Natural gas is an efficient and widely used energy source for heating, cooking, and powering appliances in homes throughout Metro Detroit. While it’s generally safe when properly installed and maintained, gas leaks can pose serious risks to health, property, and even lives. That’s why every homeowner should know how to detect gas leaks and what steps to take if a leak is suspected.
Why Gas Leaks Are Dangerous
Natural gas is highly flammable. A single spark in the presence of a leak can result in a fire or explosion. Even when no fire occurs, prolonged exposure to gas can lead to serious health problems, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
In extreme cases, gas leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. Because natural gas is odorless, a distinctive sulfur-like smell (similar to rotten eggs) is added to help people detect leaks early.
Common Causes of Gas Leaks
Gas leaks in residential settings can be caused by several factors, including:
- Aging or corroded gas lines
- Loose or faulty connections in appliances
- Improper installation
- Accidental damage during home renovations
- Poor maintenance
In older homes, aging infrastructure is a common culprit. Metro Detroit has a large inventory of mid-century and early 20th-century homes, many of which may still rely on outdated gas piping systems.
How to Detect a Gas Leak
Being able to identify the signs of a gas leak early can make all the difference in preventing a disaster. Here’s what to look, smell, and listen for:
1. The Smell of Rotten Eggs
This is the most obvious sign. Utility companies add mercaptan to natural gas, giving it a distinct, sulfuric odor. If you smell this anywhere in your home, it’s a strong indicator of a leak.
2. Hissing or Whistling Sounds
If you hear a hissing noise near a gas appliance or gas line, it may be a sign that gas is escaping under pressure. This sound should be taken very seriously.
3. Dead or Discolored Plants
If indoor plants near gas appliances suddenly die or look unhealthy, this could be due to prolonged gas exposure. Outdoors, a patch of dead grass above a buried gas line may also indicate a leak.
4. Bubbles in Standing Water
If gas is leaking from an underground line, you may see bubbles forming in puddles or wet areas on your lawn or driveway.
5. Physical Symptoms
If multiple people in your household start experiencing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea at the same time, especially in conjunction with the above signs, a gas leak may be the cause.
What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you believe you have a gas leak, act immediately. Your safety and the safety of others depend on quick, calm, and correct actions.
Step 1: Evacuate the Area
Get everyone out of the house immediately. Do not stop to collect belongings. Open windows and doors on your way out if you can do so safely.
Step 2: Avoid Using Electronics
Do not turn lights on or off, use your phone, or operate any electrical switches or appliances, as even a small spark could ignite the gas.
Step 3: Turn Off the Gas (If Safe)
If you know where your gas meter is and can access it safely, turn off the gas supply using the shutoff valve. Only do this if you are 100% certain it’s safe.
Step 4: Call 911 and Your Gas Company
Once you’re at a safe distance from the property, call 911 to report the leak. Also contact your utility provider to inform them of the situation.
Step 5: Call a Licensed Plumber
After emergency services have declared the area safe, call a licensed professional like Waterwork Plumbing to inspect and repair the issue. Do not re-enter the home or use gas appliances until a professional has given the all-clear.
Professional Gas Line Inspection & Repair Services in Metro Detroit
At Waterwork Plumbing, we offer comprehensive gas line services, including:
- Gas leak detection
- Emergency shutoff and repairs
- Gas line replacement and installation
- Appliance connection inspections
Our technicians are licensed and experienced in working with residential gas lines. We use specialized equipment to detect even the smallest leaks, and we follow all safety and code regulations to ensure your home is secure.
Preventing Gas Leaks in the Future
Prevention is always better than a cure. Here’s how you can reduce the risk of gas leaks in your home:
- Schedule annual inspections of your gas lines and appliances
- Have appliances professionally installed and maintained
- Replace aging or corroded gas piping
- Keep vegetation and debris away from outdoor gas meters
- Know the location of your main gas shutoff valve
Metro Detroit’s climate and aging housing make routine inspections even more important. Seasonal temperature shifts can cause pipes to expand and contract, which over time can compromise joints and seals.
Why Choose Waterwork Plumbing?
As a trusted plumbing company based in Ferndale, Waterwork Plumbing has been serving the Metro Detroit area since 2006. We offer fast response times, transparent pricing, and certified technicians trained to handle gas line repairs safely and effectively.
With our reputation for quality and customer care, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands, whether you need a routine inspection or an emergency repair. If you suspect a gas leak in Metro Detroit or simply want peace of mind, don’t wait. Contact Waterwork Plumbing for expert gas line inspection and repair services. Visit waterworkplumbing.com or call us to schedule your service. We’re here 24/7 to keep your home and family safe.
