How Do You Know If You Have A Gas Leak?

Prevention is always better than reaction in the case of gas leaks. But sometimes, a gas leak will still occur.

However, for those who are unsure whether or not they’re smelling gas an alarming trend occurs: they ignore it. Instead of turning a blind eye to a potential gas leak, learn more about the problem and know how to help prevent a dangerous problem.

Gas leaks, when ignored, have a tendency to cause a lot of health problems. Dizziness, nausea and headaches are some of the more minor side effects. Memory loss and vomiting are among the more severe. Depending on the problem, death may even occur—and that is truly tragic when people realize that gas leaks deaths are very preventable. One of the best ways to help prevent a gas leak from occurring is to have your commercial meter and gas lines inspected and repaired as needed bi-annually. The professionals at MBS have worked with clients up and down the California coast to help with prevention—and we can help you too.

A leak may still occur, even if you work to prevent them. In most instances where our clients are working to prevent gas leaks, a leak occurs due to an earthquake. Mild or major, earthquakes can break gas lines. That’s why it’s important to have Seismic Gas Shut-Off Valves (SGSOV) which can prevent gas fires after an earthquake. MBS has installed thousands of automatic gas shut off valves throughout the state of California. Of course, there are times that even prevention can’t stop a gas leak. Here are three signs that you may be experiencing a gas leak.

The Tell-Tale Smell
Natural gas has a very distinct odor due to an additive that utility companies use called mercaptan. While harmless, the rotten egg smell alerts business owners to a gas leak quickly as natural gas is both colorless and odorless.

A Hissing Sound
Do you know where your gas lines are located? Most are closer to the surface than we realize. If you hear a hissing sound, do a little investigating. Make sure the noise is not coming from an appliance. If you discover the sound is a leaky gas line or the sound is accompanied by the smell of gas, immediately exit the area and contact the professionals.

An Unexplained Mist
Most people don’t realize this but a broken gas line may give itself away by emitting a strange white cloud around your building. Again, you should also notice an odd smell. If your office appears to be cloaked in a strange white fog, exit the area immediately and dial 911 as well as a gas leak detection service or your local utility company.
The next time you suspect a gas leak—or you want to prevent problems down the road—contact the experts at MBS. We’ve helped hundreds of clients throughout California and we’re here to help you, too.