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Gas Leak Signs You Can’t Afford To Ignore: Call A Plumber | Myrtle Beach, SC
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Natural gas is known to be the most commonly used source of energy. Reports from the American Gas Association showed that over 72 million residential and commercial clients in the United States use natural gas to power water heaters, ovens, and dryers. With proper installation and usage, natural gas can be safe and convenient. However, gas leaks do occur, and if they happen, they can lead to physical symptoms and may even lead to suffocation of humans and pets due to carbon monoxide accumulation.
It is also highly flammable and can result in fires and explosions if such leaks are not addressed earlier. Even if the gas line is installed properly, it can experience some problems later. Having a gas leak in your Myrtle Beach, SC, home can be dangerous to you and your family. You should not repair a gas leak by yourself since it’s highly flammable and toxic. Therefore, if you detect any sign of a gas leak, talk to a professional plumber near you immediately. Below are some of the signs of a gas leak.
Unpleasant Smell
Gas used in homes is usually odorless and in its natural form. Gas manufacturers add a harmless chemical known as mercaptan to the gas to give it a distinctive smell. Therefore, homeowners can easily detect a gas leak at its early stage. If you can detect the smell of rotten eggs, it could be a sign of a gas leak. In such cases, it’s advisable to evacuate the building as you wait for a plumber to fix the mess.
Hissing Sound
If you can hear a whistling or hissing sound in your Myrtle Beach, SC, home, it could be a sign of a gas leak. The sound is generated as the gas tries to find its way through a small opening at increased pressure. A gas leaking to the point of producing unusual sounds can be dangerous since you’re losing large amounts of toxic gas to the surrounding area.
If you can hear such a noise near the gas line or the appliance, you cannot ignore such a problem as it can lead to higher gas bills and damage your property. A plumber can check your gas and fix any issue that’s causing such issues.
Unhealthy or Dead Houseplants
Oxygen is a requirement for plants to grow and survive. If there is a gas leak in your house, chances are, you’ll have insufficient oxygen in your room. For that reason, you may notice some signs such as plants in your bedroom, dining, or kitchen wilting or dying. Dead plants can indicate that you have small leaks that can be difficult to detect or smell.
Gas leaks can affect both plants and individuals in the building or nearby. You may not have to wait for deadly signs such as fires or explosions; it’s wise you call a certified plumbing professional to identify and repair the areas where gas could be leaking.
Physical Signs
Gas leaks can affect your health as well as your loved ones. If you can’t smell its presence in the atmosphere, you can depend on other senses. The presence of natural gas in the house lowers the oxygen levels. Too much exposure to gas in the house can result in physical signs and illness, including headache, dizziness, and nausea.
Some homeowners may also experience skin, eye, or throat irritation when exposed to gas leaks near the walls or ceilings. Continuous exposure can result in blisters and numbness. In the worst cases, it can lead to coma or even death.
Additionally, if you experience breathing problems even after medication, it might be a gas leak, and you may have to check for gas leaks in the building. If you suspect a leak, you should open doors and windows and call a certified plumber as quickly as possible.
Pet Symptoms
Unlike humans, pets are sensitive to changes in air quality. Abnormal behavior displayed by cats, dogs, or birds in your home can be an indication of a gas leak. When exposed to natural gas, pets can show symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or red or watery eyes. If this happens to your pets more often, reach out to a professional to help you detect gas leaks and repair them.
High Gas Bills
At times, you may not be able to detect the smell of natural gas. However, if you have a gas leak, it usually manifests in gas bills. You should keep a record of gas bills to find out if they are above the preceding bills.
If you notice a rise in monthly bills even if you have no new appliance or increased usage in your home, then you may be having a gas leak. When there is a gas leak, chances are you’re using more gas, which translates to higher electricity bills. To avoid paying extra cash, you should contact an expert plumber to inspect possible points of leaks and fix them.
Watch Out Your Appliances
Since natural gas powers household appliances such as water heaters, stoves, and furnaces, a leak in the gas line can affect their efficiency. These appliances need a gas supply to operate, and if there is a leak, they start making strange noises. Because there is an inadequate amount of gas, an appliance may have to overwork, which wears it down and ends up producing unusual sounds every time it’s working.
Also, an appliance may take a longer time than usual to complete a job. Therefore, you should watch out for your appliances to know when you have a gas leak. A certified plumber can examine a failing appliance and fix a gas leak.
Contact a Plumber You Can Trust
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach offers residential and commercial plumbing solutions in Myrtle Beach, SC, and the surrounding areas. Natural gas is poisonous and highly flammable. Therefore, if you experience any of the above signs, you should never try to fix the mess by yourself. Talk to a plumber at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach for professional plumbing services. Our plumbers are available 24/7. Give us a call today.