A Landlord’s Guide to Natural Gas Leaks
How to Detect and Deal with a Potential Danger
Many landlords and property supervisors we know are very much “hands-on” managers: they take pride in their rental property; and are on site regularly, inspecting and checking on tenants, as well as the physical structure. They know that just showing up can prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
Natural gas leaks are rare, but they can occur at any time on your property. They are definitely a problem that is best handled sooner rather than later! Gas leaks can lead to explosions, because natural gas is extremely volatile in enclosed areas. Gas leaks can also make people very ill.
The next time you’re inspecting your rental properties, keep your eyes, ears, and nose alert to signs of natural gas leaks:
• Check with your ears: listen for any hissing, whistling, or blowing sounds.
• Check with your eyes: look at the ground. If there is a dry patch in an otherwise damp or wet area, that could be a sign of natural gas. Same for dead grass, plants, or shrubs in an area where everything else is healthy.
• If you see dry or moist dirt being blown into the air, there could be a leaking natural gas pipe beneath it. In wet areas or mud puddles, look for bubbles or water spraying into the air.
• Check with your nose: if you smell an odor like rotten eggs or a skunk, it could be natural gas. Not sure what natural gas smells like? Contact your local utility provider and they can send you a scratch and sniff card to help you identify the natural gas odor.
If you think you have discovered a natural gas leak:
• Leave the area on foot—do not start your vehicle. Do not drive through the area. Go upwind of the area of the leak. Get people and animals away from the area of the leak.
• Do not use matches, cigarette lighters, or cell phones—all can ignite the gas.
• Inside a building, do not use door bells, telephones, appliances, or light switches.
• Do not attempt to turn off gas valves. Call 911 and/or your natural gas company.