While natural gas produces only water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide when burned, a natural gas leak can be very dangerous. Natural gas is highly combustible and can be harmful to your health. You should therefore know the symptoms of a gas leak so you can quickly get to safety and call for help. We’ll cover both the known health symptoms and other signs of a gas leak in your home.
Health Symptoms
A range of symptoms can be associated with a gas leak. These occur because as gas fills the air, it takes the place of oxygen. The signs of exposure often come on suddenly and can’t otherwise be explained. They include:
1.Headache
2.Nausea
3.Dizziness
4.Eye and Throat Irritation
5.Tiredness
6.Difficulty Breathing
7.Pale Skin or Blisters from Touching Compressed/Liquid Gas
These and other symptoms, if there’s no gas leak, may be due to carbon monoxide, so you’ll also want to look out for:
8.Flu-Like Symptoms
9.Chest or Stomach Pains
10.Trouble with Vision
11.Loss of Muscle Control
12.Confusion
13.Weakness
14.Loss of Consciousness
Other Signs of a Gas Leak
Physical symptoms aren’t the only indicators of a natural gas leak. Whether you start feeling sick and notice the following, or even if physical signs haven’t manifested yet, these are common symptoms of a gas leak.
15.Rotten Egg Smell: Mercaptan is added to gas by utility companies. It smells somewhat like rotten eggs, sulfur, or sewage. Natural gas is otherwise colorless and odorless, so the substance is added for safety reasons.
16.Hissing Noises: If you’re near a gas line or gas appliance and hear hissing, there may be a big leak. It’s a good idea to regularly check them for hissing noises. A hissing sound near an AC is cause for concern too; it can mean a valve or refrigerant line is leaking.
17.White Mist/Fog: If a gas line on your property has ruptured, it can create a cloud-like mist or fog. It might not be near the immediate source of the leak. However, don’t try to find it yourself. Open windows and doors, leave your home, and don’t try to turn off the gas (and avoid using electricity, lighting matches, or starting your car). A professional will find and fix the leak.
18.Bubbles: The bubble test can help you find a gas leak. First, mix water and dish soap in a container. After verifying the gas is on, soak a cloth or sponge and wipe down the area where you think the leak is. If bubbles form, that means gas is leaking. The same method helps find leaks on tires and propane tanks.
19.Dead Plants: Gas lines that run under the soil can’t be examined directly. However, patches of dead vegetation can form above where there’s a leaking gas pipe. If you suddenly notice dead plants in your yard where a known gas line runs, contact a professional for help.
20.Increased Gas Usage: If your gas bill or utility meter shows more gas is being used than usual, even accounting for seasonal variations, a gas leak is likely. Contact a professional to inspect your home and find and fix the source of the leak.
Call Waldrop Plumbing – Heating – Air for Gas Leak Repair
If you notice any signs or symptoms of a gas leak, our skilled technicians can reach your home quickly and provide the appropriate repairs. Our professionals are NATE-certified and experienced at repairing, installing, and replacing gas lines. We also provide a full range of plumbing and HVAC services throughout Greenville and Spartanburg, SC. To request emergency assistance, call 864-536-0887 today.
