Do not do these inside the house
- Do not flip light switches on or off, or unplug anything.
- Do not use a phone, doorbell or garage door opener inside.
- Do not light a match, lighter or candle, or start a car in an attached garage.
- Do not try to find the leak yourself or tighten fittings.
- Do not reenter to grab belongings or pets you cannot reach on the way out.
What happens next
- Utility or fire response.SoCalGas or the fire department checks the area, finds the source and may shut off gas at the meter.
- Meter stays off.If the gas was shut at the meter, it is normally restored by the utility, not by the homeowner.
- Repair by a licensed plumber.Leaks on the house side of the meter, such as a failed appliance connector or corroded line, are repaired by a licensed contractor.
- Pressure test.After a gas line repair, the system is usually tested to confirm it holds before service is restored.
- Relighting appliances.Once gas is back on, pilots and appliances are relit and checked. Ask who will do this before the visit ends.
Common sources of a gas smell
| Source | Where | Who usually handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance connector | Behind the stove, dryer or water heater | Licensed plumber, after the utility has made it safe |
| Pilot or burner problem | Water heater, furnace or range | Utility check, then a qualified technician |
| Leak at or before the meter | Gas meter outside the house | SoCalGas |
| Damaged buried line | Yard, often after digging | 911 and SoCalGas first, then a licensed contractor |
Why gas work needs a licensed contractor
Gas piping is not a do-it-yourself repair. A small mistake in a fitting can create a slow leak inside a wall or garage, and the consequences are far more serious than a dripping faucet. In California, contractors doing this work should hold an active license, which you can look up by number at cslb.ca.gov.
Gas line repairs and replacements usually require a permit and an inspection. Requirements can change, so check with the City of Brea before work starts and ask the plumber who will pull the permit. Older Brea homes may still have original black iron gas piping, and a repair is a good moment to ask about its condition.
Terms you may hear
- Appliance connector
- The flexible line that links a gas appliance to the house gas piping.
- Shutoff at the meter
- A valve at the gas meter that cuts gas to the whole property. Restoring it is normally a utility task.
- Pressure test
- Pressurizing the gas line and watching a gauge to confirm there are no leaks.
- Seismic gas shutoff valve
- A valve that closes automatically in a strong earthquake. Ask the City of Brea whether one is required in your situation.
Ask before gas line work starts
- Has the utility cleared the house to work on?
- What is your CSLB license number, and does it cover gas piping?
- Will this need a permit and an inspection?
- Will you pressure test the line after the repair?
- Who relights the pilots and checks the appliances afterward?
Common questions
- Is it safe to open windows before leaving?
- Do not stay inside to do it. Getting everyone out quickly matters more than ventilating.
- Can I turn the gas off at the meter myself?
- Follow the instructions of SoCalGas or emergency responders. Once gas is shut at the meter, it is usually restored by the utility.
- Do I call a plumber or SoCalGas first?
- SoCalGas or 911 first, from outside. A plumber repairs house-side piping only after the area has been made safe.
General information for Brea, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.