Did you know that older suburban neighborhoods are more likely to experience gas leaks than their newer counterparts? That doesn't mean, however, that your freshly built home is safe. Gas leaks can happen to anyone, which is why it's important to know the warning signs of leaking gas as well as how to check for a gas leak.
Warning Signs of a Gas Leak
When you think of a gas leak, you probably think of rotting eggs or spoiled cabbage due to the methanethiol that gas companies add to natural gas and propane to protect their clients. But smells aren't the only thing that can alert you to impending danger. Below are some of the most common warning signs, aside from the obvious hissing sounds from a leaking appliance, that you should look out for.
Dead Houseplants
Plants are ultra-sensitive to the buildup of gases in the atmosphere, so if you see your houseplants dying way faster than usual, it might be indicative of a slow gas leak. Sometimes gas leaks can happen almost imperceptibly slowly, so you might not be able to notice but your plants will.
Pet Problems
If your otherwise healthy pets suddenly start behaving as if they are ill, you might be in trouble.
Pets, not unlike plants, have heightened sensitivities to air quality. When gases are introduced to the atmosphere cats, dogs, and animals in between can develop general signs of illness. Symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting can be a sign that there's a gas leak in your house.
Your Own Health
While you might not be able to smell a slow gas leak, you might be able to feel it.
If you have dizziness, difficulty breathing, or other flu-like symptoms that go away when you leave the house, you should have your home checked out. Sometimes this can be caused by things like mold, but the culprit is often leaking gas.
How to Check for a Gas Leak
The good news is that it's pretty easy to check for a gas leak.
Certain gas detectors are made to be used by just one individual. These detectors are designed for one-hand operation and contain an internal sample pump and a flexible sampling wand. The touch-sensitive color graphic display helps you clearly read the results even in low light conditions.
The D16 gas detector can measure over 60 different types of gases and vapors because it comes with the appropriate sensor for each type of gas. In addition, it has over 4Gb of data storage available that you can easily transfer over to your computer with its USB port.
Keeping Yourself Safe
Nothing is scarier than the idea of an undetectable poison slowly leaking into the place where you should feel safest. Slow gas leaks can cause symptoms that devastate your health in the long and short-term.
Luckily, there are gas detectors that are easy enough to operate with just one person so whether you live at home or work in an office, you can rest assured knowing that you know how to check for a gas leak. Check out our site to see how else you can protect yourself from all types of gas leaks.
Comments