
What are the signs of a gas leak in your home?
Natural gas is said to be one of the best energy resources for bathing, cooking, and heating homes in St. Louis, Missouri. It is all-natural energy, coming from the earth, it is clean burning, and has gained in popularity. But any responsible homeowner should be aware of gas leak detection because natural gas can be dangerous.
What will a gas leak do? Can a gas leak cause an explosion?
There are over 70 million uses of natural gas according to the American Gas Association. This is a combination of commercial, industrial, and residential use, proof of its popularity. However, it is a highly flammable material that lends to a level of risks including explosions and fire, which is why gas leak detection is necessary.
How serious is a small gas leak?
A small gas leak doesn’t always have a strong smell, and because it is clear, you won’t see a natural gas leak. But there are some indicators that can give you a hint:
- a rotten egg or sulfur odor
- a hissing or whistling sound from a gas line
- a dust cloud or white cloud close to a gas line
- bubbles from a gas line when sprayed with water
- dead dying houseplants
- unusual higher gas bills
Can you smell a gas leak?
It may not be a constant odor, but yes, any size of gas leak will have the familiar odor of rotten egg or sulfur.
Can a gas leak cause a headache?
Yes! A natural gas leak can cause headaches because it uses up oxygen in the room, leaving less for breathing. Other physical symptoms that could be considered a form of gas leak detection are:
- breathing difficulties
- dizziness
- eye irritation
- fatigue
- nausea
- throat irritation
Pets can experience some of these same symptoms. If your skin comes in contact with compressed gas, you may experience blisters and skin turns pale. An extreme, high level of exposure can result in unconsciousness, even death.
Where do gas leaks come from?
The primary ingredient in natural gas is methane, a dangerous asphyxiant that drives oxygen out of an enclosed space while it replaces the space. When installed correctly and used properly, natural gas is convenient and safe, but it isn’t impossible for a gas leak to occur. Common issues that cause gas leaks that gas leak detection equipment could find before it becomes a problem are:
- Faulty Gas Pipes
Exterior gas pipes can leak by being crisscrossed under the house, running from the source to each appliance. Over time, this piping can become faulty, break, or lose its seal, resulting in a gas leak. Gas leak detection equipment will find that at the smallest amount of leak before it becomes dangerous.
Inadequate Ventilation
Carbon dioxide can leak into your home because of a malfunctioning exhaust fan, poor ventilation, or a clogged chimney. Since it is odorless, carbon dioxide is even more dangerous than natural. In addition to having a gas leak detection device in your home, a carbon dioxide detector is recommended.
What can cause a gas leak?
A shifting ground can cause a gas pipe to leak, and if you suspect an exterior gas line leak, it is important to call 911 and the natural gas company. They will arrive with gas leak detection equipment that can pinpoint the leak so that it can be repaired.
As we mentioned earlier, if a clogged chimney or ventilation comes loose, or after some time, the gas pipe and connection to your appliance will lose their seal. This is why experts recommend checking your gas lines and connections periodically are important. And with gas leak detection devices in your home, you can catch these issues before it becomes dangerous.
How do you detect a gas leak?
You can’t see it. You can’t taste it. It is a safe and natural way to bathe, cook, and heat your home, yet, natural gas leaks can be dangerous and deadly, just like carbon monoxide. Enjoy an all-gas home, just be aware of possible issues like the following gas leak detections:
- You are smelling rotten eggs, sewage, sulfur, and even a skunk-like odor. If you notice any of these odors, after checking all the burners and making sure the flame didn’t blow out on the pilot lights, you likely have a gas leak.
- You are noticing that your plants are dying all of the sudden.
- You notice damage to a gas line or gas connection.
- You’re hearing a hissing or whistling sound coming from a gas line.
These are things you need to always be aware of, but it doesn’t mean you should avoid having natural gas. Just like you need to make sure electrical wires aren’t compromised, you’ll need to be aware of your gas lines and connections.

Closing on a Safe Note
If your home or business has natural gas, you should know what to do if you smell gas:
- Check burners and turn off any that are on
- Check pilot lights, if the flame is out, turn the gas off, wait 30 minutes, and relight
- Open all the windows
If you can’t find where the gas leak is coming from, evacuate the property and call 911 then the gas company. Safety should always be a priority in these situations. Before you have these issues, invest in gas leak detection equipment, and keep it up-to-date and functioning.
If you suspect you have a gas leak and want reliable gas leak detection in St Louis, MO, call 314-348-7503.