LPG is an important factor in everyday life. Most households and hospitality establishments can’t provide delicious dishes without gas. Some also use gas in their water heating systems because it is undeniably cost-efficient and eco-friendly.
The good thing about LPG bottles is that they are manufactured with your safety in mind. Sometimes, however, you cannot avoid unwarranted gas leaks. It is, then, highly recommended that you know what to do in such incidents.
But before discussing what you should do, here are 2 ways to know when your LPG is leaking:
- A foul, rotten cabbage-like smell is coming from your burner, gas pipes or LPG bottle; and
- You can hear a hissing sound coming from your gas bottle, connections or stove.
If you experience either of these, it is most likely that your LPG is leaking. Remember to stay calm in dealing with gas leaks so you can focus and think properly.
What To Do When Your LPG has a Leak
Below are 5 easy steps that you should do in case you suspect a gas leak:
1. Create a Ventilation
The first thing that you should do is to open all windows and doors. Let air circulate inside your house. At this time, ask your family members to go outside but remind them to stay calm so as not to alarm everyone in your neighbourhood.
2. Switch Off the Gas Valve
The second step is to turn off the gas valve. This is to help contain the gas inside the bottle, hence, minimising the spread of the leak. If the smell or hissing stops, it is most likely that the leak is along your pipes, burner or gas connectors and fittings, otherwise, the leak may be on the bottle, valve receptacle or joints.
3. Make a Soap Solution
Whether or not the smell or hissing stops, it is best to know where exactly the leak is coming from. So the next thing that you should do is to make a soap solution. Simply mix about 2 or 3 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing or laundry soap into a cup of water.
You can either use a paintbrush or spray bottle to apply the soap solution. Bubbles will form where there is a leak, so make sure to cover the entire surface of the bottle, including the valve and where they connect.
If bubbles did not form, the leak may be along the pipelines or other parts between the valve and the stove. DON’T switch on the valve. Although you want to check if bubbles would form on these parts, it may be dangerous to switch the valve on right away.
It also helps to check on your burners as they may not be properly placed.
4. Call Your Reliable Gas Supplier
The next step is to contact your reliable gas supplier to help you check on the leak. They can also help replace the parts as necessary and check any loose connections.
NEVER hesitate to call your LPG provider when you suspect a gas leak. Remember that your safety is important and no matter how safe gas bottles are, LPG is still combustible.
5. Change Your Gas Appliances
Lastly, when bubbles form on the bottle or on its joints, change your gas bottle immediately. In most cases, your gas provider will advise you to change the parts or connectors where the leak is found.
Remember to NEVER attempt to repair any of these parts or devices as they may cause further damage.
Safety Tips to Prevent Gas Leaks
Now that you know what to do in case of a gas leak, it also helps to know some safety precautions to prevent any leaking from happening.
Here are some tips that you may want to consider:
- Check the gas bottle upon delivery. Make sure that the safety cap is not broken and the testing date is not past due. Your gas bottle should not be worn out or rusty, too.
- Follow safety rules for storing your gas bottle. Remember to keep it away from combustible materials and place a warning sign that says, “highly flammable” or “NO SMOKING area.”
- Regularly conduct a leak check on your gas bottle and other parts connected to it. Using the soap solution is highly recommended.
- Keep your kitchen well-ventilated at all times.
- Change your valves or regulators, pipes, and other connectors and fittings every 3 months. And to reiterate, NEVER repair these parts by yourself, like wrapping the pipes or loose fittings with electrical tape. Doing so may create further damage in the future.
- After cleaning your stove, make sure that the burners are returned properly.
- Finally, purchase your gas bottles only from reputable LPG suppliers.
While gas bottle explosions do not happen as you see in action films, gas leaks are not matters you should simply neglect. And although it may not result in fire, the gas can affect your lungs when you unknowingly inhale it.
Remember that gas leaks can be dangerous and must be taken seriously.
Call Plus Gas today to learn more!
