Do you want to know how to detect gas leakage when you are out of home? Gas leaks occur when natural gas escapes from its container into the atmosphere. Gas leaks can cause serious health problems such as respiratory diseases, heart attacks, or even death. If you suspect that your house has a gas leak, then you should call a professional immediately.
Gas leakages can happen due to several reasons, including faulty pipes, damaged valves, and cracked tanks. These issues can be easily detected using a gas detector.
A gas detector is a device that is designed to detect the presence of gases in the air. This tool helps homeowners identify gas leaks in their homes. There are two types of detectors: handheld and fixed. Handheld detectors are portable devices that can be carried around the house. Fixed detectors are installed at strategic locations in the house. They help locate the source of the gas leak.
If you have any doubts about whether there is a gas leak in your house, then it’s best to contact a professional. A professional will inspect your property thoroughly for signs of gas leaks. He/she will also check if all the necessary safety measures are taken before he/she starts his work.
Some ways to detect gas leaks:
1. Gas Leak Detection Using Handheld Detectors
Handheld detectors are small tools that can be used to find gas leaks in houses. They are easy to use and can be operated by anyone. You just need to place them near the area where you think there might be a gas leak.
2. Gas Leak Detection With Fixed Detectors
Fixed detectors are more effective than handheld ones because they can provide accurate results. However, these devices cost much more than handheld detectors. It is advisable to buy one only after carefully considering your budget.
3. How To Use A Gas Detector
You must first turn on the power supply of the detector. Then, plug it into an electrical outlet. Next, hold the detector close to the suspected area. If you hear a sound, this means that there is a gas leak detection somewhere nearby.
Types Of Gas Leakages
There are three different types of gas leakages. They include:
a) Natural Gas Leaks
These are caused by the escape of natural gas through cracks in underground piping. Natural gas is a colourless, odourless gas that contains methane (CH 4 ). You can smell gas if you get too close to it. It is very unhealthy to inhale a lot of natural gas. If you feel unwell or experience nausea, headache, dizziness, irritability, chest pain, drowsiness, or shortness of breath, then you should call professionals immediately.
b) Carbon Monoxide Leaks
This deadly gas is produced during the incomplete combustion of fuels like charcoal, wood, coal, oil, and gasoline. It enters our bodies through the mouth, nose, lungs, throat, skin, and eyes. Exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to headaches, weakness, vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness, coma, or even death.
c) Acetylene Leaks
Acetylene is a highly flammable gas that can explode with great force. It can be dangerous if a spark ignites acetylene. Acetylene leaks are usually formed when someone cuts open the valve of a tank containing acetylene. The leaking gas mixes with oxygen present in the air, which makes the mixture explosive. As a result, you may suffer serious injuries, including eye damage, hearing loss, burns, and paralysis.
Gas Leaks Symptoms And Prevention
The symptoms of vary depending on the type of gas and its concentration. Some common symptoms of gas leaks are as follows:
- a) Nausea
Nausea is often associated with gas leaks due to the high level of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) present in the air.
- b) Headaches
Headaches are often experienced when people breathe in CO 2. In some cases, burning sensations in the eyes, eyesight problems, and blurred vision may occur.
- c) Dizziness and Weakness
Dizziness and weakness often occur when you inhale CO 2.
- d) Eye Irritation
Eye irritation occurs when you inhale hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S). Eye irritation can cause redness, watering, itching, tearing, and other unpleasant feelings.
- e) Chest Pain
Chest pain may occur when you inhale ethane, propane or butane.
- f) Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is often experienced when you inhale a lot of methane or benzene.
- g) Breathing Difficulty
Breathing difficulty can occur when you inhale hydrogen chloride.
- h) Skin Burning
Skin burns can occur when you inhale sulphur dioxide.
- i) Loss of Consciousness
Loss of consciousness may occur when you inhale carbon disulphide.
- j) Burns
Burn injuries may occur when you inhaled acetylene.
- k) Death
Death is always a possibility if you inhale large amounts of any one of these gases for long periods of time.
Gas Leak Detection Methods
There are several ways to locate whether there is a gas leak occurs in your house. These techniques are used at different times to find gas leaks. They include:
1) Detecting Odours
2) Using Gas Leakage Detector Kits
3) Checking For Water Heater Problems
4) Testing for Carbon Monoxide
5) Examining Electrical Wires
6) Inspecting the Attached Garage Floors
7) Investigating Gas Stoves Or Furnace Issues
8) Plumbing Inspection
9) Checking Toilet Flows
10) Exploring Floorboards
11) Looking At Pipes
12) Checking Out Gas Appliances
13) Checking For Floods
14) Hiring Professionals
15) Taking Precautions
If you suspect that you have a gas leak in your home, it’s important to act quickly because most people don’t smell gas until it has already caused severe injuries. Call experts immediately to inspect your property and identify the source of gas leakage.
How Can You Test Yourself For Gas Leaks?
If you live in an area where there is a risk of a natural gas explosion, then your best bet would be to hire a professional to do the job for you. However, if you don’t trust them, there are certain things you can do yourself to check for leaks. You will need a good set of tools before testing. A few of these tools include:
- Large flashlight
- Handheld detector
- Torch
- Fire extinguisher
A torch is useful for lighting up areas around pipes, electrical connections, or outlets. Use caution when using this tool because it can produce sparks that could start fires.
A handheld detector is useful for locating gas leaks. It consists of two parts – a light and a fan. The fan circulates the air through a tube and detects the presence of gas by means of ultraviolet rays. This type of device helps you locate cracks in walls, ceilings, floors, and even plumbing systems.
Fire Extinguishers
Your fire extinguisher should be kept close by. If you encounter some sort of emergency situation such as a gas fitter, use your fire extinguisher to put out the flames.
Examine Your Home First Before Trying Anything Else
It’s important to examine your entire house before doing anything else. Make sure all windows and doors are opened before attempting to open any cabinets. Open every window in your house and make sure everything is secure before proceeding with other tasks.
When checking for leaks, you will want to use your flashlight first. Look at each pipe and fixture in your house and see if they look okay. Also, check the area around water pipes, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.
After inspecting the inside of your home, turn on the stove and oven to verify they work. Next, test your refrigerator, freezer, washer/dryer, microwave, and garbage disposal. Check your furnace and heating system too. In addition, check your garage and its attached doorways.
Next, turn on the lights and check to make sure they operate properly. Finally, take your time and observe your house carefully while looking for any signs of a problem. If you notice something suspicious, call a professional right away.
Gas Leaking Detection Methods
There are various methods used to detect gas leaks. These methods can range from simple to complex. Some of these methods are outlined below:
1. Sniffing
Sniffing is one of the simplest ways to detect gas leaks. Simply place your hand over your nose and mouth and breathe deeply into your nostrils. If you smell a strong odour of gas, you may have a serious problem.
2. Smelling
Smelling is another way to detect gas leaks. Take a deep sniff into your nostrils and try to recognize what kind of odour you are experiencing. If it smells like rotten eggs, toilet bowl cleaner, or rotten meat, then you are probably smelling methane. Methane tends to linger longer than other gases so it will be easier to find.
3. Using a Gas Detector
A gas detector is usually an electronic device that tests the composition of air. They consist of several components including; batteries, a sensor, and wires. By placing the sensor near the source of the gas, the detector measures the level of the gas. When the level reaches a predetermined amount, the detector sounds an alarm.
4. Testing Water Supplies
Testing water supplies involves opening the tap and running cold or hot water until the pressure drops to zero. If the pressure stays low, then the supply gas line is leaking. To fix this problem, just tighten the connection and wait for the pressure to go back to normal.
5. Checking for Carbon Monoxide (CO)
You can do carbon monoxide testing by using a CO detector. A CO detector detects the presence of carbon monoxide in the air. It does this by measuring changes in electrical switches’ current. The greater the change, the more carbon monoxide is present. You can also perform this test by turning the power switch off and waiting for 30 minutes. Then, you need to turn the power switch back on again. If there is no change in the power, then you know there aren’t any sources of carbon monoxide in your house.