Everything You Need to Know About Natural Gas Leaks

In our energy-dependent world, natural gas plays a crucial role in powering homes. According to the Natural Gas Supply Association, natural gas heats nearly 70 million homes in the United States. Like any energy source, there’s always potential for safety risks. In the case of natural gas, this energy choice can cause natural gas leaks.  

EnvironmentalAmerica.org reports that a gas leak occurs every 40 hours in the U.S. To prioritize safety, it’s essential to understand natural gas leaks and how to prevent them. Let’s get into it! 

What causes this leak?

Understanding what causes a gas leak is paramount in mitigating potential risks associated with natural gas usage. Gas leaks can occur based on a variety of factors, ranging from equipment malfunctions to human errors. The most common causes of gas leaks are aging or corroded pipelines, or improper installation. 

Other factors like poorly fitted or damaged valves, and manufacturing of gas-related equipment can contribute to this risk. Be sure to be aware of these issues and regularly check your gas supply and lines to avoid risk. 

How to detect a leak

Detecting a gas leak is a crucial aspect of ensuring safety in environments using natural gas. Various methods exist for gas leak detection, ranging from specialized electronic devices to simple home techniques. One of the things you can do to check for a gas leak in your home is to conduct a soapy water test:  

1. Start by gathering your materials for your test; you’ll need water, soap, and a dish. 
2. Mix your soap of choice with water to form a solution and pour your mixture into a squirt bottle or eyedropper. 
3. Brush, wash, or spray your solution over the area you suspect is leaking.  
4. Wait a few minutes and if you see bubbles forming around the area you’ve sprayed, you have a gas leak. 

What does a gas leak smell like?

The distinct odor of a natural gas leak is often reminiscent of the smell of rotten eggs. For safety reasons, intentional additives create this odor, which is not a natural characteristic of the gas itself. Recognizing this smell is vital for prompt detection. Knowing this characteristic can save you and your loved ones from a future gas leak. 

What to do if you have a leak

If you suspect a gas leak, take immediate and decisive action for your safety and those around you. Evacuate the premises, ensuring everyone moves to a safe distance away from the potential hazard. Avoid turning on light switches or using electricity, as this can ignite gas.  

Once you’re at a safe location, promptly contact emergency services to report the leak. Do not re-enter the building until professionals have deemed it safe.  

What NOT to do

If you find yourself amid a gas leak, it is crucial to be aware of actions to avoid for your safety. First, do not use any devices or conduct any electricity, as sparks from these sources can potentially ignite the gas. Secondly, refrain from attempting to locate the source of the leak or attempt to fix it on your own.  

Never ignore the distinct smell of gas; if detected, leave the premises immediately. Additionally, avoid using open flames or using any appliances. Do not light matches or cigarettes, as they pose a significant fire hazard.

Physical signs and health risks

If you have a gas leak in your home, you’re exposing yourself to various health risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas leak symptoms and the physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and headaches. If exposed to high concentrations of natural gas, individuals may experience difficulty breathing and chest pain. 

Depending on the speed of the gas leak, these symptoms can start quickly. Be sure to be attentive to any sudden onset of symptoms. Prolonged exposure to leaks can lead to more severe health issues or even unconsciousness. 

How to prevent future leaks

Preventing future gas leaks requires proactive measures and vigilant maintenance practices. Regular inspections of gas appliances, pipelines, and connections are crucial to identifying potential issues before they escalate. Ensuring proper installation by qualified professionals and following manufacturer guidelines during setup can prevent faulty connections and equipment malfunctions.  

Additionally, prioritizing routine maintenance such as promptly addressing any wear and tear, contributes to preventing gas leaks. Lastly, preparing a disaster plan is important in case you face a gas leak. 

What to do after facing a leak

Once you receive the “go-ahead” from professionals that it is safe to re-enter a building after a gas leak, proceed cautiously. Before entering, ensure there are no lingering odors of gas, and if any smell persists, refrain from going inside.  

Open windows and doors to ventilate the area effectively. Avoid using electronic devices or switches until you are certain the environment is secure. If you had turned off the gas supply during the incident, wait for a professional to inspect and safely restore the service. 

How long does it take to fix a gas leak?

The duration of fixing a gas leak depends on various factors. This includes the severity of the leak, your location, and what needs repairs. Typically, a qualified professional, such as a licensed plumber or gas technician, is responsible for fixing a gas leak. Do not attempt to fix it yourself if you are not a professional. 

It takes only a few hours to resolve a minor leak, while more complex issues may take a day or two to complete. Ensuring the safety of the affected area is what professionals focus on when fixing a gas leak. Do not rush the job, as this can lead to future errors down the road. 

My house smells like gas but there are no signs of a leak…

If your house smells like gas but there are no visible signs of a leak, it’s crucial to take immediate action to ensure safety. Even if you can’t see the leak, the smell could indicate a potential issue with your pilot light or system. Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors to disperse any lingering gas. Refrain from using electronic devices or creating sparks, and call professionals for help. 

No matter the issue, it’s important to not take these issues lightly. Exercise caution and safety during these situations.

Other natural gas safety tips 

 Being vigilant about gas leaks is the first step in natural gas safety. Here are some of our favorite tips that can contribute to a secure home: 

1. Install a carbon monoxide detector: you can detect early on any indications of a potential gas leak. 
2. Know how to turn off your natural gas valve: this can help you regularly inspect your gas appliances. 
3. Keep your gas burners and oven tops clean: this can help improve the efficiency of your appliances and reduce the risk of potential fires. 
4. Keep flammable materials away from gas appliances: Storing materials such as cleaning products and paper towels away from gas appliances can prevent fires and other hazards. 

 If you’re interested in learning more strategies to protect your home from natural gas, visit our blog for more tips! 

Understanding the intricacies of natural gas leaks is paramount for maintaining a safe and secure environment. Remember, safety is a collective effort, and staying informed is the first step toward creating a secure living space! 

Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of earth-friendly natural gas plans in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.