Detecting And Preventing A Gas Leak

You've probably heard the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this is surely true when it comes to gas leaks. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, Comfort Services can find it for you. Otherwise, it's better to take measures ahead of time to prevent a gas leak and avoid all the damage it may cause.

Preventing Gas Leaks
The best way to prevent gas leaks is to keep all your gas appliances well-maintained. This includes furnaces, boilers, ovens and water heaters. Scheduling regular maintenance with a certified technician is a good way to make sure your appliances are all running safely and efficiently. It's wise to have your appliances inspected annually, or any time your area experiences extreme weather or a natural disaster.

You can also prevent leaks by taking precautions any time you buy a new appliance. Check its labels and certificates to make sure that it's up to standards, and have it professionally installed.

Leak Detection
You can also inspect appliances for leaks. Check the appliance as well as all connections and gas lines to make sure everything is secure. If you have appliances that use a standing pilot light, make sure the pilot is lit; otherwise gas can freely flow through the fixture. Gas is usually recognizable by the distinct odor of additives that are included in the gas to enable detection.

Carbon monoxide detectors will often be set off by a gas leak, so it's a good idea to keep them in the house (preferably at least one for each level of the home) and make sure it always has fresh batteries (unless it's hardwired into your home's electrical system). In some cases, a gas leak will occur inside a wall cavity, which makes detecting it and finding its source difficult. If you detect a gas leak, or if you suspect a leak but cannot find its source, turn off all appliances and electronic devices in your house, call for assistance, and evacuate your residence immediately.

For more information on the prevention and detection of gas leaks, contact Comfort Services. We've been locally owned and operated in Columbia since 1976, and are committed to keeping residents of South Carolina's Midlands comfortable and safe.