Note to readers: This post was updated on July 19, 2026 to add current gas leak detection steps, clarify homeowner vs. gas company responsibility, and link to our earthquake shut-off valve guide. We refreshed the details below so the advice reflects how we approach this work today.
A gas leak isn’t something to wait on. Whether it’s a faint rotten-egg smell near your water heater or a hissing sound behind a wall, gas line issues can turn dangerous fast. Here’s what homeowners need to know about gas lines — and what to do if you suspect a problem.
If You Smell Gas, Act Immediately
Natural gas is treated with a distinct sulfur-like odor specifically so leaks are noticeable. If you smell it:
- Leave the building right away — don’t stop to open windows or flip switches
- Don’t use your phone, light a match, or operate anything electrical inside
- Call the gas company from outside to have service shut off
- Once it’s safe, call a licensed plumber to find and repair the leak
For a deeper breakdown of what to do step by step, see our gas leak detection guide.
Who Fixes What: Gas Company vs. Plumber
This trips up a lot of homeowners. The gas company owns and maintains the line up to your meter. Everything past the meter — the piping running through your house or yard — is the property owner’s responsibility. If the gas company finds a leak on your side of the meter, they’ll lock the meter until it’s repaired and passes a pressure test. That means no gas (no hot water, no stove, no furnace) until a licensed plumber fixes it.
Because of this, it pays to call a plumber who’s certified in gas line testing and repair as soon as you suspect an issue, rather than waiting on the gas company to force the issue.
Common Signs of a Gas Line Problem
- A persistent rotten-egg or sulfur smell, especially near appliances
- Hissing sounds near gas lines or the meter
- Dead or dying vegetation in a patch of your yard for no clear reason
- Higher-than-normal gas bills with no change in usage
- Pilot lights that won’t stay lit
New Lines and Extensions
Adding a gas range, outdoor fire feature, or pool heater usually means extending your existing gas line. This isn’t a DIY job — it requires a licensed, gas-certified plumber to size the line correctly, pressure test it, and get it inspected. Done wrong, an undersized or poorly sealed line creates the exact hazard you’re trying to avoid.
Earthquake Preparedness
Southern California homeowners have an added reason to take gas line safety seriously: seismic activity can shear pipes and fittings. An earthquake gas shut-off valve automatically cuts gas flow if shaking is detected, which can prevent a fire following an earthquake. Many cities in our service area recommend or require them — worth checking on if your home doesn’t already have one.
Gas issues aren’t a wait-and-see situation. If something feels off, get it checked. Western Rooter is certified to test, locate, and repair gas leaks, and to install or extend gas lines safely. Learn more about our gas leak detection and repair service.
