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HOW TO HANDLE A NATURAL GAS LEAK?
7/20/2020 (Permalink)
HOW TO HANDLE A NATURAL GAS LEAK?
HOW TO HANDLE A NATURAL GAS LEAK?
Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel in the world. Produces only carbon dioxide, water vapor and small amounts of nitrogen oxide when burned. It is used to power a wide range of furnaces, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and stoves. Like almost all sources of energy, natural gas can be dangerous if improperly handled. A natural gas leak can cause potential fires in the house. Inhaling the gas can cause poisoning. Here’s how to recognize a problem and what to do once you smell natural gas.
- Learn how to recognize signs of a natural gas leak.
The smell of rotten eggs
Natural gas smells similar to Sulfur or rotting eggs. The stronger this smell, the more likely it is that there is a leak.
Hissing sounds
A hissing noise will also be possible when you are very near the leak itself. If it’s safe, check your stove; sometimes the gas can be turned on accidentally.
Air bubbles outside your home
If you see bubbles in standing water including puddles and mud it may be a sign of natural gas dispersing through the soil and into the surrounding air. Natural gas leaks can also occur in underground piping outside the home.
- Inspect devices and appliances that use natural gas on a regular basis
Regularly inspecting all devices and appliances that use gas helps prevent and identify possible gas leaks.
- Install natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors in your home
Slow gas leaks may not produce enough natural gas smell to be detectable, and even large leaks may not be detected by people with a diminished sense of smell. It is recommended that homeowners use a natural gas detector to alert them to the presence of natural gas.
- Shut off natural gas in your home
Cutting off the supply of gas prevents additional gas from escaping and can keep things from getting worse.
If you do have a gas fire, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to help you pay for fire damage cleanup. Hopefully, if you’ve followed the steps above, you’ll avoid any serious repercussions and simply deal with fixing the leak.
If you need a team to help fire damage clean up, contact our team SERVPRO of Ventura, call us at (805) 656-3911.