While only a professional can perform Gas Leak detection, some appliances are more likely to be the cause than others. You may even have accidentally caused the leak yourself. Here are a few tips to keep in mind not only if you have a gas leak, but when you’re maintaining your appliances as well.

Old Appliances

Sometimes we’re not quite sure how old our appliances are. Perhaps you’re renting your home and using the landlord’s gas water heater. Or, your mother gave you her old gas stove when she got a new one. While they may save you money, old gas appliances are more likely to develop leaks. Over time, their sealant wears down and becomes liable to cracks. If your old appliance has caused a gas leak, it’s best to replace it.

Improper Installation

Of course, a brand new appliance might cause a gas leak too. If your Gas Leak Detection service finds that your new furnace is the source of your trouble, don’t fret. Most likely, improper installation was the cause of the leak. Any professional who stands behind their work should correct the problem immediately—for free. Besides, if there is a physical problem in the furnace itself, it should still be covered by the warranty.

Ventilation Problems

If your appliances are functioning perfectly normally, your gas leak detection professional might find that your ventilation is the problem. A clog in a vent or a malfunctioning fan may allow gas to build up over time. When this allows natural gas to build up, you’ll smell that characteristic rotten egg smell.

However, if ventilation problems allow carbon monoxide to build-up, you won’t smell anything. Further, because your appliances are functioning normally, you won’t suspect anything. Carbon monoxide exposure has serious health effects, including death. So, it is critical to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. You should also check it’s battery life every six months.

Have You Moved An Appliance?

We’ve all experienced it—you’re trying to clean the Cheerios from under the stove, or the dog has rolled his ball between the furnace and washing machine once again, so you move the appliance. The problem is that moving your appliances even slightly to fish these things out could damage your gas line, potentially leading to a leak. After you move any gas-fueled appliance, or those right next to them, check the gas line to make sure it wasn’t jostled.

Gas Leak Detection Services

In the end, you may not be sure what caused your gas leak. A professional gas leak detection is often necessary to pinpoint the problem and ensure you and your family are safe. Remember, gas leaks are often emergencies and should be treated as such!

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