Do you suspect a gas leak in your home? Call Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating at 972-703-5133 for a quick fix.
As is the case across the United States, most homes here in Arlington, TX, have multiple gas-powered appliances. However, natural gas is highly flammable and gas leaks can do more than expose your property to the risk of fires. Undetected leaks can be deadly.
But how can you tell if you have a gas leak? It’s important to know the signs of a leak so you can move quickly. Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating, the top-rated plumbers in Arlington, TX, covers all you need to know in this post.
Common Signs You Have a Gas Leak
Some of the top signs you have a gas leak include the following:
Carbon Monoxide Detector Is Going Off
Carbon monoxide detectors can let you know when you have a gas leak by giving off an alarm. If yours always seems to go off frequently, it’s a clear sign that you have a gas leak.
Unfortunately, the positioning of carbon monoxide detectors is such that they will most likely pick up only severe leaks. However, even the tiniest leaks can be dangerous.
Rotten Egg Odor
Natural gas is odorless. Therefore, gas suppliers add a chemical, Mercaptan, to give it a noticeable odor resembling the smell of rotten eggs. If you perceive this odor, it’s a sign that you have a gas leak somewhere in the line.
Unhealthy Houseplants
A natural gas leak inside your home will reduce the amount of oxygen in the air. As a result, you’ll likely start to notice symptoms like dead or discolored houseplants after some time.
So, if you’re asking, “How can you tell if you have a gas leak?” watch out for those dead or dying plants around your home.
Fatigue and Sickness
Prolonged exposure to gas leaks in your home will leave you feeling nauseous and weak. Other signs of gas leak sickness include headaches, respiratory difficulties, nosebleeds, chest pain, and more.
If you notice these symptoms, leave the area and call emergency services immediately. Prolonged inhalation of gas leaks can result in death.
Dead Vegetation Around Your Property
A gas leak outside your home isn’t quite as dangerous as one inside (because the air outside will most likely dilute it immediately), but it still warrants urgent attention.
One of the main symptoms of a gas leak outside your home is dead vegetation. Yellow grass and dead leaves around the gas supply line almost always mean an issue with the supply line and not a reflection of your gardening prowess.
Discolored Flames
Does your furnace or stove give off a yellow flame while running? You need to call in a professional to inspect your lines. Gas appliances are supposed to produce a hot blue flame when working. Anything else means there’s something disrupting the combustion process, including a leak.
Hissing Sounds
Do you hear a hissing or whistling sound near your gas lines or around your gas appliances? That’s a clear sign that you have a gas leak. The louder the noise, the heavier the leak. Don’t waste time trying to pinpoint the leak area. Focus on evacuating your family to safety, and then call an HVAC technician.
Higher Gas Usage
Have you noticed a substantial deviation from the norm in terms of how much gas your home consumes? That’s a clear sign of a gas leak. However, you have to first confirm that there’s no other explanation for the sudden rise in consumption.
Possible explanations include increased occupancy, more cooking, changes to the heating setting, etc. Where none of those apply, it’s time to call in the pros.
Dos and Don’ts When You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you think you have a gas leak:
- Open doors and windows
- Evacuate your family from the area
- Don’t operate any matches, lighters, or appliances
- Don’t start your vehicle
- Call your local gas company for repairs
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating to the Rescue!
Are you still asking, “How can you tell if you have a gas leak?”
Can’t wait for your gas company to send someone over? Call Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating to help. Our experienced technicians can find the main supply line quickly and shut it down. Next, we’ll trace the source of the leak and fix it immediately.
Call Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating in Arlington, TX, today at 972-703-5133 for fast and efficient services. Whether you need HVAC maintenance or want to understand the reasons for sewer damage, we’re the team to call.