Knowing how to find a gas leak can help you recognize a potential problem and, more importantly, know when to get out of the house. Natural gas has an odorant added to it, so leaks are easier to detect, but smell isn’t the only warning sign.
If you suspect a leak, your safety comes first. This guide covers common signs of a gas leak, how to check for a possible leak, and when to call for help.
What Does a Gas Leak Smell, Sound, and Look Like?
You may be able to recognize a natural gas leak by its smell, unusual sounds, or visible changes around a gas line. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) recommends using multiple senses because you should never rely on smell alone to identify a leak.
Here are some warning signs to keep an eye (and nose) out for:
A Rotten-Egg or Sulfur Smell
Natural gas has a distinctive odorant added to help people notice a leak. The smell is commonly described as sulfur-like or similar to rotten eggs. Take any unfamiliar gas odor seriously, even if it seems faint.
Hissing or Whistling Sounds
Escaping gas may create a hissing, whistling, or roaring sound. You might hear it near a gas appliance, meter, connection, or pipeline.
If you hear an unusual sound and suspect a gas leak, don’t move closer to investigate. Leave the area and report the suspected leak from a safe location.
Visual Signs
Outdoor gas leaks can sometimes produce visible warning signs, including:
- Dead or dying vegetation near a pipeline
- Dirt, water, or debris blowing into the air
- A damaged gas connection
- An exposed or damaged pipeline
If you notice any of these signs, along with odd noises or odors, quickly leave the area and contact the proper authorities.
How to Find a Gas Leak In Your House
If you’re wondering how to find a gas leak in your house, your top priority should be your safety. If you suspect a gas leak, don’t stay to look for clues. Instead, get out quickly and calmly while you contact the authorities.
Step 1: Decide Whether It’s Safe to Investigate
If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see signs of a leak, or otherwise suspect one, evacuate the area immediately. Once you’re safely away, call 911 or SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343.
While leaving:
- Do not turn lights or electrical appliances on or off.
- Do not use a phone while you are inside the affected area.
- Do not smoke or light matches, candles, or other flames.
- Do not operate machinery or anything else that could create a spark.
- Do not attempt to stop or repair the leak yourself.
If you have any doubt about whether it’s safe to investigate, get out and call for help instead.
Step 2: Check Accessible Gas Connections With Soapy Water
If there’s no indication of a gas leak or active emergency, a soap-and-water solution can help identify escaping gas at an accessible connection. Apply the solution to the connection and watch for bubbles that keep forming or growing, which can indicate escaping gas.
Step 3: Use a Combustible Gas Detector
A handheld combustible gas leak detector, sometimes called a gas sniffer, can help check accessible areas for combustible gas. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully when using one around appliance connections and other potential leak points.
A consumer detector is only a detection aid. It doesn’t replace a professional gas line inspection, and a negative reading shouldn’t override other warning signs such as an unusual odor, hissing, or visible pipeline damage.
Step 4: Check Whether Gas Is Flowing With Appliances Off
Your gas meter may provide another clue that gas is flowing where it shouldn’t be. Utility procedures and meter configurations vary, so follow your gas utility’s instructions and don’t manipulate the meter or any of its components.
Unexpected gas use may require further investigation, but it doesn’t tell you where the leak is. If you suspect a leak, stop investigating and contact your utility or a qualified professional.
What Are Common Causes of a Gas Leak?
Gas leaks can develop at different points throughout your home’s gas system. Connections, fittings, and gas lines can wear out or become damaged, creating places where gas can escape. Common causes of a gas leak include:
- Appliance connections and flexible supply lines: Ranges, dryers, water heaters, furnaces, and other gas appliances rely on secure connections and supply lines. Wear, damage, or loose connections can lead to leaks.
- Gas valves and fittings: Shut-off valves, threaded fittings, and joints can leak due to age, corrosion, wear, damage, or installation issues.
- Corroded or damaged gas lines: Gas piping can deteriorate or sustain physical damage over time, potentially allowing gas to escape.
- Underground gas line damage: Construction, digging, corrosion, or movement around buried piping can damage underground gas lines. Dead vegetation or disturbed soil near a buried line may signal a problem.
Never attempt to disconnect an appliance, repair a fitting, or dig around a suspected gas leak yourself. Leave the area and contact your gas utility or a qualified professional.
What to Do If You Find or Suspect a Gas Leak
Knowing how to find a natural gas leak is only part of staying safe. If you smell gas or otherwise suspect a leak, treat the situation seriously. Gas can ignite when it reaches an ignition source, so avoid flames, electrical switches, and other potential sparks.
If You Smell Strong Gas or Suspect a Major Leak: Get Out!
- Leave the area immediately. Move everyone to a safe location away from the suspected leak.
- Avoid potential ignition sources. Do not operate electrical switches or appliances, smoke, light a flame, or use your phone while inside the affected area.
- Do not try to locate or repair the leak. Leave gas equipment and piping alone.
- Call from a safe location. Once safely away, call 911 or SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343.
- Stay away until authorities say it is safe. Do not return to the area until emergency personnel or the utility company has given the all-clear.
If the Leak Appears Localized to an Appliance
Don’t assume an appliance-related leak is safe because you think you know where the gas is coming from. Don’t tighten fittings, disconnect supply lines, or try to repair it yourself.
If you smell gas or otherwise suspect an active leak, leave the area and contact the gas utility company from a safe location. Once the immediate hazard has been addressed, a qualified technician can inspect the appliance and determine what repairs you need.
After the Gas Leak Is Addressed
Finding one leak doesn’t necessarily mean the rest of your gas system is sound. A professional inspection can help identify the source of the problem, evaluate affected components, and determine whether repairs or additional testing are needed.
At Bill Howe, we provide gas leak repair services in San Diego. If you need help after identifying the immediate emergency, contact our emergency plumbers for professional service.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Homeowners can recognize warning signs and, when there is no indication of an active emergency, check accessible areas for possible leaks. But leave gas line repairs and many types of leak detection to qualified professionals.
Call for professional help if:
- You suspect a leak but cannot safely identify the source.
- The suspected leak is inside a wall, under a slab, underground, or within an appliance.
- A gas pipe, fitting, valve, or supply line appears damaged.
- A gas detector continues to register combustible gas.
- Construction, digging, or physical damage may have affected a gas line.
- You have already had a leak addressed and need the system inspected or repaired.
Gas furnaces and other HVAC equipment can also develop problems involving gas connections. At Bill Howe, our heating and air conditioning services include furnace repair and other heating services for San Diego homeowners.
Contact our team to schedule an inspection and protect your home for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Leaks
What is the best way to detect a gas leak?
Watch for a rotten-egg smell, hissing sounds, or other warning signs. If you see no signs of an active leak or emergency, you can carefully check for possible problems around accessible connections.
Is there a tool that detects gas leaks?
Yes. A handheld combustible gas detector, or gas sniffer, can detect combustible gases around accessible areas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember that a consumer detector is not a substitute for professional inspection.
How do I know if there’s a gas leak in my area?
Outdoor warning signs can include an unusual gas odor, hissing or roaring sounds, dead vegetation, or dirt or debris blowing into the air. If you suspect an outdoor gas leak, leave the area and report it from a safe location.
What are the first signs of a gas leak?
A sulfur or rotten-egg odor is one of the most recognizable signs. You may also hear hissing or notice unusual conditions around a gas line. If you suspect a leak, stop investigating and contact your gas provider.
