Gas Leak Detection Tips
Often times we only think about natural gas leaks during the holidays when we’re using the stove a lot, or during the colder months when we have the heat cranked. Even though you may not be thinking about gas leaks during the summer, accidents happen. We’re here to give you tips on detecting gas leaks in your house and how to prevent them.
Signs of a gas leak:
- Natural gas is colorless and odorless, so a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it the distinctive gas leak smell of rotten eggs.
- If you smell rotten egg, and you’ll know it when you smell it, leave the area immediately and stay away until assistance arrives.
- A leak can also be heard through a hissing sound or seen as discolored vegetation, blowing dirt or continued bubbling water around a buried gas line.
What to do if you detect a gas leak:
- Call Atlanta Gas Light at 877-427-4321 or call 911. Never try to find the leak yourself.
- Don’t use any devices that might create a spark including lighters, light switches, phones or electric appliances.
How to prevent a gas leak:
- 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.)
- Keep the areas around all appliances and equipment clean and unblocked to allow for proper air flow.
- 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.
- When to enlist a professional:
- Every year or two to have your gas appliances, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys and gas lines in your home or business inspected.
- When moving or installing a gas appliance, or changing a connector.
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.