Gas
Leaks are a scary topic, but one that needs to be addressed. Bill Howe has the
expertise to handle all of your gas line plumbing needs. The following information
is provided to you from www.Safety.com
. Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure your immediate safety,
give Bill Howe Plumbing a call and we will help you resolve
the issue completely.
Detecting Gas Leaks
and What To Do
Natural gas is odorless. However, gas companies add a "rotten
egg" smell that usually can be easily detected when gas
leaks. If you smell natural gas or suspect a gas leak, it
is important to act quickly:
Leave the premises immediately, opening
doors and extinguishing any open flames, if possible.
Do not unplug or plug in any electrical
appliances, or turn off or on any light switches. This can
cause a spark that could touch off a gas fire.
Call your gas company or 9-1-1 from a
neighbor's phone. Operating a telephone in your home can
also cause a spark.
Do not smoke or light matches near your
home. And be careful with some flashlights, as turning them
on may cause a spark.
Do not re-enter your home until a gas
company official has inspected the premises, made any necessary
repairs, and deemed it safe.
To help prevent gas
leaks, it is important to make sure your gas appliances are
properly installed and vented, and kept clean and in good
working order. Annual inspections by a qualified technician
also are recommended. To reduce a chance of fire, be sure
to keep all combustible materials away from furnaces, water
heaters, ranges or other gas appliances.
For additional peace of mind, an easy-to-install home gas
detector unit can be purchased at home centers for $35 to
$50. Typical gas detectors will identify methane and propane
gas. A separate detector is needed for carbon monoxide ($45-$50).
Gas detectors are especially recommended for the elderly or
anyone with a diminished sense of smell.
Gas leaks also can occur outdoors, but are much more difficult
to detect by smell. Indications of a possible outdoor gas
leak include a hissing sound; dirt or water being blown into
the air; bubbles on the surface of puddles or ponds; or dead
grass or vegetation near a gas line. If any of these are detected,
avoid the area and call your gas company or 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s
phone. -- Kenneth Krause
