Handling Gas Line Leaks

How To Tell If There Is a Gas Leak

Natural gas is frequently used in the kitchen in ovens and stoves tops, and it is also often used to provide home heat. Natural gas is colorless and odorless. However, by law, sulfur is added to natural gas to give it an identifiable smell, so that people can tell if there is a gas line leak. Sulfur was chosen because it smells strongly of rotten eggs.

It’s a very distinct smell and very hard to miss. If you smell sulfur it means that somewhere there is a gas leak. Gas line leaks may be caused by old, corroded pipes, bad pipe welds or damaged pipes. Earthquakes can rupture natural gas pipes, and construction can cause accidental pipe damage too.

What To Do If You Suspect One

If you think you smell sulfur, immediately turn off all fire burning appliances, extinguish any flames and turn your gas of at the source. If you have an outdoor propane tank, there is a handle on that you can turn to shut off the flow of the gas. Leaking gas is extremely flammable, and even a small leak could lead to a lot of damage if it were to catch fire and the flames were to get to the main pipe or tank. If the leak is indoors, open your windows and doors and air your house out. Natural gas can be deadly if too much is inhaled. It goes without saying that if you smell gas, you shouldn’t smoke.

Should I Fix This Myself? 
No. Gas leaks are very serious and repairs should only be done by a licensed professional. Notify your local gas company if you smell a leak, as soon as you’ve shut the gas off. They’ll determine the source of the leak, and if the gas leak is coming from their equipment they’ll repair it.

If it is coming from the pipes in your own home, however, do not attempt to fix the gas lines yourself. Given the danger of a gas leak from an improperly welded pipe, gas line repairs should never be a DIY job. Contact a local, licensed plumber with experience in gas pipe repair to have the job done safely.

Does your Trinity home need urgent Gas Line Leak repair? Dial (727) 858-3412 now to contact Roman Plumbing's top notch services.