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Many household appliances operate using gas; therefore, it’s essential to know what to do in the event of a gas leak. It’s crucial that you and your family are safe in your home. You should ensure that potentially dangerous gas appliances are correctly maintained, as having a faulty gas appliance can be very dangerous.
It’s also a good idea to be prepared for a gas leak. If you smell gas in your property, you’ll need to act quickly, so it’s crucial to know what steps to take. If you live in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and are looking to have a gas appliance maintained or repaired, you may like to contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. The company is licensed to work with gas and can help in the event of a leak.
This article will tell you what to do in the event of a leak. We’ll tell you how to keep your family safe. It’s essential to be aware of the problems a leak can cause and to act quickly if you smell gas in your property.
Gas Leak Warnings
Gas leaks can cause many problems for you and your family. They can be very hazardous and, in the worse cases, can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. For these reasons, you’ll need to act quickly as soon as you smell gas in your home. Gas is extremely combustible, and fires can be caused by just a small amount of gas.
Household appliances use gas, which is burned in a controlled manner. This allows us to heat our homes or cook food. If an appliance becomes faulty, a leak could occur. Sometimes the pipework may become corroded and cause a leak, which can quickly spread. When this happens, there is a risk that it will ignite and cause a fire or an explosion. Obviously, this could have potentially devastating results for your family and home.
What to Do If You Smell Gas in Your Home
If you ever think you can smell gas in your home, the first thing you should do is get your whole family out of the house. Once outside, you can use your cell phone to call for help. Alternatively, ask a neighbor if you can use their phone to call either the gas company or the fire department.
It’s very important that you don’t light a match, attempt to fix the gas leak yourself, or turn any lights or electrical appliances on or off. Be aware that the chances of a fire starting or an explosion are very high. It’s also a good idea to leave some windows and doors open, which will help clear the gas from your home.
Once your family are all safely outside your home, turn off the gas supply using the main gas shutoff valve. Some people don’t feel confident or safe when they turn off their gas supply. If you don’t want to touch the gas shutoff valve, wait until the utility company arrives, and they will be able to shut it off for you.
It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with where the gas valve is located before you experience any problems. You’ll usually find this valve on the gas inlet pipe, which is likely to be beside your gas meter. You can shut the gas off by using an adjustable wrench. Turn the gas shutoff valve approximately one-quarter of a turn in either direction. This will cause the valve flats to move into a closed position, which is perpendicular to the pipe.
You should never attempt to turn the gas back on; wait until an expert arrives to assess the situation, fix the issue, and determine that it’s safe to turn the gas back on.
As well as knowing where the shut off valve is and how to turn it off, it’s also a good idea to ensure that other members of your family know how to turn off the gas. You may like to put a tag on the gas valve to help your partner and other family members identify the gas valve. It would also be wise to leave a wrench in a convenient place so that it will be easy to locate in the event of a gas leak.
Signs of Damage and Corrosion
It’s a good idea to regularly check your gas appliances and pipework for signs of corrosion. Look out for rust or green discoloration. If you notice any signs of corrosion, it’s essential to contact a gas repair company before the situation gets worse and you have a leak. If left unchecked, problems with pipework and appliances can become very dangerous.
Call in a professional who can carry out a tightness test to ensure that the pipes are safe and there are no gas leaks. They will also visually inspect your appliances and pipework to check that it’s in good condition. One of the best ways to ensure that your home and family remain safe is to have your gas appliances serviced annually. This will reduce the likelihood of a leak and stop carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, or an explosion.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain, Gas Leak Specialists
If you think you smell gas in your home, it’s important to take action immediately. Call in a professional who will check whether there is a gas leak. If you live in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and are looking to have a gas appliance maintained or repaired, don’t hesitate to contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain.
The company employs highly skilled and knowledgeable tradespeople who are licensed to work with gas and can help in an emergency. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain are a BBB accredited business that has achieved an A+ rating.
Whether you’re looking to have your gas pipes serviced, repaired, or have a plumbing problem, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Fort Lauderdale today on 954-329-1426. Blue Frog is an experienced plumbing service which is leaps and bounds above the rest!
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