If you smell gas in your home, the situation is serious. Natural gas is odorless, but gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan that gives it a distinctive rotten-egg smell. If you can smell it, there's enough gas present to be dangerous. Here's exactly what to do.
Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Smell Gas
1. Do NOT Create Sparks
Do not flip light switches, use your phone, start your car in the garage, plug or unplug anything, or light matches. Any spark can ignite a gas-air mixture. Even small actions like flipping a switch can create enough spark to cause an explosion.
2. Leave Immediately
Get everyone — including pets — out of the building. Don't stop to gather belongings. Open doors on your way out if you can do so quickly, but don't waste time opening windows.
3. Move Away from the Building
Walk at least 300 feet from the building before making any calls. Gas can accumulate in low areas and travel along the ground.
4. Call 911
From a safe distance, call 911 first. The fire department will respond with gas detection equipment and can shut off gas at the meter if needed.
5. Call Your Gas Company
SoCalGas emergency line: 1-800-427-2200. They will dispatch a technician to test for leaks and make the area safe.
6. Call a Licensed Plumber for Repair
Once the area is safe, call Pomona Valley Plumbing at 909-764-3214 for emergency gas line repair. We're available 24/7 for gas emergencies and carry electronic gas detection equipment on every truck. We're licensed to repair, replace, and pressure-test gas lines throughout the Inland Empire.
Common Causes of Gas Leaks in Homes
- Corroded gas pipes: Older homes with original gas lines can develop corrosion and pinhole leaks over time.
- Loose or damaged appliance connections: Gas connectors to stoves, dryers, water heaters, and furnaces can loosen or deteriorate.
- Improperly installed gas lines: DIY gas work or unlicensed repairs are a leading cause of dangerous leaks.
- Earthquake or ground movement: Seismic activity can shift pipes and break connections — after any earthquake, check for gas odors.
- Damaged CSST (flexible gas lines): Corrugated stainless steel tubing can be damaged by nearby electrical grounding issues or physical impact.
Signs of a Gas Leak You Might Miss
- A hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance
- Dead or dying vegetation in a line above a buried gas pipe
- Bubbles in standing water near your home's foundation
- A white cloud or dust blowing from the ground
- Higher-than-expected gas bills without increased usage
Prevention Tips
- Have gas lines and appliance connections inspected annually by a licensed professional.
- Install natural gas detectors in your home, especially near the water heater, furnace, and kitchen.
- Know where your gas meter shutoff valve is and how to turn it off (use a wrench to turn the valve 90 degrees so the handle is perpendicular to the pipe).
- Never attempt DIY gas line repairs — California law requires a licensed contractor for all gas work.
24/7 gas leak emergency service: 909-764-3214