The vast majority of Australians enjoy the benefits of natural gas and natural gas appliances in their homes. Natural gas (NG) powers the hot water systems and stoves of most Australian homes.
But how confident would you be to identify a gas leak in your home? And would you know how to safely respond to it?
Gas leaks are fairly self-explanatory. And if left unchecked, they can potentially have deadly consequences. If you want to stay safe, it’s important that you know how to pick up on a gas leak and refresh the steps you should take to keep yourself safe in the event of a gas leak.
What is a gas leak?
Like its name suggests, gas leaks refer to when faulty natural gas products or pipelines in your home start leaking gas into your home.
We all know how dangerous gas can be, so it goes without saying that when there is a gas leak on or near your property, you face a potentially dangerous situation – in particular, the risk of explosions and fire.
Do you smell that? Gas leaks in the home
In its natural state, natural gas is completely odourless. However, gas providers intentionally add artificial odorants and chemicals to give it a strong smell for the exact purpose of detecting a leak – just keep a nose out for the distinctive rotten egg smell!
But let’s say your nose is completely blocked, or you have other problems with your sense of smell. How are you supposed to know whether your home is experiencing a gas leak?
If your sense of smell is impaired, the following symptoms can also be signs that you’re experiencing gas problems:
- Dead/dying plants
- Hissing sounds
- White mist/fog
- Nausea
- Dizziness and headaches
What should I do if I suspect a gas leak?
In case of a gas leak, one of the first things that you should do is make sure you are safe! If you feel like your family and property are in immediate danger as a result of a gas problem, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
And if you live in Melbourne’s north east, you can call H2-Pro on (03) 9844 1444!
While you’re waiting for the professionals to arrive and perform an assessment however, there are a couple other steps you can take in order to ensure the safety of everyone in your home and your neighbourhood.
Whatever you do…DO NOT SMOKE
Everyone knows that gas is flammable. So it goes without saying that you should never, ever light matches or cigarette lighters when there is an ongoing gas leak, even if you’re outside.
This is just a recipe for trouble – one that involves potential damages to lives and property due to fires and explosions.
Turn off that spark
Another thing that you should never do in the event you smell a gas leak is to turn your light switches or anything that runs on electricity in your home.
While this is less of a problem in newer homes with more modern electrical fixtures, it’s still best to err on the side of caution! If any sparks occur while electrical fixtures are on, there might be dangerous consequences.
Open your doors and windows
One of the best things you can do in the event of a gas leak is to open all your doors and windows.
Not only does this allow the gas that’s leaking into your home to dissipate (and therefore lower your risk of fire or explosion), but it also allows and carbon monoxide that’s built up in your house to air out.
Leave your home… temporarily
For you and your family’s safety, it is best to leave the home temporarily.
This is to ensure that you do not compromise your safety and keep everyone from harm’s way. After all, the best way to keep you and your family safe is to remove yourself from the danger!
Call for professional help: contact plumbers in Eltham
Never, under any circumstances should you try to find and solve gas problems by yourself!
Instead, we strongly recommend contacting a licensed gas expert for solutions to your gas problems.
For a local gas plumber in Northeast Melbourne, you can rely on H2Pro Plumbing.
We will work on detecting and repair gas problems including leaks quick and smart. We will also test it to make sure that the gas leakage problem has been properly addressed before relighting your appliances.
Suspect a gas leak? H2-Pro are plumbers in Eltham, Warrandyte, and surrounds!
Gas leaks are both dangerous and costly.
And if you suspect that there has been a gas leak in your home, you need to take appropriate steps to keep you, your family and your home safe. And that means asking for help from the professionals!
If you live in the northeast suburbs, there’s a team of seasoned and qualified gas plumbers who deliver outstanding plumbing services – including addressing and solving leaks.
Our 24/7 emergency plumbers means that quick, effective solutions to your gas problems are never more than a phone call away.
If you have any gas leak concerns or any other plumbing problems, contact H2-Pro Plumbing today! Alternatively, call us 24/7 for immediate support: (03) 9844 1444.
