Gas leaks are dangerous and life-threatening if left alone at home. There are many ways to determine leaks, or you can use a gas detector to easily check every floor of your house. Once you find the source of the leak, test the area using soapy water. Once the leak point has been determined, make sure you close the gas line and leave the house so it can be repaired by a professional.
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Method 1 of 4: Using a Gas Detector
Step 1. Install a carbon monoxide detector at home
Carbon monoxide (Carbon monoxide aka CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that is toxic to the body. Plug the carbon monoxide detector into an outlet at knee height or less because CO gas is heavier than air. Place at least 1 detector on each floor of the house.
- Never block the carbon monoxide detector with furniture or curtains as this will restrict airflow.
- If you have small children or pets who would interfere with the detector at knee height, install the detector into an outlet at chest level.
Tip:
You can also use a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Try looking at a hardware store in your city.
Step 2. Use a natural gas detector to locate the source of the leak
Portable gas detectors can detect gas concentrations in certain areas of the house. Surround the house with gas detectors, and keep an eye on the display screen. When the device detects that the concentration is too high, an alarm will sound and notify you that the area is unsafe.
You can buy a gas detector at a hardware store
Step 3. Set up a radon detection test on the bottom floor of the house
Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless natural gas that can be found in soil. Place a short-term test kit on the bottom floor of a house where people spend time, and leave it there for 90 days. Use the envelope that came with the device to send the test results to the laboratory where the radon levels will be tested. If the result is 4 pCi/L (pikocurie per liter) or more, you will need to contact a professional to install a radon mitigation system at home.
Try not to do the radon test in damp, damp areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or washing machine room
Tip:
Use a long-term radon test if you want to see changes in radon levels over a period longer than 3 months.
Method 2 of 4: Checking Natural Gas Symptoms at Home
Step 1. Check if the house smells of rotten eggs or sulfur
The natural gas from the device contains the chemical mercaptan so the gas has an unpleasant odor that is easy to detect. If you smell this odor at home, there may be a leak near the stove, water heater, or other appliance.
- Check the stove to make sure it is completely off.
- Close the gas line immediately and leave the building if there is a strong odor.
Step 2. Listen for a hissing or whistling sound near the device or pipe
You may be able to hear a gas leak from a loose connection. If you hear a faint hissing or whistling that wasn't there before, walk around the house and pay close attention to the volume. If the sound is loud, you are likely near the point of the leak.
Gas makes a hissing or whistling sound when it passes through a small gap so not all gas leaks will produce a sound
Step 3. Check if the gas stove flame is orange or yellow instead of blue
The flame of a gas stove should be blue, which means it has enough oxygen from the gas to burn completely. When the flame is yellow or orange, the natural gas is not completely burned and can contribute to gas leaks.
Gas stove flames are orange or yellow when first lit. You just have to worry if the fire continues to be orange or yellow
Step 4. Watch for white clouds or dust near the gas line
Although natural gas is usually colorless, leaks can blow away dust and create small “clouds” near the pipes. Pay close attention to any mist or cloud that shouldn't be there.
Step 5. See if any plants in the house are dying
Plants need carbon dioxide to live, and gas leaks can limit the amount of air they can take in. If your indoor plants appear wilted or yellowed despite regular maintenance, there may be a gas leak in your home.
Keep plants in areas where gas leaks occur frequently, such as in the kitchen or near a fireplace
Step 6. Check your gas bill to see if it's more than usual
Compare this month's gas bill with 2-3 months ago to determine the difference in costs. If the increase is sharp, contact your gas supply company to make sure the bill is correct. If so, let them know that there may be a leak in your home.
Recall the changes in your lifestyle. For example, if you use your fireplace more in the winter, this may be the cause of your gas bill soaring. If possible, compare it with the same month's bill last year to be more accurate
Step 7. Pay attention to the physical symptoms you have while at home
Inhaling natural gas or carbon monoxide limits the amount of oxygen the body receives. If you start having body aches, headaches, dizziness, or nausea for no apparent reason, check your gas lines and household appliances for problems.
Other symptoms may include, but are not limited to, reduced appetite, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and throat irritation
Method 3 of 4: Locating Natural Gas Leaks in Pipes
Step 1. Mix 240 ml of water with 1 tsp. (5 ml) dish soap. Fill a cup with water and pour some dish soap. Stir the soap and water until it starts to foam.
- You can use any liquid dish soap to test for gas leaks.
- If you don't have dish soap, use liquid laundry detergent.
Step 2. Apply soapy water to the connecting pipe
Dip the brush in the soapy water so the bristles are completely soapy. Rub a thin layer of soapy water around the pipe joints where there is a possible leak. Rub water all over the connection points until they are wet.
Common Places of Gas Leaks
check connection between two pipes rings due to insulation may be damaged or old.
Look closely shut-off valve to see if it's slightly open or loose.
Find a place your gas line is connected to the appliance to see if the connection is loose or damaged.
Step 3. Look for bubbles where you rubbed the soapy water
Any gas leaks from the pipe joints will create bubbles in the soapy water. If no bubbles appear at the pipe joint, it means that the gas leak is elsewhere. Keep rubbing the soapy water and looking for bubbles until you find the source of the leak.
Step 4. Mark the leak point for easy finding and professional repair
Use a marker to mark the pipe where the leak is found. If so, contact the gas supply company and let them know that there is a leak in your home and needs to be fixed.
Do not attempt to repair gas pipes yourself if you are not experienced
Method 4 of 4: Taking Precautions if Suspecting a Leak
Step 1. Turn off the gas line and pilot light
Locate the main gas valve near the main gas meter, usually on the side of the building or in a cabinet inside. To cut off gas flow in the pipe, turn the valve so that it is perpendicular to the gas pipe. Disconnecting the gas line will also turn off the pilot light.
Step 2. Open windows to improve airflow in the house
Keep all doors and windows open whenever possible so that gases in the house can escape. In this way, the concentration of gases in the home can be reduced to less hazardous levels and less likely to spark and explode.
Even when the windows are open, you should still be outside until the gas leak is fixed
Step 3. Do not use electronic tools or equipment in the house
Anything that creates a spark in your home can trigger natural gas concentrations. Avoid turning on switches, electrical items, or gas appliances if you suspect a leak.
- Do not use lighters or anything that creates an open flame.
- Do not search for gas leaks with a flashlight or other light source.
Step 4. Get out of the house and call the Fire Department
Leave the house as soon as possible after you determine the location of the gas leak. Exit all the way across the street and stay away from the house in case of a gas leak. Once you are a safe distance away, call the Fire Department and let them know there is a gas leak.
Do not use landlines or cell phones while indoors
Tip:
Set a meeting point for your family in case of an emergency. For example, you can specify a house or a location across the street where you can meet.
