How to Conduct a Gas Leak Detection

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that comes from deep below the Earth’s surface. It consists of methane, as well as non-hydrocarbon gasses and other liquid hydrocarbons in underground rock sediment. Natural gas is considered less taxing on the environment in comparison to oil and coal, which emit more greenhouse gasses. 

The vast majority of people rely on natural gas to heat their homes, cook food, and dry clothes. It’s usually safe, but there are circumstances when it can become hazardous, such as poorly installed or maintained pipes that lead into your home. 

How to Do a Gas Leak Detection Inspection

• Check for Foul Smelling Odors
• Listen for Hissing or Whistling
• Make Sure Your Gas Stove is Turned Off
• Buy a Natural Gas Leak Detector
• Conduct the Soapy Water Test

What you don’t know about your natural gas leaks can hurt you. While uncommon, natural gas leaks do occur and in some cases can prove deadly. Over time natural gas lines can corrode and leak hazardous toxins into the air and ultimately your home. To ensure the continued health and safety of all of those in your household, it’s important to learn about natural gas leaks and the signs to look for to prevent and fix leaks. Signs that you may have a natural gas leak: 

Check for Foul Smelling Odors

There’s a reason why natural gas companies add mercaptan to their product. Since most gases are colorless and odorless, adding mercaptan helps alert homeowners and others that there is something amiss. If you notice the faint smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, you may have a natural gas leak and should call a professional immediately. Make sure to open all doors and windows to properly ventilate your home or business while you wait for a licensed plumber to conduct a professional gas leak inspection. 

Listen for Hissing or Whistling

Don’t ignore the hissing sound of gas. This is especially the case if you hear a whistling or hissing noise coming from your A/C or HVAC unit. It could mean that there is a leaking valve, a compromised compressor, or a refrigerant line leak. You should contact a professional electrician or plumber to inspect your HVAC system and repair it. 

Make Sure Your Gas Stove is Turned Off

Leaving your gas stove on is a common mistake. Just because there isn’t an open flame doesn’t mean that the gas isn’t turned on. It is easy to bump or nudge the knobs on a gas stovetop without igniting the flame. If you smell the faint odor of gas, make sure that every knob and setting on your stove and oven is turned to the off position. 

Buy a Natural Gas Leak Detector

The easiest way to detect natural gas leaks is to use a gas leak detector. This fairly inexpensive device can detect even the faintest of gas leaks so you know when there is an issue. 

Conduct the Soapy Water Test

After confirming that there is natural gas detected in the air, one of the easiest ways to find the source of the leak in your home is by using soap and water. Soak a cloth or paper towel with a concentrated mix of dish soap and water. Rub the damp cloth over any areas that may be leaking gas until you see bubbles form. This will indicate that there is a leak present and that you need to contact a professional. 

How to Prevent Gas Leaks In Your House

Prevention is key to saving lives and money. Routine gas line maintenance and yearly inspections can catch problems before they become more costly and pervasive. You should also conduct routine maintenance on your furnaces, gas fireplaces, stoves, and check for corrosion on the gas lines themselves. Professional plumbers offer affordable gas line inspection services. Minor repairs and inspections are often less expensive than having to repair a gas line after a full gas leak has occurred. 

Contact Sky Heating

If you suspect that a gas leak has occurred, contact a trusted plumber and gas leak detection professional. Our technicians are fully trained and equipped to quickly determine the source of the problem and correct it. In addition to repairs and furnace replacement, we provide ductwork, air quality, and plumbing services in Portland, Gresham, The Dalles, and elsewhere across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Call us at (541) 275-2918 or reach out online to schedule HVAC service.