How to Detect Natural Gas Leaks

There are several ways to detect natural gas leaks, including the following:

• Smell: The most common way to detect a natural gas leak is by smell. Natural gas has a distinct smell that you can usually detect if there is a leak.
• Listen: If you think you may have detected a leak, switch off all electrical appliances and listen carefully. A hissing sound indicates that there is indeed a gas leak.
• Visual cues: You can also look for visual evidence of a possible gas leak such as bubbling water or discolored vegetation in the area of the suspected leak.
• Electronic detectors: The use of electronic devices can be helpful in detecting leaks in areas where it may not be easy to detect with the naked eye or ear. These devices are usually used in industrial settings and are quite sensitive to any level of gas leakage.

If you suspect a gas leak, it is important to evacuate the area immediately and call the gas company or emergency services. Do not use any electrical switches, light fixtures, or appliances, as these can ignite the gas. Additionally, do not attempt to locate the source of the leak yourself. Leave that to trained professionals.

A natural gas leak is an emergency that can cause harm to people and property. It can also threaten wildlife.

The national grid is dedicated to ensuring that your safety is our top priority and that we work to reduce the risk of incidents like these happening on our network. That means being aware of the risks and following a number of tips that will help you to avoid any issues.

The Smell

The smell of rotten eggs can be a powerful sign of a gas leak, but it’s not always the only indicator. Natural gas is colorless and odorless when it’s extracted from the ground, but National Grid adds an odorant called mercaptan to make it smell like sulfur or rotten eggs to help people detect leaks.

During the winter, snow removal equipment operators should avoid coming in contact with gas meters or hitting outside gas risers, as well as piling snow around vents on the roof of buildings where natural gas service is connected to the building. Both conditions could clog or damage appliance vents and cause carbon monoxide to back up into the building, which can lead to serious health risks for occupants.

A small-town saga is unfolding in Northport, where residents are battling National Grid over a strong odor of gas that’s been coming from their homes for two months. It’s a story that’s taking over social media and is causing some residents to wonder if their air quality is safe for their families.

The Sight

The sight of a large natural gas bubble bursting is an impressive sight to behold. This may be the result of high pressure steam erupting from underground pipes. Alternatively, the leak may have been a result of an explosion from a gas main or gas line malfunction.

The best way to minimize the risk of a natural gas related mishap is to familiarize yourself with your local distribution system and learn what to do if the unthinkable should occur. National Grid’s Gas Occurrences program is your ticket to the best possible customer service and safety. For more information, contact your local branch office. The newest addition to the program is our interactive map that allows you to locate your nearest National Grid facility and find out what’s going on in the area.

The Sound

The sound of smell gas is one of the most common signals of a natural gas leak. National Grid adds an odorant to natural gas that makes it smell like sulfur or rotten eggs, so it’s easy to detect when something isn’t right.

The best way to keep yourself safe is to know your natural gas provider and its network of underground pipes. That includes knowing where to find natural gas meters, regulators and other equipment.

Winter weather and repeated thawing and freezing can be especially challenging for underground pipe systems. This is why it’s important to be aware of the warning signs, such as a buildup of ice or snow around a meter or service connection. If you notice anything that seems to be a big safety hazard, call National Grid immediately. The right action can mean the difference between a minor problem and a major disaster. It could also mean saving a life.

The Contact

During winter, the snow and ice that blankets natural gas meters, regulators, pipes and equipment on the roofs of buildings can be hazardous. If a snow removal truck hits a meter or knocks over an outside gas riser, the resulting damage can cause a potential gas leak in your home.

It can also clog natural gas appliance vents, causing carbon monoxide to back up into the building and potentially poison the people who live there. National Grid urges all customers to inspect the areas around their vents for ice and snow buildup and to remove it, before the season ends.

The odor of gas is an important warning sign that something is wrong. If you detect this odor, leave the building and call National Grid. You should also tell National Grid where the odor is coming from. This can help us determine the exact location of a leak. We’ll then work to fix the problem.