Carbon Monoxide Testing

Trust Metropolitan for Carbon Monoxide Testing

Do you need carbon monoxide testing? Carbon monoxide (CO) is extremely difficult to detect because it has no smell.  The invisible and dangerous gas is formed by the burning of fuel inside gas appliances. At Metropolitan Plumbing, we recommend servicing your gas appliances every two years.

This service will include a carbon monoxide test. The symptoms for carbon monoxide are very similar to those of the flu. It can be difficult to understand what is happening.

It can be caused by a faulty gas appliance (e.g. gas heater, gas cooktop) or a fireplace which isn’t flued properly, but due to the nature of CO you may not know it’s happening.

If you are concerned about your appliances, call our Metropolitan team now or book one of our plumbers online and they will call you back promptly. We’ve got all the latest detection equipment to keep your home safe.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be extremely dangerous when present in high levels. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, oil and wood. When these fuels burn, they release carbon monoxide into the air.

Because carbon monoxide is invisible and has no scent, it’s difficult to detect without the help of specialised equipment such as a CO detector. This makes it a silent threat that can harm you and your loved ones without any warning.

Carbon monoxide can come from various sources, including faulty heating systems, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces. Additionally, running vehicles in enclosed spaces or using generators indoors can also lead to dangerous levels of CO.

Being knowledgeable about carbon monoxide and its sources is crucial for your safety. By understanding its characteristics and potential sources, you can take preventive measures to protect yourself and your family from this invisible menace.

The Silent Killer: How Carbon Monoxide Can Harm You

Carbon monoxide gas is often referred to as the “silent killer” for a good reason. Since it’s odourless and colourless, you won’t see it or smell it in the air.

When inhaled, carbon monoxide molecules enter your bloodstream and bind to haemoglobin more easily than oxygen does. This reduces the amount of oxygen that your blood can carry to vital organs and tissues.

Even at low levels, CO poisoning can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue, which are often mistaken for the flu or common illnesses. Prolonged exposure or higher concentrations can cause severe health issues, including brain damage, organ failure, and even death.

Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk with carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s crucial to be aware of these dangers and either equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors or get regular tests.

Detecting Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Detecting a carbon monoxide leak is the first line of defence against this potentially deadly gas. Since carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless, specialised tools are needed to identify its presence.

Carbon monoxide detectors are essential devices that can save lives. These detectors continuously monitor the air and sound an alarm when they detect elevated levels of CO. It’s crucial to install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms and sleeping areas.

When choosing a carbon monoxide detector, opt for one with a reliable power source, such as battery-operated or plug-in models with battery backup. Test your detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed.

Keep in mind that carbon monoxide leaks can also result from faulty gas appliances, so regular maintenance from Metropolitan Plumbing is vital. Ensure that furnaces, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances are serviced annually by qualified technicians.

Whether you’re using natural gas, kerosene or wood in a fireplace, CO poisoning can be a threat. That’s why installing a carbon monoxide detector near appliances is recommended.

By taking proactive steps to detect and prevent CO leaks, you can safeguard your family’s health and well-being. Make Metropolitan Plumbing your first call for CO testing procedures.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Preventing carbon monoxide leaks is paramount in ensuring a safe living environment for you and your loved ones. Here are some essential steps you can take to minimise the risk of exposure:

• Regular appliance maintenance: Schedule annual inspections for furnaces, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances. Proper maintenance helps identify potential issues early and ensures that these appliances operate efficiently without CO spillage.
• Ventilation and airflow: Ensure additional ventilation in your home, especially in areas with fuel-burning appliances. Keep vents and chimneys unblocked to allow the smooth flow of gases outside. Exhaust fans in areas such as kitchens are also crucial for adequate ventilation.
• Safe use of generators and heaters: Never use portable generators or space heaters indoors. Operate them outside, away from doors and windows, to prevent carbon monoxide from seeping indoors.
• Indoor grilling and cooking: Use grills and stoves designed for outdoor use should only be used outdoors. Using them indoors can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide build up, particularly with internal doors closed.

Taking these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and keep your home a safe haven for everyone. From a gas heater to gas cooktops and wood-burning fireplaces, it’s wise to get these appliances checked regularly.

Remember, awareness and proactive actions are the keys to safeguarding your family from this silent threat.

Another way to prevent CO spillage is to schedule a regular carbon monoxide test with the experts from Metropolitan Plumbing.

What Appliances Can Suffer from Carbon Monoxide Leaks?

Carbon monoxide leaks can occur from a variety of household appliances and equipment that burn fuel, not only gas appliances. Some common culprits include:

• Furnaces: Gas or oil furnaces are a common source of CO spillage, especially if they are not properly maintained.
• Water heaters: Gas-powered water heaters can also produce carbon monoxide if they are not functioning correctly.
• Fireplaces and wood stoves: Even traditional wood-burning fireplaces, combustion heaters and stoves can release carbon monoxide gas if there is insufficient ventilation.
• Generators: Using generators indoors or in enclosed spaces can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide build up.
• Gas stoves and ovens: Poorly ventilated kitchens with gas stoves can release small amounts of carbon monoxide, particularly if exhaust fans aren’t working properly.
• Gas space heaters: If not used properly or in well-ventilated areas, gas heaters or kerosene space heaters can pose a risk.

Being aware of these potential sources of carbon monoxide is essential in preventing leaks and ensuring the safety of your home and family. Regular maintenance and proper usage of these appliances can help minimise the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Carbon Monoxide Leak

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, it’s crucial to act quickly and take the following steps to ensure your safety:

1. Get out: Immediately leave the premises if you or anyone else experiences symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea or confusion. Move to fresh air outdoors or open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
2. Call for help: Dial emergency services and inform them about the potential carbon monoxide leak. Avoid using your phone inside the house, as it might spark and worsen the situation.
3. Don’t return inside: Under no circumstances should you re-enter the building until professionals have thoroughly inspected and confirmed it’s safe.
4. Seek medical attention: If anyone shows severe symptoms or loss of consciousness, seek medical help right away.
5. Contact a professional: Call a qualified technician from Metropolitan Plumbing to perform carbon monoxide testing and fix the source of the leak before returning to your home.

Always remember that carbon monoxide exposure is a serious threat. Taking quick and decisive action can save lives and prevent further harm. For regular checks and gas appliance servicing, don’t hesitate to call the CO testing specialists at Metropolitan Plumbing.

Finance Options** For Carbon Monoxide Testing

When you suspect CO spillage from one of your gas appliances, it’s not something that can be ignored. If CO levels are getting dangerous, your family is at risk.

With Metropolitan Plumbing you can easily arrange a payment solution so that the work can be done immediately, with payment conveniently spaced out over a period that suits you.

Working with providers Humm and Zip, we provide a range of finance options** for eligible customers.

You have the flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so you pay nothing upfront.

Your plumber/gas fitter can take you through the easy application process on site and approval usually takes only a few minutes. We also accept payment by cash, cheque and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).

Don’t delay ensuring the safety of your home. You can have a Metropolitan gas fitter at your home within an hour* of your booking, testing your gas appliances and flues with all the suitable detection equipment. If you need help choosing a CO detector, we can also help.

Contact us today for more information or to book a local technician today. We’ll see to it that your fuel-based appliances operate safely.