An easy way to test for a gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak in your home, it’s time to take action—and fast. Gas leaks are dangerous, and if you’ve ever smelled that unmistakable rotten egg odor, you know something’s not right. Gas leaks can be serious, leading to headaches, sickness, or even putting your family at risk. But calling the gas company can result in them shutting off your gas, leaving you in a bind until the issue is resolved. Before you make that call, let me show you a quick and easy way to locate and fix that gas leak yourself—just like a professional plumber would.

First, let’s talk about finding the leak. If you’ve got exposed gas pipes, this step is pretty straightforward. Grab a spray bottle, fill it with a mix of dish soap and water, and you’re ready to go. This simple solution is a plumber’s best friend when it comes to spotting gas leaks. You’ll want to spray the soapy water around any exposed joints and connections on your gas pipes. Keep a close eye on the areas you spray—if you see bubbles forming, bingo, you’ve found your leak.

Now there are places that will try to sell you a special solution to do this, but if you read the ingredients on the bottle, you’ll see real quick that it’s just soap and water. So save yourself the money and do it yourself.

Now, you might be wondering, “What do I do next?” Don’t worry, tightening a fitting isn’t rocket science. If you’ve located a leak at a union or connection, just snug it up with a wrench. It’s important not to over-tighten, but you do want to make sure it’s secure. After you’ve tightened the connection, spray the area again with your soapy water to double-check that you’ve resolved the issue. If there are no bubbles, you’re good to go!

But hold on—let’s not forget about carbon monoxide. While it’s not a gas leak per se, carbon monoxide is just as dangerous, if not more so, because it’s odorless and can be deadly. This is where a carbon monoxide detector comes into play. Installing one near your gas appliances is a smart move that can alert you to any potential issues before they become life-threatening. It’s quick, easy, and could save your life. It took me just a couple of minutes to install one, and I feel safer knowing it’s in place.

So, whether you’re a DIYer or a homeowner just trying to keep your family safe, dealing with a gas leak doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Just remember, safety first—if at any point you’re unsure or if the leak persists, don’t hesitate to call in a professional plumber.