What to do, in order
Get everyone out
People and pets leave immediately. Do not stop to gather belongings.
Call from outside
Once you are well away from the house, call 911 or SoCalGas. Tell them what you smell and where.
Stay out
Do not go back inside until emergency responders or SoCalGas tell you it is safe.
Then arrange repairs
If the gas company finds a leak on your side of the meter, they may shut off service until a qualified contractor makes repairs.
Where household gas leaks start
Natural gas has no smell of its own; an odorant is added so you can detect it. In Garden Grove homes, gas usually feeds the water heater, furnace, range and sometimes a dryer, fireplace or outdoor barbecue line. Leaks tend to start at flexible connectors behind appliances, at older fittings and shutoff valves, and on lines disturbed by remodeling.
Older homes may still have aging flexible connectors or valves that were installed decades ago. When an appliance is replaced, the connector and valve are worth replacing too rather than reusing.
Who does what
| Party | Role |
|---|---|
| 911 | Immediate danger to life or a strong smell with symptoms like dizziness or headache |
| SoCalGas | Responds to suspected leaks, checks the meter and service, can shut off gas |
| Licensed plumber | Repairs or replaces house gas lines, connectors and valves on your side of the meter after it is safe |
| City of Garden Grove | Permits and inspections for gas line work; check with the city |
Before gas service is restored
- The leak source has been found and repaired
- Any required permit and inspection is arranged
- Appliance connectors and shutoff valves are in good condition
- Pilot lights are relit by SoCalGas or the contractor, not guessed at
- A carbon monoxide alarm is installed and working
Questions for a gas line contractor
- What is your CSLB license number, and does it cover gas piping?
- Will you pressure test the line after the repair?
- Does this work need a permit and inspection?
- Should other connectors or valves of the same age be replaced?
Common questions
Is a faint smell near the stove an emergency?
Treat any gas smell seriously. If it is faint and comes from a burner left slightly on, turning it off may solve it, but if you are not sure of the source, leave and call SoCalGas from outside.
Can a plumber come before SoCalGas?
For a suspected leak, the gas company or emergency responders come first. A plumber's role is repair after the area is safe.
Should I shut off the gas at the meter?
Only if emergency responders or SoCalGas tell you to. Once it is off, only the gas company or a qualified professional should turn it back on.
General information for Garden Grove, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.