What is the Main Cause of Gas Leaks?

For many homes and businesses, natural gas is a primary energy source. No matter what you are using the gas for, there is always a risk that a gas leak will occur. When appliances and pipelines aren’t properly cared for, they can end up leaking. 

If a gas leak occurs in your home, it’s important to get help right away. Whether they are due to faulty pipes or incorrectly installed appliances, gas leaks can be incredibly dangerous. Since natural gas consists primarily of methane, it can be harmful to inhale in large volumes because it displaces oxygen. 

Fortunately, natural gas has an additive that makes it easier to smell. If you notice this strong, distinctive scent, call your gas company to shut off the gas line. Then, one of our professionals can inspect your gas appliances to see what the underlying problem is.

What Causes a Gas Leak? 

Gas leaks can happen in different ways, and the size of the leak can vary. The general definition of a gas leak is any time gas escapes from the container it is supposed to be in. For instance, it may leak out of a gas pipeline or a pipe in your home. For more on the various causes of gas leaks and what to expect, read on. 

Gas Pipes 

When people think about gas leaks, they often think about pipelines. The pipelines used to transport natural gas from the utility company to your home can sometimes leak. For instance, these leaks occur when someone punctures a gas line during a construction project.

Gas pipelines can also leak during extreme weather events. Faulty installation and corrosion can lead to leaks, too. 

Gas Lines in Your Home

As the gas travels to your home, it follows a network of pipelines. Once it reaches your house, it goes into a system of indoor pipes. These pipes go to different appliances. 

If these indoor gas lines haven’t been installed correctly, they can end up leaking. Additionally, damage from home renovations and corrosion can lead to natural gas leaks.

Gas Appliances 

The third major source of gas leaks is your gas appliances. In fact, this is the location where most gas leaks occur. Often, homes have ovens, water heaters, or furnaces that use gas. If these are installed incorrectly or have faulty parts, you may end up with a gas leak. 

User Error 

While this thankfully doesn’t happen often, homeowners can also be the source of a gas leak. Sometimes, people will leave a gas stove on without turning on the flame. This causes gas to fill the house. If a single spark occurs, the entire home can combust.

What Are the Signs of a Gas Leak? 

There are four key factors to look for if you think there might be a gas leak. Take a moment, and pay attention to your senses. If you are uncertain about whether there is a leak, it is always better to be cautious and call a professional for help. 

1. Smell

Natural gas is odorless, so gas companies add a compound known as mercaptan to the gas. This gives it the smell of a rotten egg, making it easier for homeowners to tell when there is a gas leak in their home.

2. Sight 

If there is a rupture, you may be able to see a dusty cloud near the line. You may also be able to see actual damage on the line. Additionally, the flames on your gas appliances may be yellow instead of blue. 

3. Sound 

When there is a large enough gas leak, you can hear a hissing sound. This noise is often faint, so it is advisable to turn off any other sounds so that you can hear it clearly.

4. Physical Reactions 

Inhaling natural gas is unsafe for humans and animals. If you are exposed to it, you may experience fatigue, vomiting, shortness of breath, and nausea. 

What to Do if There Is a Gas Leak 

If you have a gas leak, you need to act quickly. As soon as you notice the leak, immediately evacuate the building. When you leave the building, you should go at least 300 feet away. You should avoid making any sparks in or near the building. Tell anyone else who is in the building to leave at the same time. 

It’s also a good idea to turn off the gas meter valve. This will prevent the release of more fuel. 

Once you have safely evacuated everyone, call 911. You should also call your gas company, so they can quickly send someone out to your home to shut off the gas. 

Are Gas Leaks Dangerous? 

Unfortunately, gas leaks can be incredibly dangerous. Natural gas and propane gas are both known to catch fire if they are exposed to any type of spark. 

In fact, this combustible nature is the reason why people use propane and natural gas for energy. Because they are so flammable, they can easily be burned to produce heat. 

When there is a leak, this combustion potential can be dangerous. If the gas leak goes on long enough without being caught, it can build up. Then, a single ignition source can set it off. Something as small as using your phone can set everything off. There’s only a slim chance of this happening, but better safe than sorry.

For this reason, you should avoid turning on the light switch, lighting a candle, or using a lighter if there is a gas leak. The best thing you can do with a serious leak is evacuate everyone from your home and call for help. 

How Do You Repair a Gas Leak? 

At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we know how dangerous gas lines can be. Homeowners and business owners should never attempt to fix a gas leak on their own. Instead, it’s important to get professional help detecting and repairing gas leaks. 

Our team has spent almost 40 years handling gas lines and leaks. Once you reach out to us, we will quickly take steps to find and fix the leak. How we repair it can vary based on where the leak is located and how serious it is. 

After making sure the area is evacuated and the gas is off, we can use several different methods to test for the location of the leak. Then, we can use annular rings, pressure caps, and other tools to seal the leak. If we were right about the location, the next test for a leak will be negative.

Often, a faulty appliance is the cause of the leak. In these situations, we will assess whether it makes sense to repair or replace the appliance. Then, we can review the options that are available to you. 

Can I Repair My Gas Leak on My Own?

You should never fix a gas leak yourself. Only your utility provider or plumber should handle a gas leak. 

Learn More About Detecting Gas Leaks 

At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we go beyond helping residents with leak detection. We also help with heating maintenance, drain cleaning, electrical installation, and air conditioner repair. Whether you need a new water heater or an electrical panel upgrade, we can help. 

To learn more about services, contact us today.