You should never underestimate the potential danger that can result from a gas leak in your home. Gas leaks can cause fires and explosions, and you can become ill as a result of the leak. You should never be tempted to treat a smell of gas as “something and nothing”. It’s important that you seek professional help as soon as you think something may be wrong.
Often a gas leak requires urgent action, so you do not want to be having to search for contact details if it happens. You should make sure that you have details compiled in a safe place, for if you need an emergency plumber. That way you are not wasting any time that may prove vital in solving the problem. It’s helpful to be as prepared as you can for gas leaks; so here is some information you will find useful.
What usually causes a gas leak?
There is no one cause for a gas leak, but more often than not such leaks are related to poorly fitted, poorly maintained or faulty appliances. If your household appliances are fitted incorrectly then it’s easy for gas to escape from a loose pipe or badly completed seal. Once you have an appliance fitted you need to make sure that you have it serviced on a regular basis, in order to reduce the risk of a gas leak, by identifying any faults effectively and efficiently.
How can you tell if you have a gas leak in your home?
The biggest warning sign that there may be gas leak in your property is the smell of gas. If you can’t smell gas it does not mean there is not a leak. This is especially the case with carbon monoxide which does not have an odour. If you feel generally ill, dizzy and nauseous, and the symptoms ease when you go outside, there could well be a leak of gas or carbon monoxide in your home.
You can also often tell there is a gas leak, by looking at your appliances. Any flame should always be blue and not orange or yellow. There should not be any scorching or sooty areas on your appliance. If the room smells musty, or you have noticed excessive condensation, these can also be signs that there is a leakage of gas.
What to do if you have a gas leak
If you suspect you may have a gas leak, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You should always make sure to get some fresh air. Open the windows of your home; if the smell is strong then it’s a good idea to vacate the property. You should never use any electric items in your home if you suspect a gas leak; that includes the light switches and your mobile phone. You should also avoid using any naked flames. If you can switch off the gas supply then do so. If this requires you to switch on a light to see clearly, then do not do it.
After you have taken all the immediate safety measures required you need to call the experts to locate and fix the leak.