Although natural gas is one of the safest fuels to use in your house, a faulty connection or failing burner could be the source of a large leak. Since natural gas is extremely combustible and can lead to a fire or explosion if exposed to air in tiny doses, it's critical to understand how to detect a leak and what to do if you find one.

What Are Gas Leaks?

When a gas line or appliance has a leak, natural gas leaks into the environment. Natural gas can seep out of old pipelines and escape into open spaces due to corrosion in the pipe's outer layer. If old pipes are exposed and begin to corrode, natural gas leaks are more probable. The pipe's outside material wears down with time until tiny hairline fractures develop.

The Dangers of Gas Leaks

Natural gas contains various hazards. Although natural gas is non-toxic, it can produce the following problems due to leaks:

  • Dizziness or asphyxiation when large amounts of natural gases collect in confined places
  • Flammable mixtures that may explode if exposed to open air
  • Dead vegetation, trees, and houseplants
  • Higher gas costs
  • Property damage

How to Detect Gas Leaks in Your Home

Odor

Most gases are colorless and odorless, so natural gas providers frequently add a chemical called mercaptan to natural gas in order to differentiate it from other gases. The stench is commonly described as similar to rotten eggs or sulfur, which is easy to detect in your home. If you detect this scent, you should call immediately for assistance.

Unusual Noises

If you hear a hissing or whistling sound near your gas line, there's a possibility you have a leak. Pay attention to where the noise is originating from, because if you hear the hissing sound near your A/C, it could be your refrigerant line leaking valve, or a damaged compressor.

Orange Flames on Stove Top

When you switch on a gas burner, it will generally produce a blue flame. If your stove burner produces orange or red flames, there may be gas in the atmosphere, preventing oxygen from getting to it.

The best way to ensure there are no gas leaks in your home is to use a hand held, portable gas detector.

Professional Grade Tools for Home Use

There are several leak detectors and sensors on the market. When purchasing a device, look for one that can detect more than one type of gas. Manufacturers of leak detectors and sensors are particular about which gasses their devices can sense, so if it isn't mentioned on the package, it won't be found.

The PNG2000A Combustible Gas Leak Detector Pen is a must for anyone with any gas equipment in their house or company. It was created to detect three different types of gases: natural gas, propane, and butane. It's perfect for detecting leaks around pipes, appliances, and consumer electronics. The technique used by this pen is known as natural diffusion sampling.

To use the device, simply hold down the power button until it comes on in a location with fresh air. The device's LEDs will light up in sequence, followed by a brief beep, which indicates it is ready to detect leaks. The LEDs are colored red, yellow, and green. A green signal signifies no leak; red signals high alarm level; and yellow signifies low alarm level. Each beep has its own meaning.

If you like to work on cars and trucks, the NGD8800 Combustible Gas Leak Detector is an inexpensive addition to your gas leak protection tool kit. It's ideal for checking automotive exhaust and fuel systems, as well as liquid- and gas-fired heating systems, propane tanks, bilge water, cracked heat exchangers, and manholes/sewers.

How to Prevent Gas Leaks In Your House

The greatest way to avoid gas leaks inside your house is to ensure that all equipment that uses gas, such as stoves, fireplaces, and furnaces, are maintained regularly. Check for indications of corrosion, breakage, warping, and damage on your gas lines on a regular basis. This helps minimize the chances of a gas leak, since you can correct any problems before they become too severe.

You can also choose to have your home's gas system checked as a preventative measure. Professional plumbers provide you with expert knowledge of the gas system in your house and suggestions for any repairs or replacements that may be required.

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