If you have a natural gas leak in or around your Utah home, you face a significant risk of a devastating fire or explosion – one that can hurt or kill you and your family.
Even if the problem doesn’t cause a disaster of this magnitude, a leak can create unhealthy indoor air conditions. Most homeowners believe they’ll smell a natural gas leak before the problem gets out of hand but that’s not always the case. That’s why it’s imperative that you – and all members of your household – understand how to watch for and recognize a leak.
Persistent Health Problems
When gas leaks inside the home, it reduces the amount of oxygen available in the air.
Some of the most common indications of natural gas exposure include
- Persistent nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Vision problems
- Throat irritation
- Chronic respiratory issues
Headaches are arguably the most commonly reported symptom related to natural gas exposure. If you or other members of your household notice persistent headaches, leave the house for several hours and notice whether this symptom resolves during that time. Return home and see if the headaches recur. If so, you may have a gas leak or, alternatively, a problem with excess carbon monoxide in your home.
Call Black Diamond Experts immediately to have your gas lines evaluated.
Chronic Pet Illnesses
Leaking gas can also affect your pets before you notice symptoms in yourself or family members. Pets’ lower body weight and proximity to the ground can make them more susceptible to small leaks.
Common indications of exposure in domestic animals include
- red or watery eyes
- loss of appetite
- behavioral changes
- trouble breathing
- lethargy
- vomiting
If any of these symptoms persist more than a few days, have your pet checked by a veterinarian. Make sure to ask your vet if the problem could be related to gas exposure.
You can also remove your pet(s) from the home for a day or two and observe whether the symptoms disappear. If so, call for emergency plumbing repair as quickly as possible.
Dead House Plants
If you don’t have a green thumb, you may chalk your inability to keep plants alive up to bad luck. However, before you dismiss your house plant struggles, consider how close the pots are to gas lines and appliances.
Do you have plants in other areas of the house that don’t struggle to survive? If so, the problem could be gas exposure. Likewise, if you have an underground gas leak outside your home, you may notice a patch of dead plants near where the line runs.
Play it safe and call your plumber for a full evaluation of your home’s gas lines.
What to Do if You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you smell natural gas or have reason to believe you have a gas leak, take your family and your pets outside quickly and get well away from the house. Call the gas company to have service shut off and wait for additional instructions.
These issues can pose a serious risk to you and your family, so it’s important you do not attempt to troubleshoot or repair them yourself. Black Diamond Electric Plumbing Heating & Air can help you with gas line issues, especially if they relate to your water heater and home appliance lines. Contact us today to schedule a service call. Our licensed plumbers can help you stay safe and avoid a deadly gas leak in your Utah home.
