Natural gas is the most efficient fuel used in many homes compared to electricity, kerosene, and wood. However, gas has its inherent risks when it leaks. Gas leaks around gas-powered appliances can lead to explosions, gas poisoning, and killing vegetation. The dangers increase when you practice DIY installation. This is why you should hire a Salt Lake City plumbing company for expert installation. Gas lines underneath concrete have a high damage rate, causing gas leaks.
Gas leaks are hazardous, and you shouldn’t treat the threat lightly; here are some dangers you should know.
The real dangers of gas leaks
Dangers of gas leaks range from minor illnesses to explosions. Here are the risks of gas leaks.
1. It is harmful to your health
Inhaling natural gas causes dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or asphyxia. Symptoms of asphyxia include chest pain and fatigue; during a gas leak, your pets are more prone to gas poisoning than you are.
2. Carbon monoxide poisoning
Inhaling concentrated natural gas for long periods causes carbon monoxide poisoning, which lowers the oxygen levels in your body. Having too little oxygen in your blood can potentially kill you. The carbon monoxide from natural gas builds up in the air and limits your oxygen source.
3. Explosions
Gas leaks are a fire hazard. A slight spark near the leak can trigger an explosion, leading to death and property loss.
4. Carbon emissions
Whether it’s LPG or natural gas, they increase the carbon concentration in the atmosphere. You will notice poor vegetation around the leak. This is because the carbon build-up interrupts the biome of the vegetation.
What to do if you suspect a gas leak?
The ‘rotten eggs’ smell of leaking gas is a telltale sign of a gas leak. Other signs of a gas leak include poor vegetation around gas pipes, a hissing sound, a white mist around gas appliances, and the presence of tiny bubbles in standing water around gas pipes.
If you suspect there’s a gas leak:
- Turn off the gas supply
- Open windows and evacuate the building
- Once you are at a safe distance from the building, call professionals to fix the problem for you.
Some leaks are hard to detect via smell and observations. Professionals from the Salt Lake City plumbing company use gas leak detectors that you can get retrofitted in your house to detect sneaky leaks.
What not to do when there’s a gas leak
While handling gas leaks, you should keep some no-nos in mind. Here is what not to do when there’s a gas leak:
- Do not enter the house until the gas experts tell you to do so
- Do not unplug any electrical appliances, do not flip switches, and do not use the telephone
- Do not light a match or cigarette
- Do not adjust thermostats or any electrical appliances
- Do not use the doorbell
Gas leaks can be fatal if undetected early on. Faulty appliances, damaged gas pipes, and disconnected gas lines are usually the culprits of a gas leak. Gas is typically odorless; however, manufacturers add the noxious scent to help you detect leaks. Since gas leaks are hazardous, don’t gamble with your life. Be proactive and schedule a gas line inspection from Salt Lake City plumbing company professionals for your home.
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