About 42% of households in the country consume natural gas for heating. This is because natural gas is conveniently available and costs less than other fuels. While there are many benefits associated with its use, it can also pose a threat to you and your home’s safety. To avoid these dangers, you need expert plumbing services to ensure that gas lines are perfectly insulated without the risk of leaks.
Natural Gas Leak – The Dangers
Highly Combustible
One of the worst things about having a natural gas accumulation inside the house is its flammable nature. Natural gas can instantly catch fire when exposed to a flame, causing devastation on a large scale. According to statistics, it’s responsible for over 4200 home fires in a year. This leads to about 40 deaths per year on average.
May Cause Suffocation
Natural gas is generally invisible to the eye and may only be recognized by a distinct smell. But, the prevalence of this gas indoors can cause suffocation and severe respiratory issues, particularly for infants or your pets.
Symptoms of Gas Leaks
Natural gas might not be visible, but it can be detected in several ways. Following are some of the signs of a leak in your house:
Distinct Rotten Smell
Natural gas leaks can be detected by a rotten egg-like smell. Although the gas is odorless, the gas supply companies treat it to smell like sulfur for easier detection. The more intense this smell, the more gas accumulation inside a room.
Hissing Sound
Leaks in gas pipelines make a hissing sound. This sound is caused by the air pressure rubbing along the edges of the damaged pipe. You may hear this sound even if an appliance is turned off, making it easier to detect exactly where the leak is.
Deteriorating Plant Life
Natural gas can exist in the atmosphere in quantities low enough to be undetectable. You may smell the sulfuric odor but not recognize its presence of gas.
If you detect your indoor plant life deteriorating at a rapid pace, it indicates the presence of natural gas in the atmosphere. This is because plants need a constant supply of oxygen. Natural gas mixed with oxygen can cause plants to die.
What to do in a Gas Leak
Following are some of the safety measures to take in case of a gas leak:
- Detect the point of the gas leak and prevent your family members from entering the room.
- Open the windows and ensure fresh air circulation in the room.
- Avoid lighting a fire in the affected area
- Call a plumbing service in your area or emergency services if the situation worsens.
If you need expert plumbing services in Rockwall, TX, consider us at Wasden Plumbing Services LLC.
We’re renowned for affordable and efficient plumbing in Rowlett and Rockwall, TX, with a 24/7 emergency service to respond to all your needs. We’ve been in business for eight years, providing reliable leak repairs, pipeline repairs, drain cleaning, gas leak detection, and several other plumbing services in the area.
Get in touch with our team of professionals and hire expert plumbers with years of experience.
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