Natural Gas to Power Your Home
Over 50 percent of Americans rely on natural gas to power their homes. Natural gas is a fossil energy source that comes from below the earth’s surface and is composed of methane, non-hydrocarbon gasses, and other natural gas liquids. Cooking, drying clothes, and heating water and air can all depend on natural gas. Though typically a safe source of energy, improperly installed or poorly maintained natural gas lines can result in major gas leaks. Understanding how to detect, prevent, and fix a gas leak can help keep your family safe and your energy bills reasonable. If you suspect a gas leak in your home or commercial property, don’t wait. Call My Plumbers LLC at 828-708-7107.
Indications of a Gas Leak
There are a few ways homeowners can tell if their gas lines are leaking.
- Rotten Egg or Sulfur Stench
Most natural gas is colorless and odorless. Energy companies add mercaptan to natural gas in order to make it easier to detect. If you notice the smell of sulfur or rotting eggs, a natural gas leak may be to blame.
- Check the flame on your gas-powered stove.
Gas-powered stoves typically emit a blue flame when they’re first powered on. However, if the flame is orange or red, this could be an indication of a leak, as gas in the air may be removing oxygen atoms.
- Listen out for a hissing or whistling noise.
If you hear hissing or whistling coming from your gas line, you’re likely experiencing a significant leak. Where the noise is coming from is important. If it’s happening near your air conditioning unit, then it could be a leaking valve, damaged compressor, or your refrigerant line.
- Conduct a soapy water test.
Mix a teaspoon of dish soap into eight ounces of water. Spray the solution over the area in question, and look for bubbles. Wherever bubbles emerge, that’s where gas is escaping.
- Call a Professional
Remember – if you suspect you may have a gas leak, one of the best ways to make sure is to reach out to a professional who can conduct a full assessment. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry, especially when it comes to something as important as whether there may be a gas leak somewhere in your home.
The Dangers of a Gas Leak
Gas leaks are serious, and if left unattended, a damaged gas line could cause an explosion. If the leak is happening inside your home, natural gas exposure in an enclosed space could lead to dizziness or asphyxiation. Dead trees, houseplants, and vegetation, higher than normal gas bills, and damage to your property can all arise as the result of a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak, gas leak detection devices can help confirm your suspicions. If you find that there is indeed a leak, reach out to the plumbing experts at My Plumbers LLC. We understand that gas leaks can be catastrophic and costly, so when you hire us, we work quickly to make your property safe and secure again. Dial 828-708-7107 to learn more about our gas line repair services.
