Natural gas leaks are extremely dangerous and can put you, your family, and your property at severe risk. However, many Midwest City residents don’t understand what causes gas leaks or how to resolve them before they adversely affect their homes. So, how do gas leaks happen?
To answer this question and more, Champion Plumbing put together some common causes of gas leaks and what to do about them.
Champion Plumbing is Midwest City, OK’s, number one choice for professional plumbing and gas line services. If you need experienced plumbers in Midwest City, OK, look no further than Champion Plumbing.
What Are Gas Leaks?
Gas leaks occur when a pipeline experiences damage and releases natural gas in unsuitable areas. Natural gas consists of mostly methane, a highly flammable and dangerous element that removes oxygen in enclosed spaces. Small leaks often worsen at an alarming rate, creating a serious safety hazard that requires immediate professional attention.
Gas leaks are incredibly dangerous and can create an explosion that destroys everything in its wake. You must contact a professional gas line repair company as soon as you suspect a gas leak to protect your property as well as your family’s well-being. Overexposure to natural gas can cause several health problems, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Irritated throat and eyes
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nosebleeds
- Mood swings
- Pale skin
- Loss of appetite
What Causes Gas Leaks?
So, how do gas leaks happen?
Gas leaks occur for numerous reasons. Some form due to faulty installation, while others stem from pipe corrosion. Below are some common causes of gas leaks in Midwest City, OK.
Faulty or Poorly-Fitted Appliances
Faulty and/or poorly-fitted appliances are some of the leading causes of gas leaks. Every gas-powered appliance must securely connect to the hose to ensure optimal and safe use. Poor installation or inadequate fitting can cause gas to seep out of the hose, creating a substantial leak.
Always hire an experienced professional to install your gas appliances and prevent gas leaks.
Piping Issues
Even the best gas pipes don’t last forever. They deteriorate, corrode, and shift over time, creating hairline fractures and other defects that expel gas. You must repair gas line leaks immediately to prevent them from worsening and creating an explosion.
Poor Installation
Inexperienced technicians sometimes rush gas pipe installation and don’t install them correctly. Poorly installed gas lines are more prone to shifting and damage, creating severe leaks that threaten your home and safety. Only hire experienced, professional plumbing companies to install gas lines to ensure an efficient process with superior results.
How To Identify Gas Leaks?
Fortunately, gas leaks often display warning signs before they become a serious threat. Understanding these signs will help you detect gas leaks and resolve them swiftly and efficiently. Below are some common signs of a gas leak.
Unpleasant Smells Filling Your Home
Since natural gas is odorless, companies add a foul-smelling element called mercaptan to alert homeowners when a leak occurs. Mercaptan typically smells like rotten eggs and will overtake a room very quickly. If you notice a rotten egg smell, leave your home before contacting a professional plumber to evaluate your gas lines and repair them if necessary.
Hissing Sounds
Gas often creates a slight hissing noise as it escapes from appliances, pipes, and meters. Hissing around stoves, furnaces, and other gas appliances is an immediate red flag that you must address quickly. If you notice hissing around your gas appliances, evacuate your home and contact a professional gas line repair company.
You Feel Sick
Again, prolonged gas exposure can cause numerous health problems that often feel like early flu symptoms. These symptoms form rather quickly and can even affect your pets. If you or your family experience sudden drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting, your home may have a gas leak.
What To Do If You Experience a Gas Leak
Since gas leaks are very serious and can cause explosions, you must evacuate your home as soon as signs arise. Gather your family and pets and flee to a safe location before contacting a professional to assess and resolve the leak.
That said, never use a phone until you are far away from the leak. Although rare, phones can sometimes ignite the gas when in use, creating a fire or explosion. Wait until you reach a safe location before contacting a professional repair company.
Also, if you notice the rotten eggs smell filling your home, you might be tempted to open a few windows. However, this can make the gas more combustible, making the situation much worse. Never open windows if you notice any of the signs listed above.
You also don’t want to use any electrical switches during a gas leak. While you may want to turn off a few lights before evacuating your home, they could create a spark and ignite the gas. It’s best to leave your home as is during a gas leak and evacuate it as soon as possible.
However, if you suspect a gas leak while using a gas appliance, turn the appliance off before leaving your home. These appliances can worsen the situation and make your property even more dangerous.
After leaving your home, call 911 and your energy company to notify them of the leak. They will help you resolve the leak and tell you what steps to take next.
Contact Champion Plumbing For Professional Gas Line and Plumbing Services in Midwest City, OK
Next time you ask yourself, “How do gas leaks happen and how can I prevent them?” contact Champion Plumbing. We’ve been fixing and detecting gas leaks for over eight years and will handle all your gas line repair needs at a price that fits your budget. Our technicians always make you and your property our first priority and will do everything we can to ensure your satisfaction.
Give Champion Plumbing a call at 405-889-1318 or book your appointment online and receive unmatched gas leak repair in Midwest City, OK, today!
