Who handles which part
In La Mirada, natural gas is delivered by SoCalGas. The gas company is responsible for the service up to and including the meter, and for responding to reports of a gas odor. The piping from the outlet of the meter to your water heater, furnace, range, dryer and any outdoor appliances is generally the property owner's responsibility, and repairs to it are done by a licensed contractor.
Gas piping in older homes is often black steel, sometimes with sections of newer corrugated stainless tubing or flexible appliance connectors. Old uncoated flexible connectors, corroded pipe outdoors and fittings disturbed during a remodel are common places for leaks to start.
Signs of a gas problem
- A rotten egg smell indoors, near an appliance, or near the meter.
- A hissing sound near a gas line or appliance.
- Dead or discolored plants along the path of an underground gas line.
- Burner flames that are mostly yellow or lazy instead of mostly blue.
- Soot or scorch marks around a water heater or furnace.
- A carbon monoxide alarm sounding. Get everyone outside and call 911.
How a gas line repair is usually handled
- Make it safe.The gas company or a contractor shuts off and isolates the affected section.
- Find the leak.A pressure test of the house piping, plus leak detection solution or an electronic detector, locates the problem.
- Repair or replace.The leaking fitting, connector or section of pipe is replaced with approved materials.
- Test before relighting.The system is pressure-tested again; where a permit applies, the inspection may need to pass before service is restored.
- Relight appliances.Pilots are relit and each appliance is checked for proper operation.
Common gas jobs and what they involve
| Job | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Replacing an appliance connector | New flexible connector and shutoff valve at the appliance. |
| Adding a line for a range, dryer or grill | New branch sized for the appliance, with a valve at the end. |
| Upsizing for a tankless heater | Larger pipe from the meter or a new dedicated run. |
| Repairing an underground line | Locating, excavating and replacing the damaged section. |
| Seismic gas shutoff valve | A valve that closes automatically in strong shaking; requirements vary, so check with the city. |
Questions to ask before gas work
- Is your license classification appropriate for gas piping? I will check it at cslb.ca.gov.
- Will you pressure-test the system after the work?
- Does this job need a permit and inspection?
- Is my existing line large enough for the new appliance?
- Will you relight and check every appliance before you leave?
Common questions
Can I replace a gas appliance connector myself?
Gas work carries serious risk, and mistakes may not be obvious until there is a leak. Use a licensed contractor and have the connection tested.
SoCalGas turned off my gas. Who turns it back on?
If the gas company shut off service at the meter, contact SoCalGas about restoring it. They may need the house piping repaired and tested first.
Do I need a permit for a new gas line?
New gas piping commonly needs a permit and inspection. Check with the City of La Mirada or ask your contractor.
General information for La Mirada, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.