An unpleasant smell of sulfur has invaded your house or apartment. Be careful; this may be a gas leak emanating from a pipe or the boiler, this can be detected with a gas leak detection sensors. How to detect a gas leak? How to fix it? Several signs such as smell, overconsumption of energy, or its age should alert you. The consequences can be dire and dramatic, so get in touch with a pro without further ado and get safe. Symptoms and safety actions, we tell you everything!
A possible gas leak which can be detected with a gas leak detection sensors should not be taken lightly because the risks are very real:
Asphyxiation: a gas leak is hazardous for your health and that of the inhabitants of the accommodation. It can deprive you of oxygen without you realizing it and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The explosion: the gas is very flammable. A fire can break out at the slightest spark, or worse, an explosion can occur in your home and set the room ablaze. Contact 18 quickly in the event of a fire.
A professional will find the leak quickly!
How do I know if there is a gas leak? 3 signs that should alert
You have serious doubts about a possible gas leak in your home. Be vigilant and attentive to confirm or deny your fears. Several signs or symptoms should alert you:
1. An Unusual Sulfur Sme
Even though the gas is odorless, a product added to town gas gives it a sulfur smell which can be more or less intense. This product is used to detect and smell gas in the event of a leak in the boiler, for example.
2. Overconsumption Of Energy
Your boiler does not heat up anymore, and you have not raised the temperature of your radiators. However, by peeling your bills, you notice abnormal overconsumption of energy from one month to the next without changing your habits.
3. An Old And Poorly Maintained Boiler
Is your gas boiler old and the installation dilapidated? The previous owners have neglected the annual maintenance? Some pipes that are too damaged may no longer be waterproof.
cool Tip for finding the gas leak
Apply soapy water to various places likely to be the gas leak source: pipes, fittings, appliances, etc. If bubbles appear, you’ve found the leak!
Gas Leak: What To Do And Who To Call?
If you smell an unusual odor, even a slight one, of egg or sulfur, the likelihood of a leak is high. You have no choice; you must contact a professional to find its origin and secure the accommodation. But in the meantime, better to put yourself out of danger by adopting the right actions:
If the odor is weak and comes from an appliance:
- Cut off the gas supply,
- Ventilate the accommodation: open all windows and doors,
- Warn the neighbors,
- Get out of danger: get out of the building or the house in peace.
- If the smell is strong and you hear a hissing sound:
- Do not use electricity and do not touch any device: telephone, switch, etc.
- Do not smoke and do not light any flames,
- Warn the neighbors,
- Get out of danger: leave the building or house calmly and leave the door open.
Once outside the building, contact a gas and heating professional for a quick emergency response.
The Right Reflexes To Have In Case Of A Gas Leak In 5 Steps
If you smell gas in your home, you need to know how to control the situation without panicking. Knowing what to do in a gas leak can help prevent serious and even fatal accidents. The correct actions to take in the event of a suspected gas leak can be broken down into 5 steps:
- If you have the slightest doubt, all doors and windows should be opened immediately to ventilate the room and let air in;
- P return your neighbors in the risk of gas leakage, especially if you live in an apartment;
- Turn off the gas meter valve to prevent a larger leak;
- Move away from the building of the house to get to safety and that in the event of an explosion, you are out of reach.
