Smell Gas in the House? Do These 5 Things Right Now

Natural gas and propane are odorized with mercaptan so you'll notice a leak. If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur, act — don't investigate.

Do these now

1. Don't flip any switches, light anything or use a phone inside.
2. Open doors and windows on your way out.
3. Get everyone (and pets) outside.
4. From outside, shut the gas off at the meter if you know how (quarter turn with a wrench so the tang is crosswise to the pipe).
5. Call your gas utility's emergency line, then call a gas leak plumber at (888) 480-9811.

Where leaks usually come from

Flexible connectors behind ranges and dryers, water heater gas valves and unions, old black-iron threads, and buried lines to pool heaters and grills. Corrosion in Florida's humidity is a frequent cause.

What a gas line plumber does

We pressure-test the system, pinpoint the leak with detectors and soap testing, and make the gas line repair. New appliance lines, generator hookups and pool heater lines are run to code and inspected. Never DIY gas work.

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