Keeping your home free from gas leaks is something you need to take seriously. The best thing to do primarily with stuff with a potential of having devastating effects is to prevent it. It is always cheaper and better than trying to fix things after the damage has been caused already. Even when a gas leak has occurred, quick detection may be your saving grace from imminent doom. It is why it is essential that you know how to maintain your appliances and detect gas leaks in your home. Finding a gas leak in Brentwood isn’t something too hard to do. All you need to do is to call in Brentwood plumber with a leak detection equipment that will help you identify weak points in your home and have it fixed in no time.
If you suspect a gas leak in your home, as an initial precaution, or if you are finding it hard to find a plumber near Brentwood that can help you out, there are specific simple tips you can follow to detect gas leaks yourself. There are immediate precautions you can take to avert danger before experts arrive. The effects of undetected gas leaks are devastating. Apart from the obvious and most common, which is explosions and fires, it could also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which can have serious health implication on the human body system. Because of the dangerous effects of an undetected gas leak, it is vital that you know what precautions to take to avoid one and the immediate steps to take before your plumber arrives.
How can you detect gas leaks?
The most visible sign of a leak in your home is the smell of gas. But with carbon monoxide, there are other physical signs that you can watch out for if there is a leak. Carbon dioxide messes with your body’s oxygen balance; you might suddenly feel light-headed, dizzy, ill or nauseous. When this happens, step outside the house to get some fresh air. If you discover that the symptoms disappear, then you most likely have a carbon monoxide leak in your home.
If you are also observant, which you should be, there are tell-tale signs on your appliances that confirms a leak. A yellow or orange flame is an indication of something being wrong. Some devices have pilot lights that blow out whenever there is a leak. Also, having soot or any black or scorched area on your appliances means something is wrong too. You can also check your windows for signs of excessive condensation as that could also be an indication of a gas leak.
What should you do when you suspect a leak?
The first thing to do is to turn off the supply of gas at your gas meter. As an initial precaution especially if you just moved into your home or you’ve just made significant changes to the layout, you should try as much as possible to familiarize yourself with how to access and turn your gas supply off and on.
Once all is done, you must open all your windows and doors to let fresh air in and disperse the gas in your home. If the windows cannot be opened for any reason, get out into the fresh air for your safety. Overexposure to carbon monoxide might cause you to pass out. While your home is still being aired out, avoid using electrical switches, or any other thing that could create a spark. Also, put out any naked flame and avoid smoking, or using lighters and matches anytime you suspect a leak.