Plumbing Services5 Star Service

Learn More About Gas Leak Detection

Your property will typically incorporate the use of a gas line for your oven or HVAC system. A gas line will typically incorporate a pipeline where natural gas or other types of fuel enter into the home or business. Sometimes, unexpected circumstances can occur where the pipeline is punctured, cracked, loosened or otherwise damaged and acting abnormally. This can cause gas to infiltrate areas that shouldn’t have gas in the air as gas can be harmful to living beings and organisms. Therefore, occupants have made a practice to incorporate gas leak detection devices that can alert them when there are abnormal levels of gas in the area. It’s important to consider the installation of these devices as gas leaks are hard to immediately find or become sensitive to unless levels are high. Even with high levels that can be a detriment to health so it’s important to get in touch with a professional plumbing company that will be able to provide services in gas leak detection if something is off. They can also be employed to provide gas leak detection devices for your property so you can be taken care of in case of future worries. In the meantime, here is some information concerning gas leak detection that may prove useful to you in being prepared.
How does gas leak detector work?

Gas leak detection can come in many forms yet generally involves detecting hazardous gasses through sensors. Some will have an audible alarm that will alert occupants in the area when there are dangerous levels of gas. Some will detect the presence of gas in the area and trigger the system to shut off if levels are higher than it deems normal. This type of equipment, when detecting emissions or gas leaks, will interface with a control system where a process of automatic shut down can be activated. Gas leak detection can be used for the detection of oxygen depletion as well as combustible, toxic, and flammable gases. There are also gas leak detection thermal cameras that can identify gas by visual cues. These sensors typically also have audible alarms upon gas leak detection. With ultrasonic gas leak detection, the device can detect acoustic emissions created by pressurized gas expanding in low-pressure areas through an opening. Acoustic sensors will detect the changes in the background noise of the environment and indicate that a gas leak is present.

Gas Leak Detection Infrared Camera

Gas leak detection with an infrared camera will be able to visualize gas by inverting the physics of gas leaks. The camera itself will scan the area and produce a picture of leaks on the camera viewfinder of LCD with gas appearing as smoke. This visualization of gas emissions will be succinct in efforts of gas leak detection.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

Carbon monoxide detectors only detect carbon monoxide and not fumes or raw fuel.

What alarm detects gas leaks?

Carbon monoxide alarms will not be able to detect other forms of gas like methane, propane or natural gas. A natural gas alarm will be more powerful in detecting multiple forms of gas.

Is there a detector for natural gas?

If you’re looking for a natural gas leak detector for gas leak detection consider models that are able to detect multiple forms of gas. A natural gas alarm, for example, can do so while also testing for carbon monoxide and propane. As such, you can smell the potential of natural gas as well to supplement the alarm.

How do I know if I smell gas?

There is an additive given to natural gas by gas companies nowadays (which is odorless by itself if there isn’t an additive.) This odor is distinct as it is the smell of rotten eggs.

Is a small gas leak dangerous?

Even small amounts of exposure to gas leaks can show up with health discomforts like nausea, headaches or dizziness. Yet with natural gas that doesn’t burn off properly, you’ll see more severe dangers as gas will begin to emit carbon monoxide which can cause death after long exposure.

What is the best gas leak detector?
  • Best Overall: CD100A Combustible Gas Leak Detector
  • Best Plug-In: First Alert Explosive Gas Detector
  • Best Handheld: Techamor Y201 Portable Gas Leak Detector
  • Best for Contractors: Ridgid CD-100 Gas Leak Detector
  • Best for Radon: Corentium Home Radon Detector
  • Best Intrinsically Safe: Combustible Gas Leak Detector
  • Best for RVs: MTI Industries Propane Gas Alarm
  • Best Budget: Home-Flex Electronic Gas Leak Detector
How long do gas detectors last?

Gas leak detection with devices like carbon monoxide detectors can last between 5-7 years. Smoke detectors or alarms, in turn, last 8-10 years. At the end of that time, the whole unit usually needs to be replaced, you may also need to replace batteries in between that time or after the end of the device’s natural life span.

Where to Install Gas Leak Detector

Where to install a gas leak detection device all depends on the device and the manufacturer’s guidelines on placement. A Honeywell gas leak detector, for example, says it should be placed higher than all windows and doors about half a foot from the ceiling and within 10 feet of the gas appliance. Others are instructed to be placed directly on the gas line in case of punctures where the switch can activate shut off of the gas line. Based on where you’d prefer installation there can be a gas leak detection device out there for you. Other than that a professional plumber can best recommend the device that works with your property’s specifications.

Contact A Professional For Assistance With Gas Leak Detection

If you’re looking for assistance with gas leak detection in Rockville, MD or heater services in Lanham, MD contact your local plumbing and HVAC companies for help. They will be able to provide an inspection as well as services to make sure your gas line and heating are properly connected and working as they should. Incorporating a gas leak detection device to your property will prevent risking the health of occupants as well as any potential fires with high levels of gas being triggered by electrical use. Get in touch with an expert today and incorporate gas leak detection onto your property for the betterment of your property’s longevity.

If you’re needing help with gas leak detection in Rockville, MD call 301-370-8320 with Service Force Plumbing!

* Fast and simple financing from $500 to $25,000 and select from up to 6 different payment plans, including interest-free plans for qualifying customers (all loans are subject to credit approval, and your terms may vary). There are no origination, prepayment, or late fees and no compounding interest. Apply Now!

Service Force Plumbing