Gas Leaks: What You Need to Know

Gas leaks in your Brooklyn home can cause serious environmental and health problems for your family. But what can cause a gas leak? How can you safely detect a leak? And, what can you do if you think a gas leak may be occurring in your home?

Home gas leaks often result from malfunctioning, poorly fitted or maintained appliances, such as boilers and coolers. Gas can leak, typically resulting from a bad fitting, around the hose or from the seal leading into the appliance.

The clearest indication of a gas leak is the smell. An intentional sulfur-like “rotten egg” odor signals the possibility of a leak. If you don’t smell gas but feel an unexplained sensation of being lightheaded, dizzy or nauseous, go outside immediately. Take your cell phone, so as to not waste time using a landline, and you may need to call to report a possible leak. If your symptoms improve in the fresh air from outside, you could be experiencing the effects of a gas leak.

Here are some questions to ask that may indicate you have a leak, even if the smell is absent:

• Is the flame on your appliance blue? If it is red or orange, you may have a leak.
• Does your pilot light blow out often?
• Is there any soot or scorching around your appliances?
• Is there significant condensation on your windows, or an odor of mustiness?

The first step is to turn off the gas supply at your meter. Open all windows and doors. Don’t use any electrical appliances or switches to prevent sparking. A gas leak can place you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, a fire, or an explosion. These are sound reasons to get familiar with where your meter is – a simple but essential precaution.
At Petri Plumbing & Heating, we want your family to be safe and comfortable for years to come. If you need a gas line repair, or an installation, in the Brooklyn area of New York, contact your Brooklyn plumber, Petri Plumbing & Heating, by calling 718-748-1254.