What to Do If You Smell Gas In Your Home

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Most gasses are tasteless, odorless and colorless, so it can be dangerous when flammable gas goes unnoticed. However, a chemical called mercaptan is added to gas, making it smell like sulfur or rotten eggs, which may be your first indicator that you have a gas leak. Here’s what to do if you smell gas in your home:

Don’t Flip the Switch

All it takes is a spark for a gas fire to ignite. Flipping a light switch or lighting a match in a gas-filled room can cause a gas explosion that could result in serious injuries or fatalities and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

Evacuate Immediately and Call 911

Get your family out of the house. If you can, bring your pets too, but ensure your safety first. Odorless gas is dangerous. Not only can it cause a gas explosion, but the fumes can cause serious injury to the body. Dial 911, even if you’re not sure it’s gas. Your local fire department will come and determine if there is a gas leak or not.

Get Your Lines Checked

Once it is safe to reenter your home, contact a plumber to determine what lines need to be fixed or replaced. Be aware, it may cost several thousand dollars to replace your gas line. Hire someone to do periodic inspections to maintain the lines throughout your home.

If by chance you do experience a gas fire, call SERVPRO of Marshalltown at (641) 758-9746 to help clean up and restore your Marshalltown, Reinbeck, Iowa Falls, Traer or Wellsburg home to its original state, “Like it never even happened.”