A strange, rotten-egg smell wafting through your home is never a good sign. It’s the unmistakable warning of a natural gas leak, a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency. In these high-stakes moments, a clear head and swift action are your best defence.
Knowing exactly what to do can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. This guide is your emergency checklist, providing a simple, step-by-step plan to follow if you suspect a gas leak in your Edmonton home and how a reputable residential plumber can help you out..
Recognizing the Signs: Is That a Gas Leak?
Before you take action, it’s important to confirm your suspicion. Natural gas is naturally odorless, but for your safety, utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan, which creates that distinct sulphur or rotten-egg smell. This is the most common sign. However, you should also watch for these other indicators:
- The Sound: A quiet hissing or whistling sound coming from a gas line, meter, or appliance. This sound is caused by gas escaping under pressure.
- The Visuals: If the leak is large, you might see a cloud of white fog, dust blowing from the ground, or even bubbles in puddles of water. You may also notice plants or vegetation that have suddenly withered and died for no clear reason.
- Physical Symptoms: While less common, physical symptoms can also be a sign of a leak. A gas leak can displace oxygen, causing occupants to feel dizzy, nauseous, or light-headed. If you notice these symptoms, especially if they clear up when you go outside, you may have a slow, ongoing leak.
Your Emergency Checklist: What to Do Immediately
If you smell or suspect a gas leak, your top priority is to get everyone to safety. Follow this checklist in order, and do not skip a single step.
Step 1: Get Out!
Do not hesitate. Immediately evacuate everyone, your family, your pets, and any guests, from the building. Leave your doors and windows unlocked as you exit to allow for proper ventilation and for emergency services to enter quickly.
Do not stop to grab belongings or even a coat. Your life and the lives of those you love are more valuable than anything inside.
Step 2: Leave Everything As Is
This is a crucial step. Do not turn any lights or appliances on or off. Do not use your phone, a computer, or even your doorbell. The smallest spark from a light switch, a phone, or a thermostat could be enough to ignite the gas in the air.
For this reason, you should not even use a flashlight if it is dark inside.
Step 3: Call for Help from a Safe Location
Once you are safely outside and at a distance from the building, use your mobile phone or a neighbour’s phone to call for help. Your first call should always be to the gas utility company. In Edmonton, that’s ATCO Gas. Their 24/7 emergency line is 1-800-511-3447. Report the leak and your location immediately.
You can also call 911 and notify the fire department and police. It is better to have too many emergency responders than not enough.
Step 4: Do Not Return
Once you have called for help, stay outside. Do not re-enter the building for any reason until the fire department or a certified technician from ATCO Gas has given you the all-clear.
They have the proper equipment and training to safely locate and contain the leak. It is far better to be cautious and inconvenienced than to risk a life-threatening situation.
Why You Should Never DIY a Gas Leak
Natural gas is a powerful and volatile fuel source. Attempting to locate or fix a gas leak yourself, even if you are an experienced DIYer, is incredibly dangerous. A gas line repair is not a simple plumbing project; it requires specialized training, tools, and a deep understanding of gas line pressure and safety protocols.
The risks of fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning are simply too great. Only certified and licensed gas leak professionals like the gas fitters at Dunn Rite Plumbing, should ever work on a gas line.
When Your Dunn Rite Plumber is Needed
Once the immediate danger has passed and the gas utility company has made the area safe, your work isn’t done. While ATCO Gas will shut off your gas supply to prevent further leakage, they do not perform the actual repairs on your home’s gas lines. That’s where a licensed and professional plumber is required.
At Dunn Rite Plumbing & Gas, we have certified and experienced gas fitters on staff who are trained to safely and efficiently repair and install gas lines. We can help with everything from pinpointing the source of a leak to repairing or replacing the damaged piping. We work closely with the gas company to ensure that all repairs are up to code and that your gas can be safely turned back on.
With our 24/7 emergency services, you can count on a rapid response. When you are in a high-stress situation, you need a team you can trust to get the job done right and fast.
Stay Safe, Stay Smart, and Call Dunn Rite
A gas leak is a terrifying event, but with the right knowledge and a plan of action, you can navigate it safely. Remember this checklist: get out, leave everything as is, call for help, and wait for the professionals.
For any follow-up repairs or for all of your plumbing and gas needs, keep Dunn Rite Plumbing & Gas in your contacts. When it comes to something as serious as your gas lines, don’t take a chance. Trust the experts to ensure the safety and security of your home and family.