How to Recognize the Signs of a Gas Leak
Key Takeaways:
- The smell of rotten eggs or hissing sounds in your house can indicate a gas leak.
- Inhaling natural gas or propane can cause headaches, nausea, and unexplained dizziness.
- Call 911 and evacuate the premises if you suspect a gas leak.
- You may be entitled to compensation if you are injured from a gas leak or natural gas explosion.
Natural gas and propane are two of the cleanest and widely used fossil fuels in the United States. Many of us use them daily. They power furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, stoves, grills, and they’re so integrated into our lives that we often forget the damage that can result when they are unsafely handled or used.
Those of us who have gas-utilizing equipment must be on the lookout for signs a gas leak exists.
5 Most Common Signs of a Gas Leak
Luckily, we all have the ability to detect a natural gas leak. It is simply a matter of using our senses and recognizing clues that a dangerous condition exists. The following steps are some of the signs that natural gas leak exists in your home or on your property.
1. The Smell of Rotten Eggs
Natural gas and propane are naturally odorless.
However, an odorant is added for safety purposes. The odor is most often described as smelling like sulphur or “rotten eggs.” If you smell this odor in your house, a gas leak is likely present.
2. Hearing a Hissing Noise
Natural gas is delivered to your home in pressurized pipelines. Due to the pressure in the pipes, you may hear a hissing noise if a pipe is leaking.
It’s a good idea to periodically listen for hissing noises in the areas where natural gas appliances are located. Doing so may tip you off that a gas leak is present. Hissing sounds may also indicate a gas leak from propane tanks or piping on your property.
3. Physical Symptoms
Your body may provide clues that a gas leak exists. If you have unexplained headaches or dizziness you may be unwittingly inhaling natural gas or propane.
In the event you develop an unexplained illness, you may want to have your gas appliances and piping checked for leaks.
4. Dead or Dying Plants
Everyone knows natural gas can travel through the air. However, it can also migrate underground, where it can kill grass or other plants.
If you notice dead or decaying plants in isolated areas around your home, with no reasonable explanation, a natural gas leak could be the cause.
5. High Gas Bills
Natural gas leaks don’t just affect your senses. They also affect your pocketbook by increasing your utility bill. A higher than average utility bill may mean you have a gas leak.
If you have an unusually large natural gas bill which can’t be explained by an increased use of gas (for instance, using more gas in the winter), you may have a leak. Call your utility and ask why your bill was higher. They can either explain why your bill is larger, or send someone out to investigate for potential leaks.
What to Do If You Have a Gas Leak
If you suspect a leak is present, immediately evacuate the premises and call your utility or gas supplier. If you believe the gas leak poses a threat, you should also call 911. It is best to make these calls outside the home, as using your phone may ignite the gas.
You should also familiarize yourself with how to shut off your gas supply to the house. Again, it is important to shut the gas off outside the home. Then wait for help to arrive.
In the meantime, warn others who may come near your home that a gas leak exists. However, don’t reenter your home or try to stop the leak. This would be dangerous. The gas supplier employs professionals trained to detect and mitigate leaks.
If you are unsure that you are capable of detecting a leak, it may be wise to invest in a gas or carbon monoxide detector. These devices can supplement your natural ability to detect a leak. Though it’s recommended the detectors be installed professionally.
Gas Leak Injury Claims
Despite natural gas and propane being safe products, accidents do happen. The natural gas industry is highly regulated due to safety issues associated with the use or sell of the product.
So when accidents happen, it is usually because someone failed to follow the proper safety rules or regulations. Sometimes natural gas equipment is negligently designed or manufactured. Other times a utility may fail to safely respond to a gas leak.
The attorneys at Satterley & Kelley have litigated claims involving gas explosions. This includes home and college dormitory explosions.
If you or someone you know has been injured by gas, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our office at 502-589-5600 or toll-free at 855-385-9532. You can also contact us online to get started.