The convenience of using natural gas in our homes to cook on the stove, heat water, or fuel a fireplace. However, as with most things, inherent risks come with using gas in our homes. A gas leak can put your family at series risk if it goes undetected. At Economy Plumbing Services, we can help perform a gas line inspection in Austin if you’re concerned there might be a problem. To help you get started identifying a problem, we have five signs you could need an inspection.

1. You hear hissing or roaring sounds near appliances.

Most of us have heard the hiss of gas as it flows from the gas line to the stove before it ignites. While this sound is a good sign when you’re getting ready to start cooking, you shouldn’t hear it when the stove is off. You also shouldn’t hear it near your fireplace or water heater. A hiss when your appliances are turned off is a sign that you have a slow leak, and a roar could be a sign that you have a much larger leak. A gas leak is dangerous because your family shouldn’t be breathing it in as well as the risks of ignition as gas build up in your home.

2. Your house smells like rotten eggs.

Natural gas doesn’t have a natural odor. Your gas company adds a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinctive smell that’s similar to rotten eggs, so you know when there’s a leak. The rotten egg smell is a safety measure because it’s not going to go unnoticed or unaddressed. Yes, it’s possible you might have some trash that’s starting to smell or a sewage problem, but such an odor is likely coming from a gas leak that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible.

3. Grass or other plants are dead near gas pipes.

Your gas lines will run from the public supply lines, under your lawn, then into your home. A gas leak in the supply line that runs under your lawn can be easily identified by dead grass or shrubs. Consider stubborn patches of grass that simply won’t grow when watered or bushes in an area that mysteriously die. It’s likely you have gas seeping through the soil and choking out your plants.

4. Your family is experiencing health issues.

There are specific signs of gas poisoning your family will experience if you have a gas leak in your home. The rotten egg odor is often the first sign that you have a problem in your home, but it’s not always strong enough for you to notice. If you and other people in your home are experiencing nausea, lightheadedness, and headaches, it’s likely you have a gas leak. Gas flowing into your home will slowly lower oxygen levels and make your family sick. As soon as you identify the issue, open windows to help push gas outside and circulate fresh air.

5. Your gas bill is higher than usual.

As a homeowner, you’re charged for gas as it flows out your lines. Regardless of whether you keep your stove on, run the fireplace for too long, or have a leak, you’re paying for gas usage. Even if you never smell gas in your house or your family doesn’t show any physical signs of exposure, a gas bill that’s abnormally high is often a sign of a leak.

Get in touch for an inspection.

Don’t put off getting a gas line inspection in Austin if you suspect you have a leak. Your family would be much safer, and you’ll save a considerable amount of money. Call us at Economy Plumbing Services, and we’ll come to perform a gas line inspection for you. Reach out by calling 512-649-2811. If you have any non-urgent questions about your gas line, feel free to send a message using our online contact form.