Natural gas supplies almost 25% of all energy used in the United States.
While it does account for some greenhouse gases, especially methane, natural gas is a “relatively clean burning fossil fuel [resulting in] fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) than burning coal or petroleum products to produce an equal amount of energy,” according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
As a result, natural gas has been increasingly used in the U.S for electricity generation and fuel. The American Gas Association says that 177 million American use natural gas for heating, cooking, laundry, lighting, and other energy consumption needs.
Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground to both for human safety and to protect the pipes themselves from inclement weather or other outdoor elements.
Natural gas utilities have used improved production means to decrease pipeline accidents over 50% in the past 30 years. Investments in infrastructure will decrease these accidents further, as well as strengthening existing networks to provide the energy and benefits of natural gas for even more customers.
While a safe and efficient energy source, natural gas is a flammable substance (aka inflammable, aka easily lit on fire).
DID YOU KNOW? Why do flammable and inflammable mean the same thing?
Natural gas is also toxic if inhaled. So care must be taken to avoid exposure to leaks as well as to prevent leaks from happening at all.
When a gas leak is present, it can interact with electrical and fire sources. This could cause an explosion, so it’s very important to immediately leave the area if you smell gas.
Table of Contents
Although leaks are rare, keep yourself and your family safe by knowing:
- Signs of a gas leak
- Physical symptoms of a gas leak
- What to do in case of a gas leak
- What to do after a gas leak
- How to prevent gas leaks
How Do I Know if I Have a Gas Leak?
So what does a gas leak smell like? How do you check for a gas leak? Keep everyone safe by knowing the following signs.
#1. The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs
Natural gas actually has no smell or color. Gas companies add mercaptan to natural gas as a safety precaution before distribution.
It provides an unpleasant garlic-like or rotten egg or sulfur smell warns customers of a potential leak. The stronger the smell, the more likely a leak. If you smell this, leave immediately.
#2. Hissing/Whistling/Blowing sounds near a gas line
Gas leaks can often be found due to a unusual hissing/whistling sounds coming from appliances like gas stoves or washer/dyer units, or from the gas pipe itself. Large leaks may produce sounds even when the appliances are off. Check pipes and appliances regularly, listening for unusual sounds.
#3. White or dirt cloud near a gas line
Natural gas is a light gas and can be easily blown around. If a leak has occurred, you may see spiraling or swirling dirt even with little or no wind
#4. Bubbles in standing water
Bubbles in standing water can be an indication that a natural gas pipeline has broken. If a natural gas leak occurs in underground piping outside the home, you may see bubbles in standing water, puddles, or even mud.
Standing liquid does not normally bubble, so if it does, it may indicate natural gas moving up through the ground into the surrounding air.
#5. Damaged gas pipes
Regular check the physical pipes and fittings. If you seen any loose, broken, or missing connections, have it checked immediately.
#6. Dead plants and vegetation
Are nearby plants dying or discoloring? Dangerous gases will cause vegetation to wilt and change color, and natural gas blocks oxygen absorption in their roots. If houseplants or outside plants, grass, or flowers suddenly start to wilt, turn yellow/white, or grow smaller than normal, they may be responding to gas exposure.
#7. Unusually High Gas Bills
Are your gas bills higher than usual? A gas furnace can certainly mean seasonal variations, but unexpected or sudden increases may indicate excess usage as gas seeps from pipes or appliances in or near your home.
Physical Symptoms of a Gas Leak
Inhaling natural gas can cause gas poisoning. Natural gas is lighter than air and will rise in a room as it escapes from an appliance or leaky pipe.
This makes a gas leak more dangerous than propane, which is heavier and will settle to lower levels like floors or basements. Natural gas can fill a space more quickly, making it more likely to cause explosions if sparked or to cause physical symptoms if inhaled.
Natural gas displaces the air inside a confined space, leading to a variety of physical symptoms from oxygen deficiency.
As the gas concentration increases, symptoms will escalate from minor respiratory and nervous system changes up though incapacitation, unconsciousness, and death by asphyxiation.
Natural gas inhalation at lower levels and concentrations can cause:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irregular or uneven breathing
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Continued or higher levels of exposure to natural gas will lead to gas poisoning:
- More severe headaches
- Memory problems
- Concentration issues
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
- Suffocation
If you start to feel any of these symptoms and think you might be exposed to a natural gas leak, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
You might have also heard about carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is the special byproduct of an incomplete gas burn. Natural gas is a fuel and more flammable than carbon monoxide, but both can start fires if sparked and both can cause suffocation.
Carbon monoxide (CO) can be more dangerous in that it is odorless. Natural gas smells like rotten egg/sulfur because of the legally required additive, so people are more likely to notice and take action. But since CO has no smell, people may not realize they are breathing carbon monoxide and can die in their sleep.
Even when awake, people may notice they feel dizzy, tired, or forgetful and just try to take a nap. A carbon monoxide detector, like a smoke alarm, can safe lives. It is important to note, however, than most CO detectors will NOT detect a natural gas leak.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is characterized by symptoms similar to those caused by a natural gas leak. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Loss of muscle control
- Pink skin, bright red lips
Like natural gas exposure, carbon monoxide exposure may require emergency medical treatment and can be fatal. Call 9-1-1 or contact a healthcare professional if you think you might be suffering from carbon monoxide exposure.
What To Do In Case of a Gas Leak
Knowing what to do if you suspect you have a gas leak is crucial.
If you suspect a gas leak but see no obvious signs:
- Keep track of any physical symptoms that return when re-entering the home. Reoccurring symptoms may indicate a gas leak, carbon monoxide poisoning, or something else like mold or off-gassing VOCs (link to VOC article? )
- If a mild gas smell is present, turn off the pilot light and open all windows immediately. Go outside to call the utility company. A certified inspector can analyze the situation safely.
If you smell gas, DO:
- Open up windows and doors. Ventilation allows the gas to escape.
- Immediately exit the building and leave the area. This applies to anyone in the home. Regroup at a predetermined safe place. You want to limit everyone’s exposure, plus be as far away as possible in case of any explosion or fire.
- Take pets with you.
- Call 9-1-1, the fire department, or your utility. Call once everyone is out and at a safe distance. Follow their instructions.
- Get to a hospital if anyone has severe symptoms.
- Notify any neighbors of the situation. Suggest that they evacuate as well.
Important DON’Ts of a Gas Leak!
If you smell gas:
- DO NOT look for the source.
- DO NOT stay inside or ignore it.
- DO NOT turn any appliances on or off.
- DO NOT turn lights on or off.
- DO NOT use the phone or doorbell.
- DO NOT use lighters, candles, or matches for any reason, including smoking.
- DO NOT use any electronics, including those with batteries.
- DO NOT take the elevator.
- DO NOT start a car.
- DO NOT try to repair the leak yourself.
Leaks may be rare but are dangerous. Follow these basic steps to keep you and your loved ones and your home safe.
What To Do After a Gas Leak
Once you report the suspected leak, a certified inspector can confirm if one is present by using an adjusted electronic gas analyzer. They can also inspect all appliances and gas lines.
Wait until the leak has been found and repaired before returning home. Ventilate and allow the inside to air out. If you don’t already have carbon monoxide detectors, now might be a good time to install them.
Physical symptoms usually resolve quickly on their own, if exposure was minimal and addressed immediately.
Longer term exposure can result in respiratory difficulties, depression, and mood alterations if not treated. Consult with a doctor after a gas leak, especially if feeling any longer lasting effects.
How to Prevent Gas Leaks
The best way to handle natural gas leaks is of course to prevent them in the first place whenever possible. You may find this list helpful in maintaining safety and preventing emergencies from developing.
#1. Inspect all natural gas-powered appliances regularly.
Read manufacturer’s instructions for guidelines on what and how to check for safety.
#2. Check your pilot light.
Water heaters, stoves, generators, clothes dryers, and furnaces are the most common gas appliances. Know which of your appliances are gas-powered, and how to check their pilot light. The flame should be small, blue, and yellow-tipped. Check with the manufacturer if the pilot light looks suspicious.
#3. Keep children away from natural gas sources.
Educate them as well, so that they know what the gas smells like, can recognize symptoms, and know how to call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency.
#4. Know where the gas valve is.
…and know how to shut it off.
#5. Use natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors.
Small, slow leaks may not have enough odor to be noticed, especially by those who might have a diminished sense of smell. Those who suffer from allergies, sinus infections, and now post-Covid smell reduction are particularly at risk of not noticing the smell of a small, barely detectable leak.
Remember that carbon monoxide detectors will not detect a natural gas leak. They will let you know when gas appliances are not properly burning fuel and protect you from CO poisoning.
#6. Call 8-1-1 before digging.
Doing this helps to make sure you don’t hit a gas line when putting in trees, doing landscaping, remodeling, etc. Puncturing a gas line with equipment or a shovel can not only disrupt your power supply, but can also cause large explosions.
#7. Schedule regular inspections.
Regular inspections of all gas-burning appliances and pipelines are a good way to make sure there is not a problem that you can’t see.
These are usually free. A certified professional can also check furnaces, chimneys, flues, and vents.
#8. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
One spark can start a fire. Being able to react quickly by having an extinguisher nearby will reduce potential personal and property damage.
#9. Keep your home ventilated.
In addition, also try and keep areas around gas appliances open. This helps to prevent any gas from building up. Store any flammable cleaners, materials, etc as far away from gas lines and appliances as possible.
#10. Keep important numbers close by.
For those impacted by hurricane seasons and other extreme weather events that might damage pipelines, make sure to have your utility company’s number close, know where the gas valve is, and consider turning off the gas if a severe storm is headed your way.. Check with your company to see if they recommend turning it off, as reestablishing the power can sometimes be a chore.
Remember: if you do smell gas during or after a storm, DO NOT turn anything off, including the valve—just leave and call the authorities from a safe place.
NOTE: If you see any suspicious activities in or around gas pipelines, please call your utility company or local law enforcement agencies. Pipelines are crucial to the U.S. infrastructure and as such, are important to national security.
Natural gas is a safe and efficient source of power for millions of Americans. Still, pipeline leaks can happen, although rarely. And they can be deadly, both because of the fire risk and because of natural gas poisoning.
By taking precautions, knowing the signs and physical symptoms of a natural gas leak, and having a clear plan in case of emergency, you will keep your home and loved ones safe.