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While natural gas used indoors can pose health risks, the greatest chance for a natural gas leak happens outdoors. Since more than 2 million miles (3.2 million kilometers) of natural gas pipeline funnels the fuel underground in the United States, you must take caution when digging in your yard. Signs of a broken natural gas pipe include dirt blowing up from the ground on a windless day, a hissing sound or bubbling water. Certified professionals possess the skills to correctly install gas appliances, following manufacturer instructions and government guidelines. Their precise installation methods minimize the risk of gas leaks and related hazards.
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Check the gas stove or gas range top
Exposure to CO can be fatal and requires emergency medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5,149 people died from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S. between 1999 and 2010. In this article, learn about the signs and symptoms of a gas leak and what to do if a gas leak occurs in the home.
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Natural Gas Leaks in the Home
In this case, there would be no need to check the pilot lights for confirmation, as the gas company can do that safely later on. You can call your gas company and speak to them about the last time they performed maintenance on the pipes leading into and out of a building. Typically, they will come out and do an inspection once a year, but they will also come after a natural disaster or if something seems wrong. Breathing in too much gas can be fatal, so if you think you might have one, you should act immediately. If you currently smell gas or are starting to feel sick with common gas poisoning symptoms, go outside right away to get some fresh air. Take your family with you, including pets, and call your gas company to report the leak.
Emergency Preparedness And Gas Leak Response
If you know where the gas line is, try to identify if it’s emitting any sort of noise. It’s not always the case that the gas is moving through a confined space, so don’t rely on this sound exclusively to determine the presence of a leak. This means that you should call emergency services from outside your home. If you call them on a landline from inside the house, they might advise you not to hang up when you leave, as doing so might cause a spark. Since it's relatively easy to create static, the best thing to do is exit your house immediately.
Expect to pay more (up to $2000) if the leak is in an inaccessible place like an underground supply pipe which will need ground excavation and pipe replacement. The gas company might temporarily shut the gas supply to the entire area when fixing a damaged pipeline. The main shutoff valve manages the gas to your entire home, whereas supply shutoff valves facilitate gas flow to individual appliances. In other areas of the house, your houseplants might look stressed and dull due to the lack of oxygen should your house have a small, ongoing gas leak.
Importance Of Raising Awareness About Gas Safety
Natural gas provides a cost-effective option for heating your home and powering appliances, and offers homeowners many benefits. Check your local natural gas rates to see if switching to gas is right for you. Slow gas leaks may not produce enough natural gas smell to be detectable, and even large leaks may not be detected by people with a diminished sense of smell. For these reasons, it is recommended that homeowners use a natural gas detector to alert them to the presence of natural gas.
Turn off the Gas at the Meter
There is a high risk of an explosion or fire if a lighter flame or spark comes into contact with the gas. Even if you experience a power outage simultaneously, don’t create an open flame. There’s a slim chance that your cell phone or landline phone could ignite the leaking gas. Still, it is safest to avoid using a phone when experiencing a gas leak. Because gas is highly flammable, even a tiny spark could cause an explosion. The supply shutoff valve should be located within 6 feet of the leaking water heater, HVAC system, dryer, furnace, or stove.
How to tell if your symptoms are due to a gas leak
Before relighting the appliance pilot light, wait 5 minutes for the gas to disperse. Have a crescent wrench or adjustable pipe near your main shutoff valve in case of an emergency. In case of an emergency and you need to shut off your gas, you'll want to locate your natural gas meter.
It is vital to refrain from using any electrical switches, devices, or open flames, as even a small spark can trigger a dangerous ignition. Emphasizing the significance of routine maintenance by certified technicians helps homeowners understand the role of upkeep in preventing leaks and ensuring gas safety. If the pilot lights on your gas appliances frequently extinguish or have an irregular flame pattern, it could be a sign of a gas leak. If you notice that the pilot light on your water heater, furnace, or oven keeps going out repeatedly or fails to stay lit, call your gas company immediately.
Proper storage of flammable materials plays a pivotal role in preventing potential accidents. Items such as paper, cloth, cleaning supplies, and aerosol cans should be stored in a location that is distant from gas appliances. This strategic separation eliminates the risk of these materials coming into contact with gas leaks or ignition sources, minimizing the chance of ignition and subsequent fire. Maintaining proper ventilation and safe usage practices for gas-powered appliances is paramount to minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of your home.
If a leak happens at an appliance, you can turn off the natural gas at that appliance. Always use caution when you touch risers, meters, and any other attached components. If you're noticing symptoms or a strong odor, leave your home immediately. Call the emergency number for your utility company immediately in a safe location. Extremely cold temperatures can disrupt the functioning of gas lines. In freezing conditions, gas pressure may be affected, leading to the formation of ice within the lines.
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