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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

How To Recognize a Gas Leak

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen stove and refrigerator damaged by fire Fire damage to a kitchen due to gas leak.

Everything You Need to Know About Gas Leaks

Natural gas is a very useful source of energy, but there are times when it can be harmful. This is especially true if your home has a gas leak. Natural gas leaks are extremely flammable and can cause serious injury if they aren't addressed immediately. If you suspect that your home has a natural gas leak, here's what you need to know about how to recognize one and what steps to take next.

Recognizing a Gas Leak

If you suspect a gas leak, there are signs to look out for. These include:

  • A strong odor (like rotten eggs)
  • Bubbling sounds
  • Flames or sparks

The safest thing to do in this situation is to follow the steps listed below, ensuring you evacuate the property as quickly as possible.

Steps to Take After a Gas Leak

If you smell natural gas, or if you suspect a gas leak:

1. Turn off the main valve to your propane tank.

2. Call your propane supplier immediately (or call 911 if it's an emergency). If possible, have the phone number and address of where you are located ready to share with them when they answer the phone.

3. Leave the area immediately and close all doors behind you after exiting so that no one else disturbs or triggers any potential leaks as they try to enter or exit through that door. Do not re-enter until after a professional has arrived at your home/business and found no problems with your pipes/piping system.

If there is an open flame nearby - such as from a pilot light on a water heater or stovetop burner - attempt to extinguish those flames before leaving; once extinguished, leave immediately without taking anything with you (i.e., don't turn off lights). 

Preventing a Gas Leak

Check for leaks. If you've recently used a new appliance, such as a dryer or stove, check for leakage from the connection points of the appliance in question—typically located at the back of it. You can also check by turning off all gas appliances in your home and then re-lighting each one separately to test whether there is any leakage when they are turned on again.

Keep adequate ventilation around gas appliances: Make sure there are no obstructed vents or exhausts on your range hood or laundry vent (also known as an "exhaust fan").

Don't use pilot lights to heat your home: If you have an older gas furnace that runs off of a pilot light instead of electricity, don't keep it running continuously; turn it off when you leave the house and turn it back on when you return. This will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and make sure everything is working properly without wasting energy unnecessarily!

A natural gas leak can be a serious hazard, dangerous and deadly. Gas leaks can cause explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Natural gas also has the potential to cause property damage due to its flammability.

So, now that you know how to recognize a gas leak and what to do if there is one, it's time to make sure your home is safe. You don't want any of your family members or pets getting hurt because of a gas leak! If you think something might be wrong with the natural gas lines in your home, call an expert immediately.

If your home catches on fire due to a natural gas leak, give SERVPRO of St. Louis County a call.

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