How To Test For A Gas Leak
Wondering how to detect and keep yourself safe from a gas leak? Our guide will tell you the 10 best ways to check if you have a gas leak in your home.
Over the last few years, gas leaks have become one of the most common sources of accidents in residential kitchens and homes. Gas leaks can cause severe damage to the property, which will cost you a lot for repairs.
Despite this, you can minimise expensive repair costs and injuries by taking extra precautions to identify gas leaks in a timely manner. Furthermore, we advise that you avoid any ignition sources while searching for leaks, as this could result in severe accidents and wounds.
Keeping this in mind, we have developed this guide to help you identify natural gas leaks and prevent accidents. So without any further ado, let’s proceed to the next section.
Underground pipes run through the basements of many houses to supply gas. Since most of these pipes are underground, they are typically not visible. However, careful observation allows you to identify gas leaks on time quickly.
Gas pipes usually pass under trees and plants. So, if you notice any wilting or trees dying unnaturally, there is a high chance of leakage from one of the underground gas pipes. The same applies to indoor plants if they are near the kitchen.
When it comes to gas leaks, one of the adverse effects is carbon monoxide poisoning which is hazardous to your health. Common signs of CO poisoning are chest pain, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, fatigue, drowsiness and symptoms similar to the flu.
When you notice these symptoms, open the window and call for help. Also, try to find a room where you can breathe easily and stop the poison from spreading further into the body.
Most gas suppliers install an odorant like ethyl mercaptan as a safety mechanism. This gas allows you to identify any gas leakage in your home. Generally, this gas has a foul smell similar to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs. So, if you notice any nasty smell coming from your gas pipe, immediately call an expert and evacuate your place.
Although gas is colourless in nature, it can still form white clouds and mist if exposed to a confined space for a long time. You will also notice dust swirling and floating in the air. This indicates that a natural gas leak has occurred, and immediate action is needed.
When gas leaks from a pipe, it releases a hissing noise that is very distinctive and easy to detect gas leaks. If you hear it, check all the rooms and search where the noise is the loudest. Once you spot the leaking gas appliance, you can apply soapy water to detect the exact location of the gas leak since bubbles will fizz near the leak.
Modern houses have sensors and devices capable of instantly detecting gas leaks. These devices can detect both LPG and natural gas without any hassle. Additionally, you can sync the devices with your phone to get timely updates whenever the device detects a leak.
Also, these devices are incredibly convenient since they are lightweight and easy to install.
Once again, you will need to rely on your eyes since this test requires your utmost concentration. In general, the flame should have a blue colouration. However, if you notice the flames have a yellow or red colouration, there is a high chance of a gas leak. The flames will react the same way if carbon monoxide is present in the room.
Natural gas leak detectors are the surest way to identify a natural gas leak. Carbon monoxide detectors are also useful. While these detectors are not specifically designed for gas leaks, they alert you to elevated carbon monoxide levels that could result from gas leaks or air quality issues before you risk exposure.
Every gas appliance is designed to consume a certain amount of gas, making it easy to calculate the amount of gas you have consumed in a month or year. On that note, a sudden rise in the gas bill is a clear indicator that excess gas is being used by one of the gas appliances or there is a possible gas leak.
Some gases don’t have any odour or colour, so detecting them with our noses and eyes becomes troublesome. Hence, gas bills are an effective way to identify a potential gas leak.
Whenever a gas leak occurs in a location, the area shows signs of soot or scorching, especially if an appliance is turned on. In this situation, you should immediately turn off the device and head somewhere safe.
Most modern appliances don’t use pilot lights. However, some devices might still use the old technology, which can come in handy. Pilot lights instantly go off the moment it senses a gas leak.
Checking for leaks in your gas lines or fittings using soapy water is one of the easiest and best ways. You can make the solution by mixing dish detergent with water. The solution can either be applied with a sponge or a spray bottle.
Be sure to apply the solution to the entire hose or gas line. If you notice any bubbles forming, that is where you will find the leak.
With that, we have ended our informative guide on gas leaks, and we genuinely hope that you were able to learn from the article. As responsible human beings, we should always take the necessary precautions before an accident; gas leaks are no exception.
Therefore, you must contact your local gas suppliers when you detect leaks. And if you need an experienced Melbourne plumber, contact our team at WP Plumbing. We offer 24/7 emergency gas services and can resolve your gas leaks quickly and efficiently.
Stay safe, and see you next time.
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