What a log is good for
Some gas problems come and go. A faint whiff near the dryer only on laundry day, burners that sag when the pool heater starts, or a bill that climbs for no clear reason are all clues, but they are hard to pin down from memory.
Recording each occurrence with the time, place and what was running helps a licensed plumber decide where to start testing, and helps you describe the pattern clearly when you call SoCalGas.
Symptom log
| Date and time | Where | What you noticed | Appliances running | Weather or activity | Action taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Symptoms worth logging
- A faint sulfur or rotten-egg smell that fades quickly
- Burner flames that turn lazy, yellow or small
- Pilot lights that go out repeatedly
- Appliances that struggle when another gas appliance starts
- A strip of browning grass along a straight path outdoors
- Gas bill changes that do not match your usage
- The meter test dial moving with all appliances off
Taking a meter reading for the log
Only if you do not smell gas.
- Turn off gas appliances.Furnace off, water heater to pilot or vacation, pool and spa heaters off, no burners lit.
- Note the test dial.Write down the position of the smallest dial and the time.
- Wait and recheck.Recheck after several minutes and record any movement. Pilots use a little gas, so note how many are lit.
- Restore appliances.Turn appliances back on as normal. Share the readings with a plumber or SoCalGas.
When the log says call
- IfOdor becomes stronger or constantThenLeave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- IfMeter moves with everything off on two checksThenBook a licensed plumber for leak detection.
- IfFlames weaken only when a large appliance runsThenAsk a plumber to check gas line sizing.
- IfPilot keeps going out on one applianceThenSchedule service for that appliance.
Bring these answers to the call
- When did you first notice the symptom?
- Is it tied to one appliance, one room or one time of day?
- Has there been any digging, remodeling or appliance moves recently?
- Have you had any recent gas work done?
Common questions
Is a faint smell okay to log instead of calling?
If you can smell gas at all and are unsure, the safe choice is to leave and call SoCalGas or 911. The log is for clues you have already reported or for non-odor symptoms.
Can weather affect what I notice?
Heating season means more appliances running, which can reveal sizing problems. Note the weather in your log.
Who should see the log?
Share it with SoCalGas when you report a concern and with the licensed plumber who does any testing.
General information for Villa Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.