Natural Gas & Combustible Gas Leaks

Natural Gas & Combustible Gas Leaks – A Homeowner’s Guide to Safety and Prevention

What are Combustible Gases?

Natural gas and propane are common household fuels used for heating, cooking, and powering appliances. They are convenient and efficient — but they also come with safety risks if leaks occur.

Natural gas is delivered to homes through underground pipelines.
Propane is usually stored in tanks on the property.
Both gases are highly flammable and can be extremely dangerous in enclosed spaces.

While natural gas and propane are normally odorless, gas companies add a strong “rotten egg” smell (mercaptan) to help people detect leaks quickly.

Where Do Gas Leaks Come From in the Home?

Leaks can occur anywhere fuel is stored, transported, or used. Common sources include:

Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters with faulty connections.
Gas stoves and ovens if burners or hoses are damaged.
Fireplaces and gas logs with cracked lines or seals.
Outdoor grills and propane tanks that aren’t properly maintained.
Old or corroded piping inside or outside the home.

Even small leaks can accumulate and create serious fire, explosion, or health risks.

Why are Gas Leaks Dangerous?

Combustible gases pose multiple threats inside a home:

Explosion risk: Natural gas and propane are highly flammable. Even a small spark can ignite a dangerous explosion in the presence of a leak.
Fire hazard: Escaping gas can ignite quickly, especially in confined areas.
Health effects: Breathing in gas can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and, in severe cases, suffocation due to lack of oxygen.
Carbon monoxide production: Faulty gas appliances can also release deadly carbon monoxide if not properly vented.

Why Should Homeowners Care About Gas Safety?

Silent danger: Gas leaks are often invisible and may go undetected if the odor isn’t noticed.
Widespread use: Millions of homes rely on natural gas or propane daily.
Family safety: Gas leaks put not only your property but also your loved ones at risk.

Being proactive about inspection and maintenance is the best way to ensure safe use of fuel systems.

What if You Suspect a Gas Leak?

If you smell gas or suspect a leak:

Leave the home immediately — do not use electrical switches, lighters, or phones inside.
Call your gas company or emergency services from a safe location.
Do not return until professionals confirm it is safe.

Never try to fix a gas leak yourself — always contact a qualified technician.

Tips for Preventing Gas Leaks

Install combustible gas detectors in your home, especially near appliances and sleeping areas.
Have your gas lines and appliances inspected annually by a licensed technician.
Keep propane tanks stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
Replace flexible appliance hoses that show wear or cracking.
Ensure all appliances are properly vented to avoid buildup of gases.
Teach all family members how to recognize the smell of gas and what to do in case of an emergency.

The Bottom Line

Natural gas and propane make modern living more convenient, but leaks can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly.

Detection is critical: a strong “rotten egg” smell should never be ignored.
Prevention saves lives: regular inspections and detectors reduce risk.
Fast action matters: if you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call for help.

A Home Health Inspection that includes natural gas and propane safety checks can identify potential leaks or weak points in your system, giving you peace of mind that your home is both efficient and safe.