Knowing what to do if there is a gas leak can help you act quickly and safely. If you suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and call 911 or SDG&E from a safe location.
Natural gas is odorless, so an odorant is added to help make leaks easier to detect. However, smell is not the only warning sign. You may also hear unusual sounds or notice changes around a gas line.
Bill Howe has served San Diego homeowners since 1980. In this guide, we’ll cover the signs of a gas leak, what to do right away, what to avoid, and what happens after the immediate danger has passed.
What To Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you see, hear, or smell signs of a possible gas leak:
- Leave the area immediately. Get everyone outside and move to a safe location away from the building.
- Avoid anything that could create a spark or flame. Do not use light switches, appliances, electronics, matches, candles, or other possible ignition sources while inside.
- Call for help once you are safely outside. Call 911 or SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 and follow their instructions.
Do not go back inside until emergency or utility personnel tell you it is safe.
How to Recognize the Signs of a Gas Leak
If you think there may be a gas leak, don’t spend time trying to find the source. Recognizing the warning signs can help you know when to evacuate and call for help.
The Smell — Rotten Eggs or Sulfur
Natural gas has an odorant added to make leaks easier to notice. People often describe the smell as similar to rotten eggs or sulfur.
Take any unexplained natural gas odor seriously. You also should not rely on smell alone. Certain conditions and even a reduced sense of smell can make the odor harder to detect.
The Sound — Hissing or Whistling Near Gas Lines
An unusual hissing, whistling, or roaring sound near a gas appliance, meter, or pipeline can indicate escaping gas.
If you hear one of these sounds and suspect a leak, do not move closer to investigate. Leave the area and call for help from a safe location.
The Sights — Visual Clues Indoors and Outdoors
Some gas leaks can also produce visible warning signs. Around outdoor gas lines, these may include:
- Dead or dying vegetation surrounded by otherwise healthy plants
- Dirt, water, or debris blowing into the air
- Continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas
- Visible damage around gas equipment or pipelines
These signs can point to a problem with an underground pipeline even when you cannot smell gas.
If you notice possible warning signs, treat the situation seriously rather than trying to confirm the leak yourself.
What To Do If There is a Gas Leak: Immediate Steps
If there is a gas leak in your house, the priority is getting everyone to safety. Don’t try to search for the leak or attempt repairs.
Step 1: Get Out Immediately
Tell everyone in the home to leave right away. Do not stop to collect belongings or go back for something you forgot.
If you live in an apartment or multi-unit building, leave the affected area promptly and follow instructions from emergency personnel.
Once outside, move away from the building to a safe location.
Step 2: Avoid All Electrical Sources and Open Flames
While you are still inside or near a suspected leak, avoid anything that could create a spark or flame.
Do not:
- Turn light switches on or off
- Operate electrical appliances
- Light matches, candles, or cigarettes
- Use electronic devices while inside
- Start a vehicle or operate machinery near the suspected leak
Once you are safely away from the area, use your phone to call for help.
Step 3: Shut Off the Gas and Call for Help
Once you are safely away from the building, call 911 or SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343. Explain what you noticed and follow the instructions you receive.
Do not return to the property or attempt to shut off the gas unless emergency or utility personnel tell you it is safe to do so. Wait for professionals to inspect the area and determine when it is safe to return.
What NOT to Do During a Gas Leak
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing when to leave. If you suspect a gas leak inside your home, avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not look for the leak yourself. Leave the area instead of checking appliances, pipes, or connections.
- Do not operate switches or appliances. Electrical equipment may create an ignition source.
- Do not light a flame or smoke. Matches, candles, cigarettes, and other open flames should be avoided.
- Do not stop to open windows. Focus on getting outside instead of trying to ventilate the home yourself.
- Do not go back inside. Even if the odor seems to disappear, wait until emergency or utility personnel say it is safe to return.
The safest approach is simple: evacuate first and leave inspection and repairs to qualified professionals. Learn more about why a gas leak is dangerous and why quick action matters.
What About the Soap-Bubble Test?
You may have heard about using soapy water to check a gas connection for leaks. This is not an appropriate way to investigate an active suspected gas leak.
If you think gas is leaking, do not try to locate or confirm the source yourself. Leave the area and let qualified professionals perform the necessary testing once conditions are safe.
Gas Leak Safety for Renters and Apartments in San Diego
Wondering what to do if there is a gas leak in an apartment? Renters should take the same immediate safety precautions as homeowners. Do not wait for your landlord or property manager before leaving a potentially dangerous situation.
What Renters Should Do Immediately
If you suspect a gas leak:
- Leave the apartment or affected area immediately.
- Avoid switches, appliances, flames, and other possible ignition sources on your way out.
- Call 911 or SDG&E from a safe location.
- Follow instructions from emergency and utility personnel.
- Contact your landlord or property manager once you are safe.
It can also be helpful to keep written records of the incident and any repairs or inspections that follow.
Who Is Responsible for Repairs?
Responsibility for gas leak repairs can vary. It may depend on where the leak is located, who owns the affected piping or appliance, and the terms of the lease.
For example, a utility may be responsible for certain parts of the gas distribution system, while piping or appliances on private property may fall under a property owner’s responsibility.
Renters should work with their landlord, property manager, utility company, and qualified repair professionals to determine the appropriate next steps.
What Happens After the Emergency?
Once emergency or utility personnel determine the immediate danger has passed, the next step is finding and repairing the problem before normal gas service can safely resume.
Getting Clearance to Return Home
Do not return simply because you can no longer smell gas. Wait until the appropriate emergency or utility personnel tell you it is safe.
Follow their instructions for re-entering the property, ventilation, and restoring gas appliances. Do not attempt to relight pilot lights or restore gas service unless you have been specifically instructed that it is safe to do so.
What a Licensed Gas Technician Does After a Leak
Once the property is safe to enter, a qualified technician can locate the problem and determine the necessary repairs.
Depending on the situation, the repair process may include:
- Identifying the damaged pipe, fitting, or connection
- Repairing or replacing affected components
- Testing the system as required after repairs
- Helping coordinate the steps needed before service is restored
At Bill Howe, our team provides gas leak detection and repair services to help identify and repair problems with residential gas lines.
How Long Does a Gas Leak Repair Take?
The time needed to repair a gas leak depends on where the leak is located and how much work is required. An accessible connection may be quicker to repair than damaged piping behind a wall or underground.
Access, testing, inspections, and utility requirements can also affect the timeline. A qualified technician can provide a better estimate after locating the problem and determining what needs to be repaired.
If you need help after the immediate emergency has been addressed, contact an emergency plumber in San Diego for assistance.
Gas Leak FAQs
What are the first signs of a gas leak in a house?
Common signs include a rotten-egg or sulfur-like smell, hissing or whistling near gas equipment, and unusual changes around outdoor gas lines. If you suspect a leak, leave the area instead of trying to confirm the source yourself.
Is it safe to stay in the house if I smell gas?
No. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave immediately. Avoid switches, appliances, flames, and other possible ignition sources while inside, then call 911 or SDG&E from a safe location.
How long does it take to fix a gas leak?
It depends on the location and extent of the problem. An accessible connection may be relatively quick to repair, while underground or hard-to-reach piping may require more time for access, repairs, testing, or inspections.
Can I turn my gas back on myself after a leak?
Do not restore gas service yourself after a gas leak emergency. Follow instructions from SDG&E, emergency personnel, and qualified repair professionals about when and how service can safely be restored.
Who do I call for a gas leak in San Diego?
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area first. From a safe location, call 911 or SDG&E’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-411-7343. After the immediate danger is addressed, a qualified gas line professional can help with repairs to piping or connections on the property.
Need Gas Line Repairs After a Leak?
Once emergency or utility personnel have cleared the property, Bill Howe can help determine what repairs are needed to get your home’s gas system back in working order.
Serving San Diego since 1980, Bill Howe provides professional gas line services throughout the area. If a problem is found with your home’s gas piping, contact our team to schedule gas leak detection and repair.
If you currently suspect an active gas leak, do not wait for a repair appointment. Leave the area and call 911 or SDG&E from a safe location first.
