A gas leak in your home or property can be a serious and potentially dangerous situation. It is important to be aware of the signs of a gas leak and the steps you should take if you suspect one. In this blog post we will outline the most common signs of a gas leak and the steps you should take if you have one.
Common Signs Of A Gas Leak
There is a common misconception that the only indication of a gas leak is a ‘strong smell’. This is incorrect and there are actually many different signs of a potential gas leak. If you notice any of the following indicators, it’s important that you shut off your gas supply and get professional help as soon as possible.
Strange Smell
Strange smells are one of the most common indications of a gas leak. To make it easier to detect, natural gas has a strong, sulfur-like odour added to it. The presence of this odour in your home may indicate a gas leak.
Hissing/Whistling Noise
It may be an indication of a gas leak if you hear a hissing or whistling sound coming from your gas appliances or pipework. Gas escaping through a small hole is what’s causing the noise.
Physical Symptoms
After being in a room with a gas appliance, if you suddenly feel lightheaded, queasy, or have a headache, there may be a gas leak. Inhaling gas fumes frequently causes these symptoms.
Dead Houseplants
It could be a sign of a gas leak if you notice your house plants, near a gas appliance or pipes, is dying or has already died. This is as natural gas is poisonous to plants and can cause them to perish.
What To Do If You Suspect A Gas Leak
If you suspect you have a gas leak in your home or property, it is important to take action immediately. First of all, leave the area where you suspect the leak is and open all of your windows and doors to let fresh air in and to ventilate the space. Then, head to your gas meter and turn off your gas supply by turning the gas isolation valve. Turn the handle so the lever is at 90 degrees to the upright gas pipe. If you can’t find your isolation valve in your meter box, try looking for it under your stairs, sink or in the garage.
Also, it is important to remember to put out all naked flaked. Do not smoke, strike matches or do anything that could make the gas catch fire. Do not switch anything electrical on or off, including light switches.
Finally, call your gas supplier or a professional gas safe engineer to have the leak repaired.
Final Thoughts
After reading our blog post, hopefully you feel more knowledgeable about how to spot a gas leak in your home or property. It is always advisable to seek expert assistance, from a registered gas engineer, if you do notice any of these signs. You should never attempt to repair a gas leak on your own as it can be dangerous and even deadly if something goes wrong. If you suspect a gas leak call Wirral Plumbers on 0758 0395 493 to speak to a professional Gas Safe Engineer. We repair gas leaks in Wirral, Liverpool and Chester.
