What Are The Warning Signs of a Gas Leak?

A gas leak is a very serious problem that requires immediate attention. If left unchecked, this may lead to serious consequences. For one, inhaling high concentrations from a natural gas leak can cause asphyxia (when you don’t get enough oxygen).

This then can lead to death. Aside from that, a gas leak may also cause a fire or an explosion. So if you notice a gas leak, it is important to act and call for help immediately.

If you feel you have a gas emergency, you must leave the premises immediately, turn your gas supply off, if it is safe to do so. Once you have done this, you can call a gas fitting Sydney plumber to help you repair the cause of the leak.

Here are the gas leak warning signs you should look out for:

1. Rotten egg smell

The first and most common sign you will notice when there’s a gas leak is a horrid smell. Initially, natural gas in its pure form is colourless and odourless. But since this makes it difficult to notice, experts added a chemical called mercaptan to make it easier to detect whenever it starts leaking. So while this rotten egg smell may be awful, it can save your life.

2. Hissing noise

When you hear a hissing or whistling sound near your gas line or around your yard, make the call. This may just be the sound of gas escaping through a crack or a leak in the pipe. 

3. Mist or cloud

Another warning sign to take note of is a mist or cloud. This is usually caused by a tear or a rupture on a gas line. If you reside in Sydney, make sure to contact a gas fitting Sydney professional once you see this white fog or cloud.

4. Dead or unhealthy plants

If you notice that the grass, plants, or vegetation in your yard is unhealthy, dead, or discoloured, there might be a bigger problem than just forgetting to water them. See, gas lines can leak even under the soil. When this happens, it restricts oxygen from the plants.

Additionally, a gas leak can also cause bubbles in still water or blow dirt around your yard. So you see, never ignore little things.

5. Physical symptoms

When the amount of oxygen in the air is reduced, you may feel some of the physical symptoms of a gas leak. These can include any of the following:

· Dizziness

· Fatigue or drowsiness

· Headache

· Difficulty in breathing

· Flu-like symptoms

· Chest pain

· Loss of appetite

· Blistering (when in direct contact with gas)

· Nausea

· Nosebleed

· Eyes and throat irritation

If you have pets, they might also experience some physical symptoms caused by a gas leak. These are symptoms you should watch out for in your pet:

· Difficulty in breathing

· Lethargy

· Watering or red eyes

· Vomiting

· Change in mood or behaviour

· Loss of appetite

· Sore throat

For very high levels of gas, your pet may become unconscious or may even die.

6. Higher than your normal gas bill

If you notice a big change in your gas bill, call your local gas fitting Sydney service provider as this can be an indication that gas is leaking through your pipes or lines. Have them check and inspect your systems to see what’s causing the sudden rise in your bill. Also, this way, they will be able to find the faults and risks and prevent them from causing any more problems in the future.