CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As more homes and businesses use natural gas for heat during the fall and winter months, Piedmont Natural Gas is encouraging people to learn the signs of a natural gas leak. Natural gas by itself has no smell. An odorant called mercaptan is injected into natural gas, giving it the distinctive smell of rotten eggs. That odor makes natural gas easy to detect and can alert you to a natural gas leak. Brian Weisker is the president of Piedmont Natural Gas. He says, “Natural gas leaks can be managed quickly and safely if you know what to look for.” He continues, “It’s important to train your nose to recognize the odor of mercaptan. Foul odors like rotten eggs serve as a warning that something is wrong, and knowing the warning signs is the best way to ensure the safety of our customers and communities if a natural gas leak occurs.” In addition to having a distinct smell, natural gas leaks often are visual, causing bubbling water, blowing dirt or dead plants. You also may see sinkholes or exposed pipe. It’s also possible to hear a hissing sound near a natural gas line or meter. What to do if you suspect a leak: -Leave the area immediately -Call Piedmont at 800.752.7504 or call 911 from a neighbor’s house or somewhere away from the smell of natural gas -Do not return to the location of the leak until a Piedmont technician or emergency responder informs you the area is safe Experts recommend installing a natural gas detector as an additional safety measure to stay aware of potential leaks. A natural gas detector will sound an alarm if levels of natural gas in the area indicate a leak.