Detecting a gas leak

A gas leak in your house should be very, very rare if the installation has been done correctly and the system is well maintained. Nevertheless, one should be aware of tell-tales should unexpectedly faults and leaks occur. Being able to detect a gas leak in your home could prevent a health hazard, fire, or even an explosion. In this article we detail how to spot a leak and the steps to take to minimise the risks.

Detection - here are ways to detect a gas leak from appliances:

Egg smelling odour – gas suppliers have added Ethyl Mercaptan to natural and LPG gas to make it smell for safety reasons because natural gas and LPG are odourless and colourless. If you smell an odour coming from gas appliances, you may have a leak. Therefore, if it is strong smelling and does not disappear after a few minutes, switch off the gas by the bottle or mains immediately (NB. see section on Actions below).

Hissing sound – listen for a hissing sound when the gas appliance is being used. This can occur from gas escaping a small opening. If you have a suspect area of the noise, you can wipe the area with soapy water and if any bubbling occurs there is a gas leak. (Note: Be sure to put the mixture on connections as well).

Electronic detectors – you can purchase an electronic combustible gas detector that are stationary or portable devices that detect natural gas and LPG. They sound an alarm, like a smoke alarm and there is also a Carbon Monoxide detector as well. These can be purchased online or at hardware stores.

Gas bill – if your gas bill is higher in gas units than in the same period in the previous year then you may have a leak. Some leaks may occur slowly so that you do not notice a smell nor sound. So, check your accounts.

Flame colour – if your appliances show red or orange flames there is something wrong with the appliance or there is a leak, unless it is for aesthetic reasons such as for a gas fire. A properly functioning (i.e. typical) flame should be blue. 

Also, appliances should get serviced every two years or more depending on the manufacturer’s requirements. This should be completed by a certifying gas fitter such as the staff at Seal Plumbing and Gas.

Scorching or soot – If you see scorching or soot in an unusual area by your appliance it may indicate a leak as it could cause a flame to appear in an unintended location. Household appliances that use gas are quite safe if they are operating properly and showing blue flames. This also shows complete combustion, therefore not producing carbon monoxide which is an odourless, poisonous gas.  The signs of Carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue, drowsiness, and flu-like symptoms.

Actions:

If you suspect there may be a small gas leak in your house, keep objects that are combustible away from the area such as fire, lights, phone, and anything electrical. Also, ventilate the house and switch off the gas by the bottle or mains area. 

Gas leaks can be highly dangerous and prevention of them is very important for your health and safety. Such leaks should be fixed by a qualified gas fitter and routine maintenance is advised. To keep your gas system in good repair, call the team at Seal Plumbing and Gas to schedule a time to service your gas appliances.

If it is a serious leak - get out and when well clear dial 111 then call SEAL Plumbing & Gas (021797912).

As a final word, we don’t want to panic you as gas leaks are very rare, but don’t be complacent. If you suspect things are not as they should be contact SEAL Plumbing & Gas today.