Jan
14
January 14

Gas Leak Detection & Safety Tips

At Gas South, natural gas safety is a priority. That’s why we’re here to give you tips on detecting gas leaks in your house, on what to do if you have a leak, and on how to prevent them.

Natural gas leaks can be a real threat if they go undetected or ignored. As a highly combustible material, gas leaks can lead to fires or explosions, and it can also cause sickness in residents. If you suspect you have a leak in your gas line, call Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) at 877-427-4321 or call 911 to report a gas leak.

How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak

The most common way to detect a gas leak is by its smell, which is similar to the smell of rotten eggs. Natural gas is colorless and odorless, so a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it the distinctive, unpleasant smell to warn you of a leak. If you smell a leak, leave the area immediately and stay away until assistance arrives.
A leak can also be detected by a hissing sound emitted where the gas escapes the line. If a leak is audible, it is likely a substantial leak and should be reported at once. A leak in a buried gas line can also be indicated by discolored vegetation, blowing dirt or continued bubbling water around the compromised line.

How to Report a Natural Gas Leak

Customers in Georgia should call Atlanta Gas Light at 877-427-4321 or call 911 to report a gas leak.
If you smell or hear a leak in your gas line, you should always report it. Never try to find the leak yourself. If you suspect you do have a leak, it is especially important that you don’t use any devices that might create a spark including lighters, light switches, phones or electric appliances. Exit the premises at once, report the leak and wait for professional assistance.

How to prevent a gas leak

There are a number of ways to prevent gas leaks and keep your home or business safe. Our top recommendations for safely using natural gas in your home are:

  • Keep the areas around all appliances and equipment clean and unblocked to allow for proper air flow.
  • Check your pilot lights and burners for a steady, blue flame. If you see the blue flame, they are operating correctly. (Decorative gas fire logs are the only exception – the flame is usually yellow.)
    Blue flames from a properly working gas stove
  • Never let small children play with, or near, natural gas appliances or pipes.
  • Don’t use your stove or oven for anything other than cooking (for instance, to heat your home).
  • Store household chemicals or combustible materials away from gas appliances.
  • Call 811 before you dig, so underground lines can be marked.
  • Every year or two, have a professional inspect your gas appliances, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys and gas lines in your home or business.
  • When moving or installing a gas appliance, or changing a connector, always enlist the help of a professional.

We hope you never have to deal with a gas leak but if you do, now you know how to act quickly and keep everyone involved safe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *