A gas leak is nothing to joke about, especially during the winter holiday season when the house is bound to have a few lit candles laying around. Even though homeowners are aware of the danger posed by a gas leak, most still continue to have various appliance (AC units, furnaces, stoves, clothes dryers and water heaters, just to name a few) in their home that work on gas. If you want to prevent a disaster caused by a gas leak during winter, then here are some things you should do:
1. If you need to move appliances connected to a gas pipe to make more room, then always call a professional.
2. Even though the temperatures in your home are low, never use a stove, oven or cooker for heating purposes. While it's very hard to risk a fire like this, you could always cause a deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
3. Learn how to operate the pilot light at any equipment that uses gas and refrain from putting it out, as otherwise you risk allowing more gas into the room.
4. It is always a good idea to install a carbon monoxide and a gas detector in your home to prevent a disaster.
5. It is highly advisable to avoid using flammable liquids near gas-based home equipment.
6. In spite of the fact that you have limited available space, it is best to avoid storing items that could catch fire easily near the gas lines so you don't put too much pressure on the joints.
7. Perform the maintenance routine as indicated by the manufacturer and check the flexible connectors regularly for cracks.
8. In the eventuality that you are going away for the holidays, turn all gas (and electricity) appliances off to prevent unwanted accidents.
Gas leaks are not hard to detect
While natural gas is colorless and does not have any smell, the one used by your household appliances is different and hence, could be detected by:
Specific rotten egg smell - which is actually a chemical added by the gas provider particularly for the purpose of detecting a potential leak.
A faint, hissing sound around the domestic devices (or the sound of the carbon monoxide/gas alarm if you installed one).
Sudden physical illness symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, drowsiness or shortness of breath could indicate a carbon monoxide buildup.
Visual indicators, particularly outdoors (bubbling water, dead vegetation).
In case you notice any of the aforementioned gas leak signs or you have reasons to suspect that a certain gas appliance in your home is malfunctioning, then the first thing you should do is open all the doors and windows so you provide a fast means for the gas to escape. Even though it may seem normal to call 911 right away, you should go close the main gas valve first. Because the air is filled with inflammable gas, it is safer to avoid doing anything that could create a spark, including using your mobile or home phone.
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