What You Should Know About Gas Leaks
Home After A Natural Gas Explosion
When you have a gas leak in your home, then this is a very serious situation. To avoid such situations, you should have a plumber inspect your gas pipes and you should have an HVAC contractor inspect your heating system. R.F. Ohl offers both professional HVAC and plumbing services which you can take advantage of to prevent a situation like this from happening in your home. We service Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas.
All of our services are fast and affordable. You can count on us to do the job right, the first time. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priority.
What You Need To Know About Gas Leaks
Contents
A gas leak occurs when natural gas leaks from a pipeline. Gas leaks can cause the buildup of pressure, which makes it very dangerous. It can lead to an explosion that can destroy a home and even the entire neighborhood. Also, a natural gas leak can affect all of the nearby vegetation. Finally, natural gas can release dangerous greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In this article, you will learn the signs of a gas leak that you should know about. You will also learn the risks and what you should do if you believe that there is a gas leak in your home.
When it comes to gas leaks…
there are several risk factors. Digging and excavation can hit and damage a pipeline. This can result in a gas leak. Over the last several years, aging pipelines have become a growing issue. This is especially true in areas along the northeast where the infrastructure is up to a century old. As pipes age, they tend to rust. This is where the pressure can start to build up which can create a gas leak. If the gas leak is in a confined space, such as a utility hole or a basement, it takes just one small spark to cause an explosion. Sparks from electrical equipment are also common. These are reasons why it is not uncommon for a gas leak to be fatal.
What Should You Do If You Have a Gas Leak In Your House
Vacate the House Immediately
If you think that you have a gas leak…
you should leave your home immediately. If you are planning to read up on some information because you think you have a gas leak, you shouldn’t. Just get out of the house immediately, then call 911. Once outside the house, use your cell phone or go to a neighbor’s house to call emergency services.
Natural gas is typically odorless. By the time you discover a smell in the air of your house, it can be too late. If you inhale enough of the gas, you could suffocate. You should get yourself, your family, and your pets out of the home immediately and call 9-1-1. Also, be sure to call R.F. Ohl to come and service your equipment.
Do You Smell Sulfur?
There are plenty of gas companies who understand how dangerous odorless gas is. It can come into your home without you even knowing. For your protection, most gas companies add a sulfur additive to the natural gas so that it will have a unique smell. If you find that something in the house smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, you likely have a gas leak.
Use Gas Detectors
A gas detector will signal you…
when there is an elevated level of gas in the home. These monitors are especially useful if you have a diminished sense of smell. You should get a gas detector that can also detect carbon monoxide. If you are renting, ask your landlord to pay for the gas and carbon monoxide detector.
Turn Off The Gas
If you can easily reach the gas valve near the gas pipe, turn it off. If you cannot reach it easily or if you don’t know where it is, you should just focus on getting out with your family and your pets.
Don’t Use Electronics
If you think that you have a gas leak, don’t turn on any electronics. This is one of the major causes for explosions in homes.
Electronics can cause a spark and even the smallest spark can result in an explosion.
This includes your doorbell and your cell phone. If you are going to call 9-1-1 from your cell phone, do so when you are outside, far from your house as soon as you get everyone out safely.
Natural Gas Leak Jim Thorpe PA
One of the best things that you can do to prevent a gas leak from happening…
is to have your furnace tuned up each year. However, you cannot let just anyone work on your system. You should only hire someone who works with a reputable HVAC company.
An experienced HVAC tech will have the knowledge and experience to inspect your system thoroughly so that it will operate safely during the heating season. As an added benefit, when you have your HVAC system tuned up, it will ensure that your heating system is running effectively and efficiently. This will keep your house comfortable during the winter and it will keep your heating costs down.
If you need to have your heating system serviced, you should contact R.F. Ohl. Each of our NATE certified technicians is fully trained and they have the necessary experience to handle all types of heating system tune-ups and repairs. We also offer plumbing services where we can inspact your gas lies to ensure that they are in good condition. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Some of the areas we service include: Bowmanstown, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Summit Hill and these zip codes: 18030 , 18229 , 18235 , 18250 as well as all surrounding areas in Carbon County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Schuylkill County.Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.