Natural gas is an important energy source for powering homes and appliances. However, there are steps homeowners must take to ensure the safe use of natural gas. Gas leaks have the potential to lead to fires, explosions, or health risks for people in the area. We want to make sure you stay safe, so we put together our best tips for detecting, reporting, and preventing gas leaks.
How You can Detect a Natural Gas Leak
The first and most natural way to detect a gas leak is with your physical detection device - your nose. The smell of leaking gas is pungent - typically similar to the smell of rotten eggs. Professionals add the chemical mercaptan to natural gas, so it has this smell instead of its original colorless and odorless state. If you notice this smell, leave right away and call in the experts.
Another sense that can help you is your hearing. Listen for a hissing sound coming from the gas line. If you can hear it, the leak is severe and will need attention right away.
Finally, you can locate leaks in the yard as well. Weak, dead, or dying grass or bubbling water near a buried line are telltale signs of a leak.
Reporting a Natural Gas Leak
Look for your local gas company to alert them of your leak issue right away. If you are in the Orlando area, try NRG Energy at 1-855-500-8703 or TECO Peoples Gas at 407-425-4662.
If you hear or smell a leak, do not try to find it and definitely don’t create a spark with lighters, switches, or appliances. Leave immediately and call for help right away.
Preventing Gas Leaks
Keeping your home or business safe is in your hands. The following are our tips to protect yourself and your property:
- Keep the area around appliances clear for proper airflow.
- Check to ensure the pilot light is on and steady.
- Keep children away from any gas appliance or pipes.
- Keep your chemicals away from your appliances.
- Call the gas companies before digging in your yard.
- Every year have a professional inspect all aspects of your natural gas line from your piping to your furnace, vents, and appliances.
Here at Orlando Leak Detection, we hope you never have to deal with a gas leak. But if you do sense something is off or want a professional to ensure your home’s safety, we are here for you. Give us a call today at 407-618-3665 to schedule an appointment.
