Easy Ways to Detect and Prevent Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are one of the most dangerous and common threats to homes and buildings across the world; they can cause fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or even an explosion. Typically, a gas leak is due to poorly maintained or faulty appliances (like stoves or water heaters).

Ill fitted or aging appliances can cause gas to escape from the hose, or around the seal, and right into your home.

How to Notice a Gas Leak

The most common sign of a gas leak is the smell of gas, but it won’t always be obvious. However, the big red flags we want to highlight in association with a gas smell are experiencing physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or feeling lightheaded.

If you feel any of the above after smelling gas, it is critical that you and any other people and pets go outside immediately.

Other signs of a leak that can occur without smelling gas include:

• A pilot light that frequently burns out
• Musty smells or excessive condensation on the windows
• Black or brown scorched areas around appliances
• Orange or yellow flames from appliances, rather than blue flame

Now that you know the warning signs of a gas leak, here are some important steps to take in order to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Preventing Gas Leaks

Preventing a gas leak is much easier than handling one. Just follow these three simple steps to keep your property safe.

1. Seek Professional Attention

This is your first line of defense — be sure that you have a licensed professional install your appliances. This is the best way to avoid poor fitting connections or any misalignment.

2. Be Wary of Second-Hand Appliances

You don’t have to drop a pretty penny just to keep your home safe, but if you do buy used appliances or inherit an appliance from a family member, make sure that a certified professional checks it out and installs it for safe results.

3. Get a Home Inspection

If you want to identify potential problem areas or ways to improve your home, an inspection will be your best bet. You’ll find out if your home is costing you in excess energy use or even prevent structural damage from getting worse.

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or looking to purchase a commercial property, the team at Chicago Building Inspections has your back. Schedule your inspection here!

Following these three steps could make all the difference in preventing disaster from occurring.

Some other great gas safety tips we like to recommend are installing a carbon monoxide detector. They look like a smoke detector and are inexpensive and easy to install. For optimal safety be sure to test it, check that it has an audible alarm, and install it in an open space like a hallway. If your home is large or you’re dealing with a building, be sure to install multiple alarms throughout the property and regularly check them.

We hope you found these tips helpful and can implement them so your property and all who visit are safe.

Have questions or concerns? Get in touch with one of our inspection professionals by calling 312-INSPECT.