Did you know that leaks at the gas meter are common in our area?

One of the most common things we find during our inspections are leaks at the gas meter. If you are suspecting a leak and don’t have a gas detector there is another method you can use to detect a leak:

Use a water and dish soap solution and “paint” the soapy sudsy mix over all pipe connections and other joints at the gas  meter. Watch the  connections on the meter closely for several minutes.  If you see soap bubbles forming, you likely have a gas leak.

PHOTO Soap solution to determine gas leak

Bubbles on the soap mix can indicate of an active gas leak at the meter

Just because you are in a new home with a new gas meter it doesn’t mean you won’t experience any leaks. A worker at Excel Energy reported to us that there has been issues with new gas meters causing gas leaks.

“A gas leak is not a good thing. Even if you have a small leak we like to get out there to check it out and make sure everything and everyone is safe. We are usually able to get out within hours”,  said Excel Energy when we interviewed them over the phone about this issue.

Natural gas is odorless. The smell you notice  comes from an odorant that is added so gas leaks can be detected easier.  The odor has been compared to the smell of rotten eggs, due to the added tert-Butylthiol (t-butyl mercaptan).

PHOTO Leak at gas meter

It is reported that there has been issues with newer gas meters leading to gas leaks

If you are suspecting a gas leak inside or outside of your home you should contact your gas provider to have it checked out.