Gas Leaks: Signs and Prevention

Natural gas powers many of our everyday essentials, but an undetected leak can be a serious hazard to your family, your neighbors, and yourself. Knowing the signs of a gas leak and how to prevent them in your home is a vital part of homeownership and just may save you from disaster (because fun fact – natural gas is HIGHLY flammable and can make you really sick).

A gas leak happens when natural gas escapes from its intended system, something like a pipe, valve, connector, or appliance. This may result in the gas entering areas where it should not be – like stoves/ovens, furnaces, boilers, water heaters, fireplaces, and dryers.

Enough with the preamble, let’s get down to the important stuff:

The Signs

• Hissing sound
• An unexpected spike in your gas bill
• Sulfur or rotten egg odor
• Symptoms – dizziness, fatigue, breathing complications & eye irritation
• Discolored or dead vegetation/plants in or around your home

The Prevention

• Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home
• Get regular inspections of your HVAC system and other gas-powered appliances

If you detect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and vacate the premises. Once outside your home, contact emergency services to report the leak, do not re-enter the home under any circumstances until the property has been cleared and deemed safe by professionals. We know that can be an inconvenience, but better safe than sorry when it comes to gas.

Gas leaks are a serious issue and should be handled as such. If you suspect that you have a leak (even a minor one), you should get it assessed ASAP. With that, we will close out this blog!

P.S. If you do not know where your main gas shut-off is located or how to do it, there is no time like the present to figure it out!

Have any questions about what you just read? Please contact your Independent Insurance Agent or email us at socialmedia@psmic.com!

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