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Gas appliances are an excellent alternative to electronic ones, though they come with risks. Gas leaks are a serious issue, and since the gas is colorless, they’re not always easy to detect. Recognizing common signs will ensure you seek safety and contact a plumbing professional to resolve the leak quickly.

Could There Be a Gas Leak in Your Home?

1. Foul Egg Smell

One of the most obvious signs of a gas leak is a rotten egg smell. Natural gas doesn’t have a natural odor—instead, providers add mercaptan, a compound that creates a rotten egg smell. If you detect this in your home, exit and contact your local utility company. They’ll send out a technician or recommend calling a plumbing professional to fix the leak.

2. Gas Bills Are Climbing

plumbing-cookevilleIf you notice a spike in your gas bills despite not using your appliances more often, it may mean a leak. These slow, silent leaks can go unnoticed for months and may be related to faulty connections with gas appliances or damage to supply lines. Bills will only increase as the leak goes unaddressed, so don’t delay an inspection.

3. Health Problems

Long-term exposure to natural gas can cause nausea, trouble breathing, headaches, and flu-like symptoms. Family members may become dizzy, light-headed, or drowsy. It’s important to exit the area if anyone reports these symptoms. Extended inhalation in a small, confined space like a basement can even be fatal, and the gas could ignite and create a fire, so schedule repairs immediately.

4. Dead Plants

Leaks may develop in underground lines if the soil becomes compressed when driving or building over it. You may notice that plants begin to die or change color around the supply line. Inside, house plants near the leak may start to die because they aren’t getting enough oxygen.

 

If you’re dealing with leaks or are overdue for a plumbing inspection, contact Buck’s Plumbing & Sewer Service. This Cookeville, TN, contractor has served the area for over 57 years, handling septic cleaning, sewer line installation, and re-piping. You can explore their full scope of work on their website, or call (931) 528-1157 to speak with a representative. Connect on Facebook to receive news and updates.

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