Riga resident asks why an odd noise comes from gas pipes in his building
A Riga resident posted a video of an unusual sound in his apartment building's stairwell, which he links to the gas pipes. The gas distributor GASO reportedly told him this is impossible, but metal pipes can carry vibration from elsewhere.
A resident of Riga, Latvia's capital, has posted a video on the social network Threads from the stairwell of his apartment building, asking why an annoying sound can be heard throughout the house that he believes comes from the gas pipes. He says GASO, the natural gas distribution operator, told him the gas pipeline cannot cause such noise, yet the sound can be heard even behind the wall. He says he has received no explanation from the responsible bodies, so he turned to social media users.
What commenters suggest
Commenters offered various guesses. One joked about the gas meter ticking, another thought the sound travels through the metal pipes rather than the walls. Someone suggested shutting off the building's gas supply to see whether the noise stops, but residents should not try this themselves: any work on the shared gas system should be left to specialists. Another commenter stressed that simply saying "it can't be the gas line" is not enough and that an inspection is needed.
Can gas pipelines make noise?
A properly operated residential gas line should not produce loud, continuous noise audible throughout a building. GASO states in its environmental impact assessment that its infrastructure does not generate noise above permitted norms in daily operation. Still, a gas system also includes meters, valves and pressure regulators. The British gas distributor SGN acknowledges in its technical documents that some types of regulators can cause increased vibration and noise.
A metal pipe can conduct sound and vibration, so the source may be on another floor or in another part of the building. Heating and water pipes, circulation pumps, ventilation equipment or a lift can transmit vibration in a similar way. For this reason, the origin of the sound cannot be determined from a video alone.
When to be concerned
Hissing, whistling or roaring near a gas pipe or meter may indicate a leak, according to recommendations from Britain's National Grid. Natural gas in Latvia has an odorant added, but GASO notes that under certain conditions its effectiveness may fall, so the absence of a smell does not prove there is no leak.
If a leak is suspected, call the GASO Emergency Service at 114. Do not use open flame or switch electrical devices or lights on or off; ventilate the room, leave it, and wait for the emergency crew outside. If the same sound is heard on several floors, the more sensible step is to have a specialist check the pipeline, meters and regulators on site while the noise is occurring.
