preserve your family’s health and reduce the risk of property damage and fire-related incidents. So, take note of these steps, and if you suspect a gas leak based on the methods above, don’t hesitate to contact a gas fitter plumber right away.

References:

  1. 1. “Use Of Natural Gas”, Source: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/use-of-natural-gas.php
  2. 2. “Natural Gas Leaks in The Home: What You Need to Know”, Source: https://www.adt.com/resources/natural-gas-leaks-in-the-home
  3. 3. “Natural Gas Safety Tips for Your Home”, Source: https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/home-natural-gas-safety-tips.html
  4. 4. “How To Make Leak Detection Soap”, Source: https://www.hunker.com/13417536/how-to-make-leak-detection-soap
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