Home maintenance tips to help prevent natural gas leaks

When it comes to natural gas, safety is most people’s top concern. While natural gas is safe to use in your home, you should still take steps to fend off any safety issues. We’ve got all the tips you need to help prevent natural gas leaks and keep your home safe.

How to Prevent a Natural Gas Leak

Maintenance

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your natural gas appliances/equipment can prevent natural gas leaks from happening through a damaged part. This includes cleaning your natural gas oven, regularly changing your HVAC filter, setting your water heater below 130°F, and cleaning your dryer’s lint trap after each use. If you notice something wrong with an appliance, like a yellow or orange flame or decreased performance, have a professional take a look to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Proper Use

You should never use a natural gas appliance for anything other than its intended purpose. For example, do not try to use your gas oven to heat your home. Placement also matters — gas appliances should always have proper ventilation. It’s also important to keep the area surrounding them clear of anything flammable or reactive.

Leave It to the Pros

When installing a new natural gas appliance, or moving one already in your home, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Call a professional or licensed technician to ensure the equipment is handled safely and all valves are installed correctly. A loose or missing valve can lead to a natural gas leak.

Correct Equipment

All natural gas appliances should have been checked for compliance with gas safety standards before being sold, but you should still research safety certifications before making a final purchase. Additionally, when looking for an outdoor grill, you need to shop for the right type. Natural gas grills have the proper connections to use natural gas safely. Converting a propane grill for natural gas use is not recommended and can be dangerous.

Natural Gas Education

Teach your kids about natural gas safety so you never have to worry about them endangering themselves when they’re around a natural gas appliance.

Know What’s Below

Whether installing a fence or doing something as simple as starting your spring garden, you need to call 811 before you dig into the ground. Georgia law mandates that you must contact Georgia 811 at least 48 hours before starting any digging work. Someone will come mark any utility lines, including natural gas lines, found on your property so you can avoid damaging your lines and potentially causing a natural gas leak.

How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak

If you suspect a natural gas leak, 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.

Natural Gas Leak

Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with a natural gas leak in your home. There are a few signs that your home may have a natural gas leak. Remember this acronym to help you remember the signs of a leak and what to do if you suspect one:

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. If you smell something skunk-, trash-, or rotten egg-like, that may be a sign of a natural gas leak.  
• Keep Away! If you suspect a natural gas leak, don’t stop to investigate the situation 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.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

You already know you need a smoke detector to protect your home and family. But, did you know there are also gas and carbon monoxide detectors? These can detect a natural gas leak even if you don’t. Installing a natural gas detector is a great way to keep your home (and everyone in it) safe.

And 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.

We hope these tips help you feel secure about your ability to prevent a natural gas leak. Visit our Help Center for more natural gas safety tips and information.