When properly installed, natural gas is a perfectly safe fuel source for many Malverne homeowners. However, leaks do occur, and when they do, you must repair them quickly, or they can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, and they increase the risk of fire. At Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been serving residents with expert gas leak repair for five generations, and we want to help you too. Call us if you suspect you have a gas leak for immediate detection and repair.
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Signs of a Gas Leak
According to the American Gas Association, over 73 million premises in the United States rely on natural gas. And while most people operate with gas for their entire lives without incident, natural gas is extremely flammable and dangerous when there’s a leak in the home. Here are a few signs you might need gas leak repair.
- Smell - If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur, it’s a sign that you may have a gas leak. Although natural gas is odorless, suppliers add a chemical to create an odor, which helps people identify if there’s a leak.
- Hissing or Whistling - Hissing or whistling sounds near a gas line could mean there is a leak.
- Damaged Gas Pipe - If you hit a gas pipe while digging or damaged a pipe in the home, watch out for signs of escaping gas.
- Dead Houseplants - Increased carbon monoxide in the home can cause plants to die.
If you suspect you have a gas leak, get out of the house immediately and call the proper authorities for help.
How Dangerous Are Gas Leaks?
Many people die every year in explosions caused by gas leaks, and many more become ill because of exposure to natural gas that leaks into the home. Exposure to gas leaks can cause minor and major symptoms, so you must exercise vigilance if you suspect you have a gas leak.
Natural gas is toxic when you inhale it, and in small amounts, you may experience headaches or nausea. However, exposure to higher amounts of gas can cause these symptoms to become more severe.
When natural gas fails to burn off completely, it releases carbon monoxide, which can be extremely dangerous. Low amounts of carbon monoxide cause headaches, blurry vision, fatigue, and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal, which is why you must evacuate the home and seek medical attention if you suspect a leak.
If you have a leak, Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating are the area experts to call for a safe and quick repair.
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What Causes Gas Leaks?
Gas leaks occur for a variety of reasons, which is why you must be vigilant about spotting leaks quickly to ensure the safety of you and your family. The most common causes of gas leaks are:
- Faulty Fittings - Most gas leaks arise from improper installation or badly fitted appliances, which cause gas to leak from the hose that leads to the appliance or from around the seal. Make sure a professional installs your gas appliance for best results.
- Poor Piping - The piping underneath the house that brings in gas can become faulty and erode as it ages. Sometimes, pipes simply wear out and disconnect, while other times they disconnect because of tree roots.
If you have an older home, it’s wise to call a professional gas leak repair company to inspect the health of your gas lines and spot any problems before they become dangerous.
