Gas leaks at home shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you use natural gas or propane for your furnace, stove, oven, water heater, clothes dryers, or other appliances, it’s in your best interest to protect your home from the risks posed by this volatile substance.
Pipes and appliances powered by gas will develop leaks, which might have harmful effects. It’s crucial to maintain your fixed gas detection systems so you can act on it promptly. The following are things you should do:
Maintain Your HVAC System Regularly
Have your HVAC system serviced annually to protect your home. During this check-up session, technicians will test for gas and carbon monoxide (CO) issues. As part of the procedure, they’ll also:
- Inspect fuel line connections and tighten what has loosened
- Test for gas pressure and ensure the proper amount of fuel is reaching the stove
- Ensure that the sealsareall tight
- Examine wires for rust and corrosion
- Check whether the pilot ignition is functioning efficiently
Listen for Hissing or Whistling Noises
If you suspect that there’s a gas leak on your property, verify it by doing a hearing test. You can do this at night or whenever it’s the quietest. Turn off your appliances, and listen carefully for hissing or whistling sounds coming from your devices and fuel lines. If you have a hard time figuring out the noise’s source, do this next test.
Try the Soapy Water Test
Soapy water is another way to test your gas lines and appliances for leaks. All you need is to mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent with water in a bowl or spray bottle. Apply the solution to the entire hose assembly or anywhere you suspect a problem.
Check for bubbles foaming on the channels. If you find any leaks, call a technician right away. If you don’t detect any issues, rinse off the tested areas, and then let them dry.
Keep an Eye on Physical Symptoms of Gas Poisoning
Inhaling a low concentration of natural gas can make a person feel dizzy, fatigued, and nauseous. It can even give someone headaches and difficulty breathing. Meanwhile, high levels of it can cause poisoning, which is characterized by memory problems, unconsciousness, and suffocation.
If any resident in your household experiences these symptoms, evacuate from your home and leave its doors open. Never attempt to fix the seepage by yourself. Then, once you’re outside, contact a service provider for your gas leakage detection system. Once they arrive, leave the job to the professionals and don’t come back unless you’ve been notified that it’s safe to do so.
