Gas is essential for operating appliances and heating homes. Unfortunately, this substance is highly flammable, so a gas leak is a dangerous occurrence. As a homeowner, you should know how to identify a gas leak and how to deal with one. We encourage you to inform yourself so that you and your family members stay as safe as possible.

If you suspect a gas leak, please leave your home immediately and call on our team to deal with the issue. Read on to learn more about gas leaks, how they happen, and how to deal with them.

How Does a Gas Leak Occur?

Gas leaks can occur if an appliance that uses gas is installed incorrectly, or if there’s an issue with a hose connected to any of these appliances. According to EnvironmentAmerica.org, a gas leak happens every 40 hours in the United States. But while gas leaks are somewhat common, that doesn’t mean they’re safe.

What Are the Dangers Associated with Gas Leaks?

First and foremost, gas leaks are dangerous because of how flammable gas is; a gas leak can cause deadly fires and explosions. On average, 4,200 home fires each year are attributed to natural gas.

How Will a Gas Leak Affect My Health?

While the immediate danger of a gas leak is a fire or explosion, there is a consequence of gas leaks that is more subtle but just as sinister. Anyone breathing in gas for an extended period of time may experience symptoms of natural gas poisoning, including anything from headaches and dizziness to fatigue, nausea, and trouble breathing.

How Can I Detect a Gas Leak?

While gas itself doesn’t have a scent, gas companies add a scent to it to make it detectable. Gas tends to smell like rotten eggs. Another way to detect a gas leak is a hissing sound coming from your gas pipes. Dead grass around your home and rusted appliances can indicate a gas leak. Finally, air bubbles in any standing water around your home may indicate a gas leak, as the gas could be escaping your pipes and moving through the soil around your home.

As mentioned above, gas leaks are detectable by physical symptoms of those in the home. If anyone in your home has experienced these symptoms, please take action immediately.

How Can I Prevent a Gas Leak?

Routine checks on your gas-operated appliances can help identify potential leaks before or right when they happen. Carbon monoxide detectors are a must, and should be checked several times a year to ensure they are working properly. Make sure you’re hiring an experienced and knowledgeable company to check for potential gas leaks! An expert like the ones at RedFin Plumbing Co. can help with services like these.

How Can I Deal with a Gas Leak?

First of all, remove yourself, your family members, and your pets from the home if you suspect a gas leak. On your way out, if you can, leave the doors and windows open. Next, report a gas leak by calling 911.

Just remember that you shouldn’t attempt to deal with the problem on your own. Leave the leak detection and solution to the experts. Our team at RedFin Plumbing Co. is standing by to assist you with all of your gas line repair needs! We are licensed plumbers who can be trusted with anything from simple plumbing work to complex and serious gas line services.

So, don’t risk your health and the safety of your family; call us today for gas leak detection and gas line repairs. We’re standing by to assist our customers with all of their gas line and plumbing in Houston, TX.