One meter, two owners
Gas reaches a Fullerton home through a main under the street, a service line under the front yard, and a riser that comes up out of the ground at the meter. SoCalGas installs, owns and maintains that whole path, including the meter and the shutoff valve below it.
From the outlet of the meter onward, the piping is part of the house. That includes the line that enters the wall or runs up into the attic, the branches to each appliance, the appliance shutoff valves and connectors, and any line run out to a barbecue, fire pit or pool heater. Keeping that piping in safe condition is the owner's job.
Who is responsible for what
| Part of the system | Responsible | Who usually does the work |
|---|---|---|
| Gas main under the street | SoCalGas | SoCalGas |
| Service line to the meter | SoCalGas | SoCalGas |
| Meter and meter shutoff valve | SoCalGas | SoCalGas; you may close the valve in an emergency |
| House piping after the meter | Property owner | Licensed contractor |
| Yard lines to outdoor appliances | Property owner | Licensed contractor |
| Appliance shutoff valves and connectors | Property owner | Licensed contractor |
| The appliances themselves | Property owner | Licensed contractor or appliance service technician |
What happens when the leak is on your side
When SoCalGas responds to a leak call and traces it to house piping, it can shut off gas to the affected appliance or to the whole house and leave a notice describing the problem. It does not normally repair house-side piping. The owner then hires a licensed contractor to make the repair.
Once the repair is done, the piping is pressure tested, and where the city requires a permit, inspected. After that, service can be restored and pilots relit. Keep any paperwork SoCalGas leaves; it helps the contractor see exactly what was found.
Quick facts for Fullerton
- Gas utility
- SoCalGas
- Dividing line
- Outlet side of the meter
- House-side repairs
- Licensed contractor, CSLB license checked at cslb.ca.gov
- Permits for house piping
- City building division; check with the city
- Gas smell
- Leave, then call 911 or SoCalGas from outside
Questions to ask a contractor about a house-side leak
- Did you read the notice SoCalGas left, and does your plan match what they found?
- Is the leak in a fitting, a connector or the pipe itself, and why that repair rather than another?
- Will the job need a permit, and will you pull it?
- How will you test the whole system before the gas is restored?
- Who arranges with SoCalGas to turn the meter back on and relight pilots?
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance cover gas line repairs?
Coverage varies by policy. Ask your insurer directly; this guide cannot say what any particular policy includes.
Who owns the line to my detached garage or pool heater?
Any piping after the meter, including lines to detached buildings and outdoor appliances, belongs to the property owner.
Can SoCalGas repair my house piping?
Ask SoCalGas what services it offers. In general, house-side repairs are done by a licensed contractor hired by the owner.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.