If something doesn’t smell right, assume you have an emergency gas leak. Evacuate your home and call for help; the situation is extremely dangerous. Emergency responders, the gas company, and an emergency plumber can identify the source and determine how to fix the problem. Emergency gas leak repair can save your life and prevent extensive property damage.
A gas leak occurs when a hole or break in a gas pipe occurs. This can be due to corrosion, poor installation, damage from digging, or extreme weather. A loose connection or a faulty gas appliance can also cause a gas leak. Aside from natural gas, other gasses can leak, including propane from leaky containers and carbon monoxide from combustion issues in fuel-burning appliances or a car left running in the garage.
Signs of a Gas Leak
Most gasses are invisible and hard to detect. A carbon monoxide or other gas detector provides an emergency alert of a gas leak. That’s why you must have properly installed gas alarms in your home. However, common signs of an emergency gas leak include:
- Sulfur Smell: A rotten egg odor comes from mercaptan, a compound added by natural gas suppliers to make natural gas detectable. If you smell gas in your home, assume there’s a leak and call for help.
- Hissing Sound: The force of gas escaping a pipe or connection can generate a hissing sound. This also means the air around the leak is being moved more quickly. The volume and nature of the sound depend on the source and amount of gas escaping.
- Dead Plants: Natural gas prevents oxygen absorption into a plant’s roots, causing it to wilt and die. You might also see yellowish patches of grass or trees with unusually small leaves.
- High Utility Bill: A gas leak can increase gas usage. If a spike in your utility bill isn’t consistent with seasonal increases in natural gas use, call a plumber to check for a gas leak.
- Air bubbles: If an underground pipe is leaking, you may see bubbles in puddles and mud. A similar effect may be seen on gas lines in your home if they get wet; that’s why wiping the surface of a pipe with a damp towel can help detect a leak.
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and breathing difficulties can occur with exposure to low levels of natural gas. At high levels, natural gas poisoning can occur, which can cause severe headaches, memory and concentration issues, loss of consciousness, and suffocation.
How to Respond to an Emergency Gas Leak
If not fixed promptly, a gas leak can cause severe sickness and even death. It can also trigger a fire or explosion. Acting quickly can prevent a major accident. Therefore, if you suspect a gas leak:
- Get your family to safety
- Contact emergency services
- Call the gas company
- Avoid using equipment that can cause sparks
- Don’t light any candles or matches
- Don’t turn lights on or off
- Avoid using a telephone
- Don’t adjust any thermostats or controls
- Put out open flames
- Stay out of the building until the gas company gives the all-clear
Call for Emergency Gas Leak Repair
A professional plumber is certified, trained, and equipped to address a gas line emergency. They have the tools to quickly locate a leak and perform repairs. If the cause is a loose connection, the technician will tighten it or replace the fitting. A damaged pipe will be quickly replaced. Depending on the location and severity of the issue, it may be fixed in as little as an hour. However, some gas leaks can take up to 24 hours to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent an emergency gas leak?
You can prevent a dangerous gas leak by:
- Scheduling regular inspections by a professional plumber
- Checking for worn or damaged gas lines, connections, and appliances.
- Keeping stoves and other gas appliances clean.
- Installing gas leak detectors near possible leak sources.
Is it safe to use my gas appliances if I suspect a gas leak?
Do not use any gas appliances if a leak is suspected. Turn off the pilot light in any gas stove, furnace, or water heater.
How do I shut off the gas supply in an emergency?
If it’s safe, locate the natural gas meter and close it using a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench. Move the valve ¼ of a turn until it’s perpendicular to the pipe. This is safest to do if the valve is near the gas meter outside.
Should I evacuate my home if I suspect a gas leak?
Yes. Calmly guide everyone in your household out of your home.
Are there any temporary measures to minimize the risk while waiting for professional assistance?
If you can reach your electrical panel safely, turn off the power at the main breaker, or turn off the disconnect switch at the electrical meter outside. And, if any windows or doors are accessible as you’re leaving, open them to increase ventilation and disperse the gas.
How quickly can a plumber respond to an emergency gas leak situation?
Jay’s Heating, Air & Plumbing provides 24-hour plumbing service. Day or night, we can dispatch technicians right away. They can reach your home in minutes after you call.
Contact Us for Emergency Gas Leak Service
Homeowners in and around Mount Airy, NC, can trust Jay’s Heating, Air & Plumbing for prompt service if they experience an emergency gas leak. We use radio dispatch to get our licensed technicians on site quickly. They arrive in fully stocked vehicles so they can assess and repair the problem without delay and minimize property damage. All our emergency plumbing services come with a 100% guarantee and flat rate pricing. Financing options are available. To learn more or request gas leak emergency service, call (336) 360-0976.
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