What Does a Gas Leak Smell Like & What To Do if You Suspect One

Natural gas is used to power a variety of appliances and systems throughout your home, making it an essential fuel source. However, natural gas can also be quite dangerous, and gas leaks pose a serious threat to your safety. That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a gas leak in your home.

In this blog, the professionals at Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air help you to be able to recognize a gas leak by explaining what gas smells like and providing additional signs that point to a leak. We’ll also cover what to do if you suspect a gas leak and how to prevent leaks from occurring.

What Does Natural Gas Smell Like?

Natural gas is technically odorless, but utility companies add scent to it to help people recognize if a gas leak is occurring. The odor of natural gas is fairly unpleasant, often described as smelling sulfurous or like rotten eggs. This distinct smell serves as a warning sign of a potential gas leak, so don’t ignore any rotten odors in your home.

Other Signs of a Gas Leak Beyond Smell

While the smell of natural gas is often the strongest indicator of a gas leak, it’s important to be able to recognize any other signs that point to a gas leak in case you miss the smell. Some additional signs to look out for include:

• Hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines or gas appliances
• Dead, dying, yellowing, or withering houseplants
• Bubbles in standing water
• Frequent headaches, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue
• Increased utility bills

What To Do if You Smell Gas

If you smell natural gas or recognize other signs of a potential gas leak, you should immediately evacuate your home. Make sure to get your entire household, including any pets, out of the premises as soon as possible. Additionally, don’t use any electronics or open flames while you are in your house or nearby as this has the potential to ignite the gas.

After evacuating your home, call your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible to report the leak. You’ll need to wait for the professionals to give the all clear before it will be safe to return to your home.

How To Prevent Gas Leaks

Because gas leaks are so dangerous, it’s important to take whatever steps you can to prevent them from happening. To help secure your home against any risks, make sure to do the following:

• Schedule regular inspections and maintenance for gas appliances
• Install gas and carbon monoxide detectors
• Look for rust or corrosion on gas lines
• Do not attempt any DIY work involving gas lines

Call Ostrom for Safe Gas Line Services

At Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air, we provide safe and effective gas line plumbing services. We can install, repair, and replace your gas lines to ensure they provide the fuel you need while keeping your home protected. We stand by the work we do with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your gas lines are in the hands of trusted plumbers in the Roanoke area.

Contact Ostrom today to learn more about our gas line plumbing services in Roanoke and the surrounding areas of Southwest Virginia.