Gas Leak Safety: What Every Lititz Family Should Know

Natural Gas in Lititz: Safe but Not Risk-Free

Thousands of homes across Lititz and Lancaster County rely on natural gas for heating, water heaters, cooking, and clothes dryers. UGI Utilities delivers natural gas through an extensive network of underground mains and service lines throughout the borough and surrounding areas. When properly installed and maintained, natural gas is a safe and efficient fuel. But leaks can and do happen, and knowing how to respond can save lives.

Natural gas in its raw form is odorless and colorless. Utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan, which produces a distinctive rotten-egg or sulfur smell, specifically so that leaks can be detected by nose. This smell is your first and most important warning sign.

Warning Signs of a Gas Leak

Indoor Signs

- **Rotten egg or sulfur odor** -- Even a faint whiff of this smell should be taken seriously. The mercaptan additive is detectable at concentrations well below dangerous levels, giving you time to act. - **Hissing or whistling sound** near a gas line, appliance, or meter. - **Dead or dying houseplants** near a gas line for no other apparent reason. - **Physical symptoms** -- Headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, and fatigue can indicate gas or carbon monoxide exposure. If multiple household members develop these symptoms simultaneously, suspect a gas problem.

Outdoor Signs

- **Dead patches of grass** or vegetation in an otherwise healthy yard, especially in a line pattern. - **Bubbling in standing water** or puddles near your property. - **Dirt or dust blowing** from a hole in the ground when there is no wind.

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Companion Risk

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when natural gas burns incompletely due to insufficient oxygen, a clogged flue, or a malfunctioning appliance. Unlike natural gas with its mercaptan additive, CO is completely odorless and colorless. CO poisoning kills over 400 people in the United States every year and sends more than 50,000 to emergency rooms.

CO Detector Requirements

Pennsylvania law requires carbon monoxide detectors in all residential properties with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Install CO detectors on every level of your home, particularly near bedrooms. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace the detector units themselves every 5 to 7 years as the sensors degrade over time.

What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak

Step 1: Do Not Create Sparks

Do not flip light switches, use electrical appliances, start a car in an attached garage, use a cell phone, or create any potential ignition source inside the house. A single spark can ignite a gas-air mixture if the concentration is between 5 and 15 percent.

Step 2: Evacuate Immediately

Get everyone out of the house, including pets. Leave doors open as you exit to help ventilate the space. Do not stop to gather belongings. Move at least 100 feet away from the structure.

Step 3: Call 911 and UGI Utilities

Once you are safely outside and away from the building, call 911 from a neighbor's phone or your cell phone. Then call UGI Utilities' emergency line. They will dispatch a technician to test for gas and shut off the supply if necessary. This service is available 24 hours a day at no charge.

Step 4: Do Not Re-Enter

Do not go back inside for any reason until UGI or the fire department has cleared the building. Gas can accumulate in enclosed spaces, and concentrations may be higher than what you initially smelled.

When Your Gas Appliances Need Professional Attention

Not every gas-related concern is an emergency evacuation situation. Some signs indicate that your gas appliances need inspection and maintenance by a licensed plumber rather than an emergency call:

- **Yellow or orange pilot light** -- A healthy gas flame burns blue. A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion and potential CO production. - **Soot or black marks** around a furnace, water heater, or stove burner. - **Appliance that frequently shuts off** or has trouble staying lit. - **Gas smell only when an appliance is running** -- This may indicate a faulty connection, corroded fitting, or damaged flex line.

These situations still require prompt professional attention but can typically be scheduled as a priority service call rather than an emergency evacuation.

Gas Line Safety for Your Home

Have your gas lines and appliances inspected annually by a licensed plumber. Inspections check for corroded fittings, damaged flex connectors, proper venting, and adequate combustion air supply. If you are remodeling, adding a gas appliance, or converting from electric to gas, always hire a licensed professional for gas line work. Gas piping requires specific materials, joint compounds, and pressure testing that are not appropriate for DIY work.

At Lititz Hometown Plumbing, we are licensed for gas line installation, repair, and testing throughout the Lititz area. For gas line concerns that are not immediate emergencies, call us at (831) 290-4327 to schedule an inspection.