Natural gas supplies heat to millions of homes across America. As a low greenhouse-emitting fuel, natural gas has a less harmful impact on the environment than coal, wood, or oil heat. And, small amounts of natural gas can heat your home quickly and efficiently, making it an affordable option for keeping your family warm.

Natural gas is an excellent resource for heating homes. However, it’s important to monitor your plumbing system for common natural gas leak symptoms and signs to ensure leaks do not form over time. That being said, even a small gas line leak has the ability to cause major damage if ignored. If you notice gas leak symptoms or signs in your home, contact Stephens Plumbing by phone at (630) 968-0783 or fill out our submission form. We offer affordable plumbing repair services in areas such as Downers Grove, Plainfield, Naperville, Wheaton, Chicago, and other areas of Illinois.

SYMPTOMS OF A NATURAL GAS LEAK IN YOUR HOME

While natural gas is one of the safest ways to heat your home, it does come with risks. Natural gas is toxic to ingest, and common gas leak symptoms include headaches and nausea. Large amounts of natural gas from gas leaks can be fatal.

Natural gas is highly combustible, meaning it can cause major damage if large amounts are leaked and ignited. A spark as small as the one initiated by turning on your television can set off the symptoms of a natural gas leak, causing an explosion. The explosions caused by natural gas can erupt an entire home and have the potential to cause major damage and even death. If you notice obvious symptoms of a gas leak, it is important that you alert your family and evacuate your home immediately. Contact an emergency plumber to perform the necessary natural gas leak repairs in your home.

SIGNS OF A MODERATE TO SEVERE GAS LEAK

Natural gas on its own has no smell. To make it more clear that natural gas is leaking, the gas companies have added a sulfuric, “rotten egg” smell to alert homeowners of a leak. If you notice this scent in your home, this is a symptom of a gas leak and should be fixed by a licensed plumber immediately. You may also hear a hissing noise when a gas leak forms in your home, which can alert you as to where the gas leak has occurred. Although you may be inclined to fix the gas leak, it is safest to gather your family and exit your home.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK

If you notice symptoms of a gas leak, the first thing you should do is alert anyone inside and leave your home immediately. Do not use your phone and be sure not to touch anything on your way out, including light switches. Even the simple spark that can be caused when flipping a switch can be enough to cause a major explosion.

Once you have exited your home, call 911 or your utility company and alert them of the gas leak. They will come out and inspect the symptoms of a natural gas leak, turning off the gas and making sure it’s safe to return. Once the gas has been turned off, you’ll want to contact an emergency plumber or contractor to come and assist with repairing the gas leak. After the gas leaks are repaired and faulty gas pipes are restored, they will run a gas test to be sure the leaks are gone and any leaked gas has been flushed out of your home.

CONTACT AN EMERGENCY GAS LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST

Attempting to maneuver gas lines without the proper training is unwise. As you’ve read above, there are many harmful physical symptoms associated with a natural gas leak. To protect your family and friends, schedule a natural gas line leak repair, replacement, or relocation with a professional at Stephens Plumbing. From water heater repair, furnace installation, sump pump maintenance, to repiping, our team has the tools and skills to restore comfort to your home. Call us by phone at (630) 968-0783 or fill out a service request form to schedule an appointment.