Natural gas leaks: What you can do to protect your family

PITTSBURGH — Natural gas leaks can be hard to detect until it’s too late.  

The leaks can come from faulty gas appliances, like an oven or stove, or old and damaged pipes near your home.

If you think it can’t happen to you, think again.   Nationwide, on average, there is a natural gas explosion every forty hours.

Since 2020, Pennsylvania has had 25 confirmed natural gas explosions, the third most of any state in the nation. Thirty-eight people were injured, and 19 people were killed.

In the United States, there are nearly 300 natural gas explosions every year.

Safety experts say it’s crucial for homeowners to install natural gas detectors to save lives and prevent tragedies.

“The scary thing about natural gas issues is that sometimes you can have a leak, a very small leak and not even know it,” said consumer expert David Vigiano.

We asked Vigiano about natural gas alarms for your home.

He recommends detectors that come with 10-year batteries.

“You can mount it and leave it. You hardly notice it. It’s small, no plugs,” he said.

Natural gas alarms should be installed in any room that has a gas appliance, Vigiano recommends.

And since gas rises, alarms should be placed within 12 inches from the ceiling and 10 feet from the appliance.

After a massive explosion at a chocolate plant in West Reading, the NTSB released a report recommending that all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia require the installation of natural gas alarms.

New York City and Maine do have laws mandating the use of natural gas detectors in certain buildings and homes.

And in April of this year, a bill was introduced in the Pennsylvania state senate calling for mandatory natural gas detectors in homes and businesses, hotels, dorms and day cares.

If a natural gas alarm does go off in your house Vigiano says just get out.

“Don’t worry about turning off anything. In fact, if you touch appliances, that could trigger something,” he said.

The alarms generally cost between $60 and $100.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2025 Cox Media Group