Maintain and monitor gas detection equipment on a regular basis. Make sure the batteries are working. It is also wise to have your gas detectors periodically checked by professionals. To reduce the chance of fire, keep all combustible materials away from water heaters, furnaces or other gas appliances.
An explosion can occur when a gas pipe is leaking. In a confined space like a home or business, the gas will mix with the air, increasing the pressure of the space. When there is a spark or flame (even a static electricity spark might be enough) present, the gas will ignite, causing an explosion.
Using PHMSA's data, InvestigateTV found that since 2010 there have been more than 2,700 gas leak incidents across the country that were considered significant and that 362 of those incidents resulted in explosions. Additionally, those incidents have injured nearly 700 people and killed more than 140.
Inspect devices and appliances that use natural gas on a regular basis. Regularly inspecting all devices and appliances that use gas helps prevent and identify possible gas leaks in your house. Read the manufacturer's instructions for each appliance to understand what to check and how often for safe use.
Gas leaks can happen any time, anywhere, any season. It is important to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings to take action in the event of a leak. The most common gas leak causes are corrosion, poor piping, and human error.
Natural gas leaks are more likely to happen with old gas lines that are exposed begin to corrode. The outer material of the pipe wears away over time until small hairline fractures occur.
There Is the Potential for a Gas Explosion
Possibly the greatest danger of all that could result from a gas leak is an explosion. Even a small leak in a confined space that builds up over time can cause an explosion if there is a spark or some sort of ignition source.
And while the larger, more sudden gas leaks are more urgent and overwhelming, the smaller, slower leaks often go unnoticed. While you can't always prevent a natural gas leak in your home, you can learn more about how to find those smaller leaks.
The most common place for me to find gas leaks is at gas valves. Older style gas valves that aren't allowed any more today are often referred to as lube valves or plug valves.
Small gas leaks may not have a smell or other physical signs. However, if there is a gas leak in the home, a person may notice: the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs. a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line.
Signs of a Gas Leak
Foul odors like sulfur or rotten eggs. Hissing or whistling sound near a gas line. White or dust cloud near a gas line. Bubbles in puddles in the yard.
Natural Gas Explosion Prevention
There are about 286 serious natural gas explosions per year. These are the type of gas explosions that cause property damage, severe injury, or loss of life.
TECHAMOR Y201 Portable Gas Leak Detector
This is an affordable option for confirming whether there are any leaks present. The device includes a sensor tip for detecting natural gases such as methane and propane.
Natural gas is 30% lighter than air. If a leak occurs in an open area, natural gas will easily vent and dissipate into the atmosphere. When enclosed, natural gas will rise to the ceiling and fill the room from top to bottom.
Inhaling carbon dioxide can easily result in fainting or feelings of extreme nausea and extreme fatigue. If a gas leak occurs at night while you are sleeping, there is a possibility that carbon monoxide would get into your system causing you to die in your sleep.
Anything electrical, even something as small as a thermostat, may cause a spark and ignite leaking gas. Do not try to relight the pilot light. Leave gas furnaces, water heaters, and other gas appliances alone until you are certain that it is safe. Do not smoke cigarettes or light candles.
Unfortunately, natural gas won't always emit a smell when it escapes. That means you can have a leak in your home and not even know it!
Natural gas is non-toxic (non-poisonous), but can cause death by suffocation if the gas displaces the air in a confined space.
Three main types of gas leaks can occur in residential homes or businesses: natural gas leaks, propane leaks, and carbon monoxide (CO) leaks.
In the event of a gas leak or suspected leak
turn off all naked flames and eliminate all sources of ignition BUT do not turn electrical switches on or off. If leak is indoors, open all windows and doors, to disperse the gas. In the case of cylinders, disconnect the cylinder and move it outdoors to an open area.
Natural gas detectors can alert you and your family of odorless and dangerous leaks. Natural gas detectors may not be as common on the list of must haves for the home such as a smoke detector or fire extinguisher, but these devices are worth serious consideration and can detect potentially serious situations.
Rotten Egg Odors
Natural gas and propane have a distinctive smell for a reason. For safety purposes, utility companies use an additive called mercaptan that gives colorless and odorless gases a smell that is hard to miss. Most people describe this smell as something like rotten eggs, sewage, or sulfur.