Don’t Rely On Your Nose Alone: Signs You Need A Plumber For A Gas Line Repair | New Orleans, LA
More than 177 million Americans rely on natural gas to power household appliances, including dryers, ovens, grills, and furnaces. Natural gas is a reliable and convenient energy source when installed and used correctly.
However, when a gas leak occurs, it can present a serious health hazard. Gas leaks can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. In addition, the gas can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause serious health problems and even death.
To prevent gas leaks, it is important to regularly check gas appliances, pipes, and connections for signs of wear and tear.
If you suspect a gas leak, ensure everyone, including your pets, leaves the house. Don’t take chances. Safety should be your top priority. Call a plumber if you spot any of the following indicators of a gas leak.
Smell of Rotten Eggs
Natural gas is a useful resource but can be dangerous if not handled properly. To ensure the safety of homeowners, gas companies add odorants to natural gas to make it easier to detect potential gas leaks.
These odorants, usually a combination of sulfur-based chemicals, give off a distinct smell, often similar to rotten eggs. If you smell this odor, it is a sign that you may have a gas leak, and it is crucial to take action immediately.
It would be best to call a licensed plumber right away if you suspect a gas leak. A professional will be able to investigate the source of the odor and determine if there is a leak. If a leak is detected, a technician can repair it and ensure it is safe to use natural gas again.
It is important not to attempt to detect or repair a gas leak yourself, as you could be putting yourself in danger.
Hissing Sound
Gas leaks can be dangerous, and it is crucial to be aware of the signs that could indicate you have a gas leak in your New Orleans, LA home. One of the most common signs is a hissing sound from a gas line.
This sound could tell there is a crack or a hole in the gas line, allowing the gas to escape from the line and into the air. If you hear this sound, shut off the gas to your home immediately and call a licensed gas line plumber.
A plumber will come to your home and inspect the gas line to identify if there is a crack or hole present. If one is spotted, the professional can repair it quickly and safely.
A technician may need to replace the entire gas line if the leak is severe. If ignored, gas may build up in your home and create an explosive situation.
Dead Houseplants
Natural gas leaks can cause serious health and safety issues, including the death of plants. Natural gas leaks into a home may prevent plant roots from absorbing oxygen and lead to wilted, dead, or stunted plants.
Visible signs of a natural gas leak in your home may include wilting, yellowing, or unhealthy leaves and trees. If you suspect a natural gas leak in your home, it would be wise to contact your local plumber immediately to investigate the issue.
It is also beneficial to ensure that your New Orleans, LA home has adequate ventilation and that all natural gas appliances are in good working condition.
Sickness and Fatigue
Inhaling natural gas can be dangerous and potentially fatal. When inhaled, natural gas can cause physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and drowsiness in humans and pets.
These symptoms can be seen immediately after inhaling the gas and can worsen if the exposure continues. Pets may be more sensitive to the gas and may show signs of exposure sooner than humans.
If you suspect a gas leak in your home or apartment, leave the house immediately and seek medical attention. Also, call a plumber to locate and fix the source of the leak and ventilate the house to ensure no gas remains.
Bubbles in Water
A gas leak in the underground piping outside your home can be dangerous and should be treated with the utmost care. Gas leaks outside can be hard to detect due to the lack of visibility.
However, you may be able to notice signs such as hissing noises and bubbles in standing water. If any of these signs are present, it is best to contact a plumber to check for a gas leak and perform the necessary repairs.
This may involve replacing any broken or cracked pipes or seals. Once the repairs are complete, the technician may conduct a pressure test to ensure the system is secure and functioning well.
Spike in Gas Bill
A sudden rise in gas bills is one of the main signs of a gas leak. If your gas bills have risen significantly in the past month, it would be a good idea to investigate the cause. It may be that your furnace or water heater is working harder than usual, or your gas appliances are not functioning correctly.
However, if you cannot explain the unexpected spike in usage, there is likely a gas leak in your New Orleans, LA home. You should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to inspect the gas lines for any leakages.
Irritated Skin
Prolonged exposure to gas leak may lead to skin irritation symptoms, including blisters, rashes, numbness, and other skin issues. Continued exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to discoloration and other skin issues.
It would be good to take appropriate safety measures if you suspect a gas leak to prevent further health complications.
Get Quality Services Today
If you suspect that you may have a natural gas leak in your home, contact professional plumbers at bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans. Do not rely solely on your nose as a gas leak detector, as sometimes you may not be able to detect the odor of natural gas.
Additionally, other smells in the home may mask the distinctive smell that utility companies add to the gas. The best you can do is call us to come to your home, conduct a thorough inspection, and perform any repairs you may need to ensure you and your family are safe.
See our previous blog about this topic here.
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