What to Do When You Suspect a Gas Leak in Your Home

A gas leak is one of the most dangerous situations a homeowner can face and knowing exactly what to do in those first critical moments can make all the difference. Natural gas is highly flammable and even a small leak can create conditions for fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning if not addressed immediately and correctly.

The most obvious sign of a gas leak is the smell of rotten eggs or sulfur inside or around your home. Gas companies add this distinctive odor to natural gas specifically so that leaks can be detected by smell. Other warning signs include a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance, dead or dying vegetation in your yard above a buried gas line, or physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or headaches when indoors.

If you suspect a gas leak the first and most important step is to evacuate everyone from the building immediately. Do not turn any lights, switches or electrical devices on or off as even a small spark can ignite gas fumes. Leave doors open as you exit to help ventilate the space and once outside move well away from the building before calling your gas company and a licensed emergency plumber.

Do not attempt to locate or repair a gas leak yourself under any circumstances. Gas line repair requires specialized detection equipment, proper licensing and strict adherence to California safety codes. An incorrectly repaired gas line can create an even more dangerous situation than the original leak.

At All Ways Plumbing our licensed technicians respond urgently to gas leak emergencies across Los Angeles County. We use advanced detection equipment to locate the exact source of the leak, shut off the supply, repair or replace the damaged line and pressure test the entire system before leaving. Your safety is our top priority and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for gas leak emergencies.