Methane Gas Leaks in the House

Signs

• The first warning sign of a gas leak is the telltale smell. Methane itself has no scent, but natural gas suppliers add so-called odorants like mercaptan; these compounds lend the gas its familiar rotten egg smell. If you catch a whiff of this scent, it's quite possible you may have a leak. Other signs include hissing or whistling sounds near a gas appliance or pipe and visibly damaged connections. Installation of new pipe, rusting and other factors can sometimes cause the odorant to fade, thereby making leaks more dangerous.

Detection

• People with an impaired sense of smell may not be able to detect the odorant. If you suffer from such a condition or you are simply concerned about possible leaks, consider installing a natural gas detector. These devices sound an alarm when gas levels exceed a predetermined threshold. You can purchase one from a home improvement store.

Hazards

• If you do detect signs of a leak, act immediately. Although methane is not a highly toxic compound, it can act as a simple asphyxiant. If it reaches a sufficiently high concentration, your body will be unable to get the oxygen and you might suffocate. Moreover, methane is quite flammable and can readily ignite given a hot surface or a spark, potentially triggering an explosion.

Steps

• In the event of a leak, do not allow anyone to light matches, cigarettes, stove burners or candles, and do not turn on any electrical devices inside the building. Evacuate the building as quickly as possible. Once everyone is outside, either call 911 or the appropriate emergency line at the gas company. Remain outside at a safe distance from the building until emergency responders instruct you on how to proceed. Again, although gas leaks are quite rare, they can be very hazardous so it's essential to act appropriately if a leak occurs.