How To Prevent a Natural Gas Leak

Natural gas is an important component of many properties, often responsible not only for heating a home but also for keeping your showers hot and your food warm. Unfortunately, natural gas leaks are a very serious concern. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your home and ensure your family’s safety.

Practice Winter Roof Safety

You are more likely to use your gas furnace during winter months, which means you are also most likely to suffer a gas leak of some sort during the winter months. By keeping snow and ice away from your roofing vents, appliance vents, and natural gas meters, you ensure carbon monoxide doesn’t become trapped inside of your home and put your family in danger.

Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

A gas leak release carbon monoxide into the air, which can make you and your family very sick or even cause death. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can prevent this by alerting you to gas in the air. These devices are affordable and work much like smoke detectors do. Just remember to change the batteries every six months.

Call Before You Dig

If you are doing a home renovation project that requires you to dig on your property, it is important to get the proper clearance first. In most locations, it’s the law. Even if it isn’t, speaking to your gas company before digging ensures you don’t accidentally hit an underground gas line and put yourself or even your neighbors in danger.

Take Extra Care Around Gas Appliances

It may be tempting to use your gas ovens to keep warm during winter months or to move appliances on your own when upgrading. However, both of these situations could cause damage to the piping that holds the natural gas, allowing it to leak into your home and cause serious issues. Bundle up if you’re cold, and always ask a professional to move your gas appliances.

Know What a Gas Leak Smells Like

Sometimes, a leak occurs even if you take steps to prevent it. For this reason, it’s important to know what a natural gas leak smells like. If you notice an odor that reminds you of a skunk or rotten eggs, leave the property immediately. Head to the nearest neighbor and call the gas company or 9-1-1 right away.

Of course, the easiest way to protect your home is to have routine maintenance done on your home’s gas appliances and on the lines and meters themselves. If it has been a while since you’ve had maintenance done, or if you need gas line repair Riverside CA, contact a professional today.