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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Why the Chemical Mercaptan is a Lifesaver

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

The gas that heats many homes and provides energy for water heaters and clothes dryers is colorless and odorless. When it leaks from pipes or hoses it creates a dangerous situation due to its extreme combustibility. To make gas more detectable, engineers have added the chemical mercaptan, making it easily identifiable by its sulfurous, rotten egg smell. This chemical has helped prevent several of serious fires.

When a homeowner smells mercaptan it is a sign that somewhere in your home there is a gas leak. When this happens, steps should be taken to shut off the gas or get people and pets out of the home and call the fire department as soon as noticed. 

The Best Actions To Take With a Natural Gas Leak

Specific actions can reduce the likelihood of a gas fire in a home or apartment. The goal is to stop the gas leak to increase the safety of everyone in the home. Here are the most effective actions to take:

The stove since this is the most likely source, so checking the appliances should be your primary objective. Many times burners do not light, or go out, allowing gas to leak into the home. If you can find the source of the leak. Once the leak is detected and fixed the issue is resolved.

Increase the ventilation of your home by opening windows and doors. This enables the gas to dissipate and not collect in a certain area, reducing the likelihood of a gas explosion.

Don't use electrical devices, or even turn on lights, as this could ignite the gas.

Evacuate the home and call the fire department once noticing the leak.

The Best Way To Handle Fire Damage

Gas fire in your home is likely to cause soot and smoke damage and loss of property. These soot particles are carcinogenic which can cause health issues if not addressed. Call in a fire remediation team that will respond quickly and clean up the damage in a professional manner.

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