What is a gas leak?
We talk about a gas leak when the gas that circulates through the pipes or conduits of water or heating comes out through a small hole in them. The most common leaks that occur are natural gas , although they list of christmas island consumer email can also be butane or propane, which are the ones that usually occur in most homes today.
How to detect it
Now that you know what a gas leak is , the next thing you need to be clear about is what the signs are to identify if one is occurring before its effects spread further. Below, we will tell you some tips to detect gas leaks :
Smell . One of the clearest signs of a gas leak is the smell it gives off. Gas itself does not have any kind of smell. However, natural gas used in the home is often impregnated with a very specific aroma, precisely to be able to identify this type of situation quickly. Normally, the substance that is added is mercaptan, which gives off an odor similar to that of a spoiled egg so that it can be detected quickly.
Sound. If a gas leak occurs, you may hear a hissing sound coming from the pipe in question. This sound is produced when the pressure of the gas is released as it flows out. However, it is usually a soft sound, so try to listen carefully.
Flame color. If you have a gas stove, this can be a good ally in detecting possible leaks . Turn on one of the burners. If you see that, instead of the usual blue color, the flame has a more orange or red tone, it could be due to a leak.
Corrosion. Take a good look at any pipes you see and check for corrosion. Sometimes corrosion can be caused by a small leak.
Check your meter. If you have a gas meter in your home, make sure to check it regularly. If you notice that your gas consumption is higher than usual, and you haven't changed any habits that may have increased it, it could be due to a leak.
Bubbles. Another trick to identify possible gas leaks is to mix water and soap and, using a sponge, scrub the water through the pipes. If bubbles start to appear, this is a sign that there is a gas leak.
Physical symptoms. In cases where the leak is faster or more intense and you are exposed to the gas for a longer period of time, it is common to feel dizzy, nauseous or have a severe headache. If you think it may be due to a leak, the most important thing is to ventilate the room as much as possible and get out of the room.
