5 Gas Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

If your home has natural gas or propane appliances, it is important to know what the potential risks are, and how to keep your home and family safe. Gas is a great way to heat your home and efficiently power appliances. But it can be dangerous. Gas line problems can cause health hazards, fire, or even explosions. That makes gas safety a priority for homeowners!

That’s why it is best to contact a gas line installation and repair professional if you suspect a gas line problem or an appliance that is not working properly.

5 Gas Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Want to keep your home safe? Take a look at these gas safety tips that every homeowner should know.

1. Recognizing a Gas Leak

Sometimes leaks in your home are obvious. Water leaks, for example, cause flooding and obvious damage. Unfortunately, a gas leak is much more subtle. If you have gas appliances like a stove or water heater, it is important that every member of your family recognizes the signs of a potential gas leak. The most common signs are:

• Rotten egg smell
• Unexplained “hissing” sound near the gas line
• Bubbles in ponds or standing water outside the home
• Unexplained death of indoor plants
• Unexplained death of grass or plants outside near the gas lines
• Unusual illness with symptoms including headache, nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and fatigue

2. Use a Carbon Monoxide Detector

If you have natural gas in your home, it is incredibly important to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. Gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide when they are not working properly. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. Sadly, many homeowners do not realize there is a carbon monoxide leak until they are ill. Some even die due to exposure.

Having carbon monoxide detectors in your home can help you be sure that you are not breathing in toxic fumes.

3. Practice Good Household Stove and Burner Safety

If you have a gas stove, or a water heater with a pilot light, it is important that you and your family know how to practice good household safety. There are a few things you can do to make sure your stove, in particular, is in good, safe, working order:

• Clean burners after each use
• Make sure there is no grease buildup near the burners
• Clear flammable objects away from the stove before lighting the burners
• Never leave your stove unattended while it is on

These are also good safety practices for outdoor gas grills. Make sure you never use a gas grill indoors, and only use it a safe distance away from your home and other structures.

4. Store Combustible Items Safely

Gas appliances use gas, which is flammable. You should never store combustible items near your gas appliances. Paint, gasoline, solvents, and other chemicals should never be stored near a gas appliance. Any combustible items should be properly stored in appropriate containers and should be stored away from heat and flame. If you are using paint or combustible chemicals in areas near a gas appliance, shut off the gas running to the appliance before using products in that area.

5. Use Caution When Using Space Heaters

Space heaters are a great and common addition to many homes. But they can also be detrimental if they are not used properly. Gas space heaters can be dangerous if they are used in the vicinity of combustible materials or gasoline. They can also produce toxic fumes if they are not properly vented. If you use a gas space heater, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines completely. If it seems like the unit is not working properly, stop using it and contact the manufacturer or a gas appliance professional.

Have Questions about Gas Safety?

As a former firefighter, The Fire Man has seen the devastation of improperly maintained or used gas appliances and gas lines. That’s why we are passionate about helping homeowners be aware of safety risks and what to look for.

We are also here for homeowners who have questions or concerns about their gas line or gas appliances. To find out more, fill out our online quote form!