How To Tell If My House Has A Gas Leak?

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How To Tell If My House Has A Gas Leak?

how to detect gas leaks

Gas leaks are not just a safety risk for people and animals, they can also cause catastrophic damage to properties. If left undetected, it can pose a great danger to everyone one within the property and neighbouring areas.

Gas leaks are not easy to detect. Natural gas is undetectable and does not give out a strong smell unless it is already too late.

Natural gas is relatively safe to use and very convenient. In fact, the majority of homes across Australia prefer natural gas for cooking and heating than electricity. However, gas leaks can occur no matter how careful you are. Make sure you know what the signs and symptoms are when it comes to identifying a gas leak.

Physical Symptoms

  • – Breathing difficulty – If you do not have any respiratory problems but start having breathing difficulties, there is a possibility that there is a gas leak in your home. Consult a physician right away.
  • – Dizziness – natural gas inhalation can cause light-headedness and dizziness.
    Fatigue – Sudden loss of strength and feeling tired all the time is also a symptom of natural gas inhalation.
  • – Drowsiness – When you feel sleepy all the time even if you do not have any ailments.
  • – Flu-like symptoms – when you feel stuffy, feverish and have a runny nose.
  • – Headaches and migraine-like symptoms
  • – Irritation to the eyes and throat – red and itchy eyes and sore throat.
  • – Depression and sudden mood changes.
  • – Nausea and vomiting – this is one of the most common signs when you have inhaled natural gas.
  • – Nosebleeds
  • – Chest pain
  • – Blistering and other skin problems occur when the skin gets direct contact from natural gas.
  • – Ringing in the ears
  • – Reduced appetite

Your pets can suffer the same symptoms as well as the following:

  • – Sudden changes in mood and behaviour
  • – Disorientation
  • – Lethargy
  • – Red and watery eyes
  • – Vomiting
  • – Loss of consciousness

Other Signs of Gas Leak to Watch Out for:

  • – The smell of rotten eggs or sulphur
  • – Dying or dead house plants
  • – Damaged pipelines
  • – Hearing a whistling or hissing noise near the gas line
  • – You see bubbles in the water
  • – There is a visible white cloud near the gas line.
  • – Your gas bill is significantly higher than usual

On the first signs of a gas leak, follow the following steps:

  • – Call the fire department or emergency services
  • – Call your utility company’s emergency hotline for help
  • – Evacuate the premises right away.
  • – Make sure all people and pets are outside the house at a safe distance.
  • – Leave windows and doors open.
  • – Seek medical advice or treatment for the symptoms immediately.
  • – Do not go back to the house until you are given an all-clear by the fire department and local authorities.

Do not wait for a confirmation of a gas leak. The second you suspect one, take action, open doors and windows, get everyone out to safety and call for help right away. Do not attempt to repair the leak or solve the problem. This is not something that you can DIY. Make your safety and the safety of your loved ones a top priority in the event of a gas leak.

Unlike water leaks where you can do some quick fixes, gas leaks are always considered an emergency.

How to Avoid or Reduce the Risk of Gas Leaks

  • – Have your gas lines checked and maintained regularly.
  • – Stay educated
  • – Install gas and carbon monoxide detectors
  • – ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher on site
  • – Keep all chemicals and flammable materials in a special storage area away from the gas line and gas appliances.

Gas leaks do not happen all the time but accidents do happen. It is better to be prepared than get caught up in a dangerous situation. Consult a safety expert and stay vigilant and be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of a gas leak. Also, make sure that you schedule regular maintenance of your gas pipes and system.

For cases of suspected gas leaks or for regular checking of gas pipes, please give us a call at Water Leak Detection on 1300 425 325. Stay safe!

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