What Not To Do When There Is A Gas Leak
When handling a potential danger within your home, one of the most crucial factors is to take action immediately. This applies if you are experiencing a gas leak. However, even though there are solutions to handling a gas leak, you must know what not to do when there is a gas leak.
Here at Bayside Plumbing, your safety is our top priority. That’s why we specialise in thorough inspections and emergency maintenance plumbing . Review our solutions below if you are interested in learning more about what to do if you have a gas leak and what not to do. You can also if you feel unsafe about your gas system.
What Is a Gas Leak and How to Know if It Dangerous
To determine if you have a gas leak, you need to understand what a gas leak is. Natural gas refers to a fossil energy source, its primary component being methane. A gas leak is when natural gas leaks out from its source into specific areas that can lead to potential issues. Gas leaks can lead to explosions, fires, the release of greenhouse gases, and more.
What Are the Signs You Might Have a Gas Leak
Various signs might indicate that you have a gas leak within your home or business. Several of those signs include the following:
- Rotten Eggs Odor: This is one of the primary signs that you might have a gas leak within your home or business. Since natural gas doesn’t have a specific aroma, gas companies typically add in chemicals, causing the gas to smell like rotten eggs or sulphur. If this potent odour is coming from within your sink or elsewhere, you likely have a gas leak and need immediate assistance.
- Peculiar Hissing Noise: If you suspect you may have a gas leak, always check for hissing. If you hear strange hissing noises, there may be a large gas leak within your pipes or appliances.
- Air Bubbles Occurring Within Your Water: A gas leak can also occur outside your home, primarily within the underground pipes, so you might see air bubbles in puddles or mud.
- Dying House Plants: Natural gas leaks are a primary cause of killing trees and vegetation. Natural gas can prevent the plant’s roots from absorbing oxygen, which results in wilting. With this in mind, it might be a leak issue if your plants appear stunted, dying, or dead.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a primary sign of a gas leak and could lead to potential health risks if not taken care of immediately. Poisoning occurs through inhalation.
What Not to Do When There Is a Gas Leak
When you smell gas and suspect you have a gas leak within your home, your first thought is to locate where it’s coming from and resolve it. However, this is one of the actions you shouldn’t do. What not to do when there is a gas leak? Check other forbidden actions below.
Do Not Locate the Source of the Gas Leak
Do not try to locate the source of the gas leak. You should leave your home and call your gas company or 000.
Do Not Turn On Your Stove or Light Any Matches
Another thing on our list of “what not to do when there is a gas leak” is not to turn on the stove. Anything that can start a fire or ignite, which goes for anything electrical as well, can cause an explosion. It’s also strongly advised not to turn on the hot water if you use a water heater.
Don’t Use Electricity
Ensure that nothing electrical is turned on or plugged in, and do not turn any appliances as it can create a spark.
What to Do if You Have a Gas Leak
Now that you know what not to do when this occurs, here is what to do if you have a gas leak.
Tools/Materials Needed
Carbon Monoxide Detector (for prevention)
Evacuate the Premises
The first action you must take if experiencing a strong gas leak is to leave the premises as fast as possible. Make sure to leave your windows and doors open so the gas can gradually dissipate. Do not attempt to locate the gas leak source, as the longer you stay in your home or business, the more likely you might get carbon monoxide poisoning. Afterwards, contact your gas company or 000.
Contact Bayside Plumbing
Once you have contacted your gas company and resolved the issue, please contact us by email or phone. Our team of experienced gas plumbing workers is here to help! We are emergency plumbers who are available 24/7 to help solve your emergency, so you don’t have to worry about resolving it alone.
Implementing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Another answer to “what to do if you have a gas leak?” is installing a carbon monoxide detector. Implementing a carbon monoxide detector is one of the preventative solutions after dealing with a gas leak. This monitor detects any sign of carbon monoxide and helps to prevent potential carbon monoxide poisoning should this issue happen again.
Gas Leak in Home or Business
Now you know what not to do when there is a gas leak.
Whether you have a gas leak in your home or business, it’s essential to have it taken care of by professionals. Here at Bayside Plumbing, we take your safety and plumbing very seriously. That’s why our team of professional plumbers and gas fitters is ready to tackle your plumbing , bathroom renovations , or kitchen renovations . For more information, please contact us!
For more insightful breakdowns, see our dedicated plumbing blog ! We explore whether ‘ Instantaneous Gas Hot Water Systems Need Electricity ’, provides tips on ‘ How To Fix A Leaky Tap? ’ & more!