Things that can ignite gas

Avoid all of these until the utility or fire department says it is safe.

  • Light switches, including turning them off.
  • Doorbells, garage door openers and thermostats.
  • Matches, lighters, candles and cigarettes.
  • Cell phones and cordless phones used inside the house.
  • Starting a car or any engine in an attached garage.
  • Plugging in or unplugging appliances.

Who handles what

SoCalGas serves the area and is the right call for a suspected leak. The utility can check the meter and the lines and shut off the gas if needed. In an emergency where anyone feels unwell or the smell is strong, call 911 first.

A licensed plumber comes in after the immediate danger is handled. The gas lines inside your property, from the meter to the water heater, furnace, stove, dryer or outdoor barbecue, are generally the owner's responsibility to repair. A plumber can find and fix a leaking fitting or flex connector, replace a damaged line and pressure test the system.

After the utility has made it safe

  1. Get the findings in writing or notes.Write down what the utility found and whether the gas was shut off at the meter, so you can explain it to the plumber.
  2. Call a licensed plumber for the repair.Describe which appliance or line was involved and whether the meter was locked off.
  3. Expect a test before relighting.Gas lines are usually tested after repair. Ask how the plumber will confirm there are no leaks.
  4. Arrange to restore service.Ask who will turn the gas back on and relight pilot lights. Do not unlock or turn a utility-locked meter yourself.

Terms you may hear

Flex connector
The flexible line between a rigid gas pipe and an appliance like a stove, dryer or water heater.
Appliance shutoff
A small valve on the gas line just before an appliance.
Pressure test
A check that a gas line holds pressure without dropping, which shows it is sealed.
Seismic shutoff valve
A valve that closes automatically during strong shaking. Some homes have one at the meter; ask a professional before installing or resetting one.

Questions for the plumber doing gas work

  1. Is your CSLB license active, and does it cover gas line work? (Check at cslb.ca.gov.)
  2. What caused the leak, and are other connectors in the house the same age?
  3. Will this repair need a permit and inspection from the city?
  4. How will you test the line before the gas is turned back on?

Common questions

The smell is faint and comes and goes. Do I still need to leave?

Treat any gas smell seriously. Leave and call SoCalGas or 911 from outside. A faint smell can still come from a real leak.

Can I shut off the gas at the meter myself?

Only if you know how and can do it safely without lingering near a strong smell. Otherwise leave it to the utility or fire department, and never turn it back on yourself.

Is a gas smell from the water heater a plumbing problem?

Once the utility has made it safe, a licensed plumber typically repairs gas connections at the water heater.

General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.