Gas leaks are a dangerous problem for homeowners. These leaks, which can occur from gas stoves, fireplaces and other gas-powered appliances, cause natural gas to build up inside your house, which can lead to serious and potentially deadly health problems. So it's important to know when you might have a gas leak. Here are a few of the signs your gas is leaking:
One of the most noticeable signs of a gas leak is a rotten egg smell in your home. The odor comes from a chemical that's added to natural gas, since gas itself is odorless. If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs in your home, especially if the odor is strong, this might indicate a gas leak.
Slow-leaking gas is harder to detect. If your gas bills and usage have been higher than normal, this might mean you have a gas leak somewhere in your home. Talk to your local gas company about your bill increase and have a professional plumber inspect your gas lines and make repairs as needed.
Houseplants or plants near your home with stunted growth could indicate a gas leak. These leaks can also cause plants to die by preventing them from absorbing oxygen. Yellowish grass patches on your lawn close to your house can also be a sign of gas leaks.
Hissing sounds in your home can occur when there's a gas leak in appliances or pipes. This noise can happen even when appliances are shut off. Air bubbles in mud or puddles outside your home can occur when underground pipes have a gas leak.
You might experience health issues if your home has a gas leak. These symptoms might include headaches, breathing problems, fatigue, lightheadedness and nausea. More serious symptoms can include memory problems, more severe headaches and loss of consciousness. Seek medical care right away if you experience possible symptoms of natural gas poisoning.
If you notice any signs of a gas leak, use your gas shut-off valve to prevent more gas from leaking into your house. Open your windows and have everyone in your home, including pets, leave immediately. Then call 911 to report a gas leak in your home and wait outside for help to arrive.
Cheryl Caldwell has been a licensed Realtor in the Greater Newburyport area since 2006 and has been a consistent multi-million dollar producer. Her prior 15-year experience as a commercial and residential real estate paralegal in Boston and then Newburyport has proven a valuable asset as she assists her clients, both buyers, and sellers, in navigating through the paths to buying or selling real estate. She prides herself on her hands-on approach to each and every client, property, and challenge that comes her way. Working extensively with builders and developers on new construction as well as renovated homes has provided her with a skill set that benefits her clients every day.
