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What Should I do if I Suspect a Gas Leak?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

If you are reading this because you think there is a gas leak in your home, you should immediately vacate the building and use a neighbor's phone to call emergency services and the gas company. Leaks can be extremely dangerous, and they require prompt attention.

More general information about gas leaks can help people prevent them and identify them in their early stages. Natural gas, propane, and several other products known as “gas” are used as fuel for heating and cooking in many homes. As a fuel, gas is valued because it tends to burn cleanly and efficiently. It also poses a safety risk, because it is highly combustible, and it can cause death by suffocation if people inhale enough of it.

Carbon monoxide detectors can alert homeowners to the buildup of the odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide detectors can alert homeowners to the buildup of the odorless gas.

In its natural state, gas is largely odorless, which means that a leak cannot be detected until it is too late. For this reason, gas companies add odors to their gas. Sulfur is a common choice of additive, since it is distinctive and strong. Many homes with gas devices have low levels of gas odor when the stove is turned on, or when the occupants are reaching the bottom of a gas tank, but strong smell or a marked increase in odor level can indicate the presence of a gas leak.

Homes with gas appliances experience low levels of gas odor when the appliance is turned on.
Homes with gas appliances experience low levels of gas odor when the appliance is turned on.

Smell isn't the only tool that can be used to detect a gas leak. It is also possible to use gas detectors, which will signal an alert if there is gas in the air. Detectors can be useful for people with an impaired sense of smell and for heavy sleepers. A gas detector may also include a carbon monoxide detector, a useful tool to have with gas appliances because it alerts users to the fact that the devices are burning inefficiently and causing a carbon monoxide buildup. Hardware stores typically stock such devices, and some landlords will pay for their installation.

Move all animal and human occupants to a safe place if a gas leak is suspected.
Move all animal and human occupants to a safe place if a gas leak is suspected.

The most important thing to do if a gas leak is suspected is to leave the area, taking all animal and human occupants of the area to a safe place. Electrical devices should not be turned on if a leak is suspected, and it is a good idea to turn any devices that are on to an off position, as long as they are on the way out the door. Open flames are also strongly ill advised, for obvious reasons. The gas should also be turned off, using the valve located on the gas pipe where it enters the structure.

Call emergency services and the gas company to report a suspected gas leak after vacating the building.
Call emergency services and the gas company to report a suspected gas leak after vacating the building.

Some regions have a special hotline which people can call to report gas leaks. In other instances, people can call emergency services or their local fire department. Once emergency services has been alerted, the gas company can be called. Together, the agencies can determine whether or not there is a leak, and they can resolve the problem which is causing the leak.

Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and require prompt attention.
Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and require prompt attention.

Calling the fire department because you smell gas might seem a bit over dramatic, but the fire department would rather be safe than sorry. A gas explosion could potentially cause serious property damage and loss of life, and firefighters would rather respond when they are not needed than be called after it's too late.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

clippers

What are the most common signs of a gas leak? Will I really be able to tell if I have one?

And should I call the police or the fire department along with the gas company?

nextcorrea

I know that there are carbon monoxide detectors that you can buy but do they have detectors for other types of harmful gas? I would be very interested to know because I have always been paranoid of gas leaks and if I could give my home an extra level of safety it would really help my peace of mind.

vigilant

Definitely call the gas company the minute you suspect you might have a gas leak. About ten years ago a house a block away from me burned down because they had a gas leak that eventually caught fire.

Thankfully no one was hurt but it was still very scary for everyone in the neighborhood and a terrible loss for that family. A gas leak is nothing to take lightly. Report it immediately!

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    • Carbon monoxide detectors can alert homeowners to the buildup of the odorless gas.
      By: Ray Kasprzak
      Carbon monoxide detectors can alert homeowners to the buildup of the odorless gas.
    • Homes with gas appliances experience low levels of gas odor when the appliance is turned on.
      By: jokerpro
      Homes with gas appliances experience low levels of gas odor when the appliance is turned on.
    • Move all animal and human occupants to a safe place if a gas leak is suspected.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Move all animal and human occupants to a safe place if a gas leak is suspected.
    • Call emergency services and the gas company to report a suspected gas leak after vacating the building.
      By: muro
      Call emergency services and the gas company to report a suspected gas leak after vacating the building.
    • Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and require prompt attention.
      By: Mario Lopes
      Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and require prompt attention.