October 31

Gas Leak Detection: Who to Call When You Suspect a Leak

Learn the Signs of a Gas Leak—and Who to Call If You Suspect One

While some home issues vary in urgency, gas leaks are always an emergency. Any form of gas leak in your home creates an immediate health risk, both from you and family members breathing in the gas and from the potential for fires in your home. That means it’s crucial for homeowners to know how to identify a potential gas leak, as well as who to call if you suspect one.

At S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting, we aim to keep our customers educated on plumbing and gas emergencies they may face in their homes. Here’s what you need to know about gas leaks.

Signs That You Have a Gas Leak

Gas leaks can be difficult to detect, which is why it’s important to have a professional you can call to assess the situation. Still, there are a few clear signs that may indicate your home has one.

Off or Sulfur Smell

The telltale sign of a gas leak is the odour. Natural gas does not have an inherent smell, which created a problem when it came to detecting leaks in the past. However, nowadays utility companies add a harmless chemical (mercaptan) to give it an unmistakable smell that homeowners will notice if they have a leak (or accidentally leave the gas on). 

Elevated Gas Bills

When gas leaks occur, the natural gas won’t always make it into your home—or at least, not at a level that you’d notice by the smell alone. However, a consistent amount of wasted gas will definitely show up in your utility bills. While gas bills shift with the seasons, your bill is typically predictable. If you notice a sudden spike in your gas bill without an explanation, it’s likely time to call someone to inspect a potential gas leak.

Physical Symptoms

A gas leak can cause any number of physical symptoms from being constantly breathed in. This is part of what makes gas leaks such a significant health risk. Symptoms that may arise from a gas leak in your home include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat

Who Do You Call If You Suspect a Gas Leak?

It’s crucial to act quickly if you have a gas leak, and that means it’s important to know who to call. Typically, there are a couple good options, and you may want to contact both.

First, it’s a good idea to call your utility company right away to notify them of the gas leak. Depending on where the leak has arisen, they may need to service your lines to resolve the problem.

To resolve the emergency situation (and fully detect and diagnose your gas leak), it’s also important to get in touch with a professional gasfitting company. Here at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting, our emergency team is available around the clock to detect gas leaks and provide emergency services for potential problems.

Get in Touch with S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting!

A potential gas leak is an emergency situation that should not be left unaddressed for any length of time. If you aren’t sure whether you have a gas leak, knowing who to call will help resolve the situation and protect your family.

At S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting, our team has the resources and expertise needed to detect potential gas leaks wherever they may be in your home. Once detected, we can provide options for addressing the leak and preventing dangerous situations in your home. Whether you’ve noticed an odour or have rising gas bills, it’s critical to never ignore potential signs of a gas leak. Call S&J today!


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