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

A suspected natural gas leak should always be taken seriously. Knowing the warning signs and what to do can help you respond quickly and safely.

If you believe natural gas may be leaking in or around your home, don't attempt to locate or repair the leak yourself. Leave the area and contact the appropriate emergency professionals from a safe location.

Know the Warning Signs of a Gas Leak

Natural gas is naturally odorless, so a distinctive odorant is added to help make leaks easier to detect. The smell is often described as similar to rotten eggs or sulfur.

Other possible warning signs may include:

• A hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance
• A damaged connection to a natural gas appliance
• Dirt or water unexpectedly blowing into the air outdoors
• Dead or dying vegetation near a pipeline
• Fire or other visible signs of pipeline damage

Do not rely on smell alone to determine whether a gas leak is present.

What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak

If you smell natural gas or otherwise suspect a leak:

Leave the area immediately. Get everyone out of the home or affected area and move to a safe location.

Avoid anything that could create a spark. Do not turn electrical appliances or lights on or off, light a match or candle, smoke, operate motorized equipment or vehicles, or use devices that could create an ignition source while in the affected area.

Call from a safe location. Once you're safely away from the area, contact SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200.

Call 911 when appropriate. From a safe location, call 911 promptly if there is damage resulting in a natural gas leak that may endanger life, cause bodily harm or property damage, or if you're unable to contact SoCalGas.

Do Not Attempt to Find or Repair the Leak Yourself

Never use a flame or other ignition source to search for a gas leak, and do not attempt to control a leak or repair a damaged gas pipe or meter yourself.

Gas-line work requires appropriate training, equipment, and knowledge of applicable safety and code requirements. Once the immediate hazard has been addressed and the area has been determined safe, qualified professionals can determine what repairs are necessary.

Gas Line Service and Repairs

If a problem is found with customer-owned gas piping, professional inspection and repair may be required before the system can safely return to normal operation.

For gas-line plumbing concerns in Murrieta and surrounding communities, contact Jacob D Plumbing for professional assistance once any immediate emergency has been addressed.

If you currently suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and contact SoCalGas from a safe location at 1-800-427-2200.