Yes, gas detectors are widely available for purchase. There are two primary categories based on the intended use:
Should your property be impacted by a natural disaster such as a tornado, earthquake, hurricane or flood, natural gas detectors can alert you and your family to possible issues. In some cases or emergencies, it may be necessary to shut off some utilities.
The smell of "gas" usually refers to either the rotten-egg odor added to natural gas and propane, or the sharp, pungent chemical scent of vehicle fuel.
If levels of natural gas indicate a potential leak, the natural gas detector will beep loudly and sound the following audible alarm: “Danger. Gas leak explosion risk. Evacuate, then call 911.” It will also automatically send an alert to us.
Yes, a gas leak can absolutely cause headaches. Leaking natural gas—or incomplete combustion that creates carbon monoxide (CO)—reduces the amount of oxygen in the air you breathe, causing mild to severe physical symptoms.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
If you smell a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor, you could have a gas leak. STOP what you're doing, LEAVE the area immediately and CALL 911 and us. We'll send someone to check on the source of the odor at no cost to you, whether there is a leak or not.
If you smell a sulfur or rotten-egg-like odor, you could have a gas leak. Natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless. We add an odorant called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinctive smell. In some cases, you can also identify natural gas by sight or sound.
Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer. You can't see it or smell it, but it can make you very sick or even be deadly. This November, take simple steps to protect your home and family: Check your CO detectors, inspect appliances, and never use generators or fuel-burning tools indoors.
Gas Leak Detectors
Handheld gas detectors detect a variety of combustible gases. Gas detectors are Ideal for locating the source of a leak with certain models able to trace leaks where pipework is not visible or enclosed.
Smells that resemble a gas leak (rotten eggs or sulfur) but aren't include sewer gas from dry drains, bacterial growth in water heaters, old batteries, or specific household chemicals. Other causes include mold, dead rodents, or a malfunctioning furnace exhaust.
The characteristic "old age smell" is scientifically known as nonenal (or 2-nonenal). It is a chemical compound produced when the skin's natural oils and fatty acids break down and oxidize as we age.
Smelling gas when no leak is present is known medically as phantosmia (an olfactory hallucination). It is often a sign of underlying sinus issues, nerve damage from a recent viral infection (like COVID-19), or a neurological condition.
The best way to check for a gas leak depends on the severity. For a fast, pinpoint inspection of specific pipes and joints, the soapy water test is the most reliable and trusted DIY method. For general home safety and ambient monitoring, using an electronic gas sniffer or a natural gas alarm is ideal.
Place natural gas detectors high on a wall (4 to 12 inches from the ceiling) and 3 to 10 feet horizontally from appliances. For propane, place them low near the floor. Install alarms near gas sources like stoves, water heaters, and furnaces, but keep them at least 5 feet away from cooking appliances.
Gas detection solutions are commonly divided into two major types: fixed gas detectors and portable gas detectors. Fixed gas monitoring systems are permanently installed in industrial, commercial, or laboratory environments to provide 24/7 surveillance of potential gas leaks or hazardous atmospheres.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the suspected cause in the death of 76-year-old Dayle Haddon, a Canadian supermodel best known for being the face of the makeup brand L'Oréal. Haddon died Friday at the Solebury Township, Pennsylvania home of her actor son-in-law, Marc Blucas.
Two common warning signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are dizziness and a dull, throbbing headache.
Never leave your car running inside the garage. Without proper ventilation, toxic levels of carbon monoxide can build up, seep into your home and cause illness or worse.
What common household smells can be mistaken for a gas leak? Sometimes mold, rotten eggs from food, or sewer smells can confuse you. Gas leaks have a distinct rotten egg or sulfur smell added by gas companies.
A gas leak affects the body primarily by displacing oxygen, leading to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). Common symptoms include severe headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, prolonged exposure can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, and permanent organ or brain damage.
Common Places For Gas Leaks
There are several common places where gas leaks occur in the gas line system. It is much more likely for a gas leak to occur where pipes join together at the fittings: old shut off valves, tees, unions, flexible supply lines, regulators, and risers.
The smell of "gas" usually refers to either the rotten-egg odor added to natural gas and propane, or the sharp, pungent chemical scent of vehicle fuel.
Septic or sewer gas most distinctly smells like rotten eggs. This foul odor is primarily caused by hydrogen sulfide, a byproduct of decomposing organic waste. It can also carry notes of stale, stagnant sewage, or occasionally a slightly sweet or musky smell depending on the chemical mix.
Natural gas is naturally odorless, colorless and tasteless. An odorant called Mercaptan is added to natural gas before use, so that gas leaks can more easily be detected. An unpleasant "rotten egg" or sulfur-like smell can alert you to a potential gas leak.