Gas leaks are one of the most dangerous hazards that could affect your household, but being able to spot the signs of a gas leak early and report it to a professional can make all the difference.
In this blog, we will discuss the most common signs of a gas leak and provide you with clear instructions on what to do if you suspect a gas leak in your home.
What is a Gas Leak?
Gas leaks occur when natural gas escapes from a pipe or appliance. Gas leaks can happen for various reasons such as damaged pipes, faulty appliances, or even improper installation of your gas heating system.
If gas leaks are left undetected, they can lead to serious risk such as fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which could be fatal for you and your family. This makes it extremely important to know how to identify the signs and respond quickly.
How to Detect a Gas Leak
Unfortunately, gas leaks aren’t always immediately obvious but there are some key warning signs that everybody should be aware of when detecting a gas leak.
- A Foul Odour: Natural gas is odourless, but suppliers add a strong-smelling chemical called Mercaptan to ensure gas leaks are detected. This chemical has a sulphur-like smell which is similar to the smell of rotten eggs. If you notice this smell within your home, it is a sign to act to report a gas leak.
- Hissing or Whistling Sounds: A hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance may indicate that gas is escaping from a crack or loose connection.
- Physical Symptoms: Prolonged exposure to a gas leak can cause your body to react with dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms persist within your home but are alleviated when you leave the home, this could be a sign of a gas leak.
- Dead or Wilting Plants: House plants are sensitive to gas exposure and will show signs of distress such as yellow leaves or wilting. If your indoor plants are dying inexplicably, this may be a sign that something is wrong. Furthermore, if your grass has unexplained yellow or dead patches near a gas line, this could also be a sign of a gas leak.
- Bubbles in Water: If your gas pipes run beneath a puddle or standing water on the ground, you may see bubbles forming in the water if gas is escaping.
What to do if You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you think there may be a gas leak in your home, do not take any chances. Here’s what you need to do.
- Contact the UK’s National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately. In other countries, contact your local gas emergency service.
- Turn off your gas supply at the meter, only if it is safe to do so. Consult a professional Gas Safe certified engineer before touching anything.
- Do not use any electrical devices, including lights and appliances as even a small spark can ignite the gas in the air.
- Evacuate the area as soon as possible and move to a safe distance away, making sure all members of your household are accounted for, including pets.
- Do not go back inside your home until it has been declared safe by professionals.
How to Prevent a Gas Leak
While its not possible to prevent a gas leak, you can reduce the risk of a gas leak by staying on top of the maintenance of your gas appliances.
- Annual boiler service and servicing of your gas appliances – includes boiler safety testing, checking for signs of leaks, carbon monoxide testing, and inspection of key components.
- Always use a Gas Safe certified engineer to carry out any work undertaken on your gas appliances
- Install and test carbon monoxide detectors regularly
- Never attempt DIY fixes on your gas equipment
- Report any of the above signs to your gas supplier immediately
How can GMC Gas Services Help?
Once you’ve contacted the National Gas Emergency Line, contact GMC Gas Services who will deal with your suspected gas leak efficiently and provide follow-up support in the aftermath of the suspected gas leak to ensure you and your family stay safe when returning to your home.