Natural gas leaks are particularly likely to cause smells in small, enclosed areas where gas can build up. If the leak is outside, the smell may seem to come and go as the breeze blows it away. The other big sign to look out for is a strange noise.
If you ever notice the smell of the odorant in natural gas (somewhat like rotten eggs), do not ignore it. If there is a gas odor inside your home: 1. That is slight or comes and goes, open outside doors and windows; then leave the house or building.
Slow gas leaks may not produce enough natural gas smell to be detectable, and even large leaks may not be detected by people with a diminished sense of smell. For these reasons, it is recommended that homeowners use a natural gas detector to alert them to the presence of natural gas.
A possibility of being intermittent could be if there is a leak between the line going from the ignition assemble to the burner. Then it would only leak when the water heater was on.
Although Alliant Energy adds a distinctive odor to natural gas as a safety precaution to assist in the detection of leaks, your sense of smell might not be enough to detect a leak. Strong smells in the area, like cooking or chemical odors, can mask the smell of natural gas.
They can even go on for months undetected. But if there's a significant amount of gas escaping from your system, it can cause a spike in your gas bill.
It's normal for a faint odor to remain after lighting a stove or if the pilot light in a hot water heater, gas fireplace or other appliance goes out. Nonetheless, any possible leak must be taken seriously, especially if the odor is strong, persistent, or accompanied by a hissing sound.
Gas Meters:
The meter outside you houses a regulator on it which helps control the flow of gas into your home or business. There are times it will normally bleed-off or "burp" small amounts of gas to keep the pressure from building too high in your home. This is normal. So if you are near a meter you might smell it.
If there is a gas smell but no leaks, it could be the lingering propane odor due to poor ventilation or it coming from your neighbor. The dirty sewage system, contaminated well, or rotten garbage (like veggies, dead animals, residual foods, etc.) might also be the source of the smell.
If you smell a natural gas odor, hear the hissing sound of gas escaping or see other signs of a leak: IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE the area, and from a safe location either call 911 or SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. DON'T smoke, or light a match, candle or other flame.
Severe leaks can cause this problem in just five minutes. The EPA states that exposure to concentrations of nine ppm or more for eight hours is enough to produce harmful health effects for at-risk individuals. Exit the property and call 911 if you suspect your home has a gas leak.
The Short Answer Is: It is not normal to smell gas near your furnace. The presence of a gas odor can indicate a potentially dangerous gas leak, which should be taken seriously.
In some instances, the smell of gas may be present naturally. However, leaks can occur, and we want to make sure they are resolved as quickly as possible. Natural gas is odorless, but an additive called mercaptan is included to alert people of leaks.
Gas and bloating are very common problems. They tend to be cyclical. Although gas does not cause long-term harm, the pain can range from dull and mild to sharp and severe. It may get steadily worse over several minutes, then get better, only to grow worse again.
If it was a small leak that was quickly fixed, you may only need to wait a few minutes before entering again. However, if it was a more serious issue or took longer to fix a gas leak, you may want to wait up to several hours before returning.
Hydrogen Sulfide
The gas has a strong scent of rotten eggs, which makes it distinct from other, similar gases. If you detect this rotten egg scent and you are using hydrogen sulfide at your facility, this could be evidence of a leak.
If your home's plumbing gets the all-clear and your home still has that rotten egg smell, you may have an issue with toxic drywall. The sulphur in the drywall will off-gas once there's humidity in the air, which can cause health problems and can also corrode any exposed copper pipes or wiring in your home.
Natural gas leaks are particularly likely to cause smells in small, enclosed areas where gas can build up. If the leak is outside, the smell may seem to come and go as the breeze blows it away. The other big sign to look out for is a strange noise.
An emergency gas engineer will be sent, free of charge, to 'make safe' your property. They won't repair appliances or pipework, though, that's something you'll need to arrange and pay for yourself.
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.
Can a slow gas leak make you sick? Yes, a slow gas leak can cause chronic health conditions, including respiratory problems and lethargy or fatigue.
Here's what you should DO if you smell gas: DO leave the home, building, or area of the suspected leak. Get to a safe area as quickly as possible. After leaving your home, DO call the 24-hour emergency number for Peoples at 1-800-400-4271, or call your local emergency response number.
Small natural gas leaks may not smell, go unnoticed and can even affect your health and the health of those in your home. Inhaling too much natural gas can lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, and headaches. You may have a gas leak if you experience other symptoms, including: Irritation in the eyes and throat.