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Signs and Symptoms of a Gas Leak in Your Home

Do you use natural gas to fuel your home? Many Canadians have one or more appliances that rely on natural gas. When used properly, gas is a safe, efficient and reliable fuel source, but potential leaks pose a health and safety risk.

It can be tricky to detect a leak because natural gas is invisible. Knowing the possible signs and symptoms will help protect your family and your home.

Physical symptoms

A natural gas leak causes reduced oxygen levels, which can lead to physical symptoms.

Symptoms to look out for:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Eye and throat irritation
  • Breathing problems
  • Blistering or pale skin (from direct contact with liquid or compressed gas)

Children, older adults and pets may be the first to suffer from symptoms. If your pet is experiencing lethargy, loss of appetite or difficulty breathing, this could indicate a gas leak.

Signs of a gas leak

It's important to know how to spot a leak because gas vapours are not only toxic, but also highly flammable.

Here are the warning signs to look out for:

1. Odour

Although natural gas is odourless, providers add a strong smell to make it easier to detect leaks. If you notice the smell of rotten eggs or sewage this may be a sign of danger.

2. Visual clues

Visible damage to the gas line is one of the most obvious signs of a leak. Other visual clues include bubbles in still water and houseplants suddenly dying.

3. Sounds

A hissing or whistling sound can indicate a gas leak. It's important to take these sounds seriously because they can be a sign of a substantial leak.

If you notice any of these signs, turn off your pilot light, evacuate your home and call your gas provider or 911 immediately.

How to prevent a natural gas leak

Gas leaks are more likely to occur if your natural gas source is improperly installed or maintained. It's not uncommon for the connection between a gas line and an appliance to come loose. That’s why having your gas lines inspected annually is essential. A professional will be able to spot problems early on and prevent potential gas leaks.

Plan ahead and rest assured

Home insurance helps keep you covered in the event of a gas leak. When the unexpected happens, you'll have peace of mind knowing that one of your biggest assets is protected. If you have questions about your coverage, Palladium is here to help.

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1-800-566-6314