How to Tell If You Have a Gas Leak & What to Do About It

Natural gas and propane are popular energy sources, with nearly 40% of Texas households using them as their primary heating source. Even more homes and businesses use natural gas hookups and propane tanks to fire other appliances, like grills, stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, etc.

Both propane and natural gas are safe to use, energy-efficient, and often cost-effective, but if they leak, they have the potential to harm. Fire departments across the U.S. respond to over 300 natural gas or LP-Gas leaks a day, and while most leaks are repaired without incident, they still cause over 4,000 home fires per year.

From fires and explosions to carbon monoxide poisoning, natural gas and propane leaks are deadly if the right precautions and safety measures are not in place.

As professional installers of gas plumbing and experts at gas leak detection and gas line repair, our team at Central Texas Plumbing offers this guide on what you need to know to stay safe if there’s a gas leak on your property.

Know the Signs of a Gas Leak

Be vigilant when living with gas-powered appliances. Identifying gas leaks quickly requires using your senses and recognizing the signs. Here are key ways to spot a gas leak.

Smell for Gas

If you smell a strong sulfuric or rotten egg odor in your home or around your property, this may be a sign of a gas leak. While propane and natural gas don’t have an odor naturally, gas companies add a chemical that creates the sulfur smell to help detect gas leaks easily.

If you don't smell gas but suspect a leak, you can use a gas detector to check for gas in the air. Gas detectors range in price and include electrochemical, catalytic, infrared, and photoionization sensors.

Listen for Unusual Sounds

If you hear hissing or whistling sounds coming from a gas appliance or the gas line, this may indicate a gas leak. Check the appliance to see if a knob was accidentally left on and turn it off. If the noise persists, the leak may be coming from somewhere in the gas line and will require a professional repair.

Check for Dead Vegetation

Always pay attention to the plants and vegetation around your gas meter or gas lines. If they appear dead, discolored, or not looking like they usually do, this may indicate a gas leak.

Look for a Flame or Spark

If you suspect a gas leak and see a flame or spark near a gas appliance or gas line, put it out quickly if possible. The flame could ignite the gas and cause an explosion or fire.

If You Suspect a Gas Leak, Follow These Steps

Once you’ve detected a gas leak, do these four things immediately.

Leave the Area

Evacuate the building and area immediately. Do not use any electronic devices or light switches while you’re exiting because they could cause a spark and ignite the gas.

Call Your Gas Company

Contact your gas company or gas plumber from a safe distance or a neighbor’s home to report the leak. If you don’t know or can’t find your gas company’s number, call 911 for help.

Do Not Attempt to Repair the Leak Yourself

Attempting a gas line repair is exceedingly dangerous if you are not a trained and certified professional. In fact, it is illegal in Texas to install, modify, extend, remove, or repair a gas line yourself. Due to the complicated nature of gas lines and the precise installation and repair standards, only trained and licensed gas plumbers can do the job.

Wait for Help

Be patient and wait for the gas company or emergency gas plumber to arrive and follow their instructions. Do not re-enter the affected building until cleared to do so.

How to Prevent Gas Leaks

To protect your home and business and avoid having gas leaks in the first place, do these preventative measures and ensure a fully operational gas plumbing system you can depend on.

Have Gas Appliances Inspected Regularly

Schedule regular inspections and maintenance for your gas appliances and lines to ensure they are in good working condition. Professional gas plumbers can detect line problems and make repairs before a bigger issue arises. Plus, regular maintenance is usually cheaper than an emergency service.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of gas combustion and is dangerous at high levels. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High doses of carbon monoxide can make you pass out or even kill you.

Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Then call your gas plumber to inspect your property to find the source of the leak.

Use Appliances Properly

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using gas appliances, and do not use them in ways they were not intended to be used. When allowing others to use your appliances, ensure they comply with those instructions, too.

Keep the Area Around Gas Appliances Clear

Do not store items around gas appliances, as they could block ventilation or accidentally damage the gas line.

Protect Your Property With Professional Gas Plumbing Services

Rely on Central Texas Plumbing for all of your gas plumbing needs! Situated in Liberty Hill, our certified and insured pros serve the entire Central Texas area and guarantee fast, quality service for gas line emergencies, repairs, and installations.

With more than 30 years providing the region with exceptional gas plumbing, emergency services, water plumbing repairs and installations, and sewer and drain cleaning, our experienced team delivers quality results to your home or business in record time.

Call 512-948-9052 or message us online to schedule a service call and experience a full-service plumbing company specializing in meeting your plumbing needs!