Natural Gas Leaks - Common Causes, What to Do, and Preventative Maintenance

09 May 2023

We all know what it’s like to walk into a room and smell that lingering odor, a harmless chemical called Mercaptan, bringing attention to the presence of gas. Natural gas leaks can be a serious safety hazard in the home and can cause severe fires and explosions. It is important to know the common causes of natural gas leaks, what to do if there is a leak in your home, and how to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

A stainless steel pot on top of the active burner of a natural gas stove

Common Causes of Natural Gas Leaks

The most common causes of natural gas leaks are faulty or aging pipes, improper installation of appliances, and corrosion. Faulty or aging pipes can develop cracks or holes, causing gas to be released into the area. Improper installation of appliances such as stoves or water heaters can also cause natural gas leaks if they are not properly connected or sealed. Corrosion can also cause pipes to weaken over time and eventually lead to a leak.

What To Do If There Is A Natural Gas Leak In Your Home
If you suspect that there is a natural gas leak in your home, it’s important to take immediate action. Call your local gas company’s 24/7 emergency line to request immediate response.

Preventative Maintenance
The best way to avoid a natural gas leak in your home is through preventative maintenance. Have an experienced technician not only do the install, but also inspect your appliances regularly for signs of wear and tear that could lead to a leak. Make sure that all connections between appliances and their fuel lines are secure and properly sealed with no gaps or cracks where natural gas could escape into the air. Additionally, have an experienced plumber inspect your pipes regularly for signs of corrosion or damage that could lead to a leak over time. Before you perform any digging for tree or shrub maintenance, call 811. 811 is a “Call before you dig” number for Colorado and is an important set before performing lawn maintenance. Roots from plants can get gnarled around gas lines and other utility lines in the ground. You may unknowingly cause a gas leak with the performance of such work.

Keep yourself and your family safe by handling natural gas situations with attentiveness and care. Prevention and knowing what to do if a natural gas leak were to occur is a great step to preventing dangerous fire damages and personal injury.

Creating a Home Inventory List

Creating a home inventory list is an important step for any homeowner. Not only does it help you keep track of the items in your home, but it can also be invaluable in the event of a fire or if you experience other property damage.

A man holding a calculator sitting across a desk from another man

What Is Commonly Covered Under Your Insurance Fire Claim?

After a house fire occurs, homeowners not only have to deal with the emotional weight of having their home and possessions damaged, but find themselves face-to-face with the daunting task of figuring out how to get their lives back on track.

I’ve had a home fire. Now what?

Emergency board-up and tarp over services may be required to protect the structure and will occur as soon as the building is safe to do so.

Family standing outside of a burning home

4 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make After a Fire

No one is prepared for the devastating outcome of a fire. We see them in movies and on TV, we might even know someone who has been affected by one, but when it comes down to the details around what to do or where to turn for help it can be hard to know where to even start.