How to Detect and Prevent Gas Leaks

We know safety is top of mind for many natural gas users. That’s why we’ve gathered these tips and tricks to detect and prevent gas leaks.

While uncommon, natural gas leaks can occur and it’s best to know what to do if that happens. We’ll walk you through best practices in case of emergency, plus provide tips that will help prevent gas leaks and keep your home and family safe.

Detecting a Natural Gas Leak

Detecting natural gas leaks is not difficult, thanks to mercaptan. The distinct smell of natural gas is actually a safety feature. On its own, natural gas is colorless and odorless — mercaptan is added to give gas a distinct “rotten egg” odor to make it easier to identify gas leaks. For those with a diminished sense of smell or homes where other scents may mask the natural gas odor, there are other things to watch for to avoid missing any gas leaks.

We’ve made it easy to remember what to look for and how to react when it comes to gas leaks. Just remember L.E.A.K.

• Listen for warning signs both inside and outside your home. A faint hiss from your natural gas appliances and/or from the ground outside may signal a larger problem. 
• Eyes should watch for discolored flames or excess soot around a pilot light. Outside, look for blowing dirt, dying vegetation, and bubbling water.
• Aromas are a great indicator of a natural gas leak, as explained above. If you smell something skunk-, trash-, or rotten egg-like, that may be a sign of a natural gas leak.  
• Keep Away! If you smell natural gas in your house, don’t stop to investigate the potential leak yourself. Instead, leave the area immediately. Once you are a safe distance away, place a call to Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) at 877.427.4321.

Keep LEAK in mind whenever you sense something off and think of what you’ve learned about natural gas leaks. Don’t second guess yourself or take any risks, leave the area if you suspect a leak. You can rest easy knowing you’re prepared to detect any gas leaks that may happen and keep your family safe in case of one.

Tips to Prevent Gas Leaks

Prevent Gas Leaks Inside Your Home

Natural gas leak prevention starts with proper care of appliances and systems in your home. Regular maintenance will help keep your natural gas systems in good shape, meaning they’ll run more efficiently and be less likely to fail. Something as simple as changing your air filter on a regular basis or deep cleaning your natural gas stove could make a big difference. Plus, appliances that run more efficiently will save you money on your energy bills. Safety and savings? A win-win situation.

There are other things to keep in mind when it comes to natural gas appliance safety. Consider the age of your appliances when working to prevent gas leaks. Older home systems are more likely to fail, break, or cause damage to your natural gas lines. Pay extra close attention to your older appliances so you can notice any problems that could cause a leak. This way, you can repair or replace before it gets to the point of a gas leak in your home.

For homes with young children with access to any natural gas appliances, education is an important part of gas safety. Teach your kids not to use the gas stove without an adult around and to stay away from the water heater. Not only will this keep your children safe, it will ensure they don’t accidentally break something or leave a burner on, causing a gas leak.

Don’t Damage the Pipelines Outside

When it comes to the natural gas pipelines on your property, there’s not much you can control Natural disasters and external accidents are out of your hands — however, you can ensure you don’t cause any damage yourself. Before you break ground on any outdoor home projects, find out where the pipes are located. Call 811 or fill out a form online to have a professional locator come mark the approximate locations of underground utility lines. This will help you stay away from hitting any pipes while you work.

There’s no need to fear natural gas in your home. You’re now outfitted with the knowledge you need to prevent gas leaks and to protect your household in the rare case a gas leak occurs. Remember, if you detect a natural gas leak, you should immediately leave the residence and call Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321. Stay away from the area until Atlanta Gas Light indicates it is safe to return.