Gas leaks can occur anywhere; they can be the result of faulty or dislocated distribution pipelines. A 2020 study discovered that there are more than a million gas leaks throughout gas pipelines in the U.S.
Residential gas supplies are colorless and odorless; recognizing leaks under these circumstances becomes a tedious task because the leakages aren't noticeable until it's too late.
Instead of living with the hope of never facing such leaks, it's best to have your house prepared for the worst-case scenario. Here are a few ways to protect your family and property from potential gas leaks.
1. Installing Gas Leak Detectors
Existing in the digital age means there's a technology for everything, even gas leak detection. There are multiple types of leak detectors available today. They have sensors that are sensitive to methane and propane; if detected, an alarm rings to alert you about the leakage.
Although detectors can't stop a leakage, they help you find out about the leak before it spreads further.
2. Gas Appliance Maintenance
Gas pipelines aren't the only gas source in our houses. The supply also passes through appliances that directly connect to these pipes, be it heaters, stoves, etc.
Time, frequent usage or damage can wear out these appliances, resulting in leakage. Most gas appliances need a spark to operate, which makes a gas leak from them far more dangerous as it can trigger a sudden fire.
Keep your gas appliances maintained to avoid mishaps; make sure all damages are repaired. Most importantly, turn off the gas supply to these appliances whenever they aren't under use. Multiple gas leaks are a result of negligence on the homeowner's part.
3. Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Imagine a kitchen with locked doors and windows. If a leak occurs, the gas will accumulate in the room with no way out; adding something as small as a lit matchstick can set the whole room on fire.
When gas leaks into a room with no way out, it ends up creating a gas chamber. The room's air composition mainly becomes methane or propane, which are highly flammable.
Make sure your housing contains a well-ventilated layout with windows near kitchens and heaters. Have a constant air flow doesn't directly address the gas leak, but it slows down the leakage from building up in one place.
4. A Leak Detection DIY
The best way to deal with gas leaks is never to take matters into your own hands. If not fixed properly, these leaks can result in damage and injury. It is best to let plumbing professionals deal with gas leak repair.
However, if you suspect a gas leakage in your house and only want to confirm your guess, there is a popular DIY you can use.
Put together a soap solution using liquid soap and water. You can then use this mixture by lightly spraying it onto gas pipes and appliances. A small leak will lead to a few bubbles appearing within two minutes. However, if a large amount of bubbles appear in even less time, it means there is a big leak, and you need to call a plumbing service immediately.
How Is Sweetwater Plumbing Assisting in Gas Leak Repair in Ontario, CA?
Preventative measures don't fully remove the chances of a gas leakage on your property, but they help you and your family be better prepared for such a situation.
If you're looking for a plumbing service that can help detect and repair gas leaks on your property, check out Sweetwater Plumbing! With specialized equipment for leak detection and certified professionals, they conduct thorough leakage checks and prompt repair service. Book a personal consultation by contacting them now!
About the Author
Barbara Williams is an experienced home maintenance enthusiast whose blog focuses on property and infrastructure management services in Ontario, CA.
Her problem-solving based approach means she's dedicated her blog to offering solutions for any and every problem you may face as a tenant or property dealer. When away from writing, she enjoys taking part in urban gardening.
