Leave now and call 911 or SoCalGas
- IfYou smell rotten eggs or sulfur indoors or near the meterThenLeave, avoid switches and phones inside, call from outside.
- IfYou hear hissing from a gas pipe, valve or the meterThenLeave the area and call from a distance.
- IfA buried line was hit while diggingThenStop, move everyone away, and call.
- IfA carbon monoxide alarm is soundingThenGet outside and call 911.
Book a licensed plumber soon
- IfThe meter test dial moves with all appliances off and no odorThenSchedule leak detection.
- IfUtility responders found a house-side leak and shut gas offThenSchedule the repair and pressure test.
- IfA shutoff valve is stuck or weeps at the stemThenSchedule valve replacement; do not force it.
- IfDead grass strip along a buried line with no odorThenSchedule testing, and report any odor to SoCalGas.
Note it and plan ahead
- IfAn old uncoated brass connector is visible behind an applianceThenPlan a replacement soon; leave and call if you smell gas.
- IfFlames weaken when a big appliance runsThenAsk a plumber to check line sizing at the next visit.
- IfYou want to add a gas applianceThenFill in the planning and load worksheets first.
- IfA home inspection flagged CSST without visible bondingThenHave a licensed plumber evaluate it.
Who handles what
| Situation | First call | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Gas odor or hissing | 911 or SoCalGas | Licensed plumber for house-side repair |
| Meter or service line problem | SoCalGas | None needed unless house piping is affected |
| House piping leak without odor | Licensed plumber | SoCalGas if meter was shut off |
| Appliance not lighting | Appliance technician or plumber | SoCalGas if gas service is off |
| New line or added appliance | Licensed plumber | City of Villa Park for permits |
Why the order matters
Utility crews and first responders have the equipment to measure gas in the air and shut off service quickly. Plumbers fix piping. Calling the right one first means a gas leak is made safe before anyone works on it, and that a repair is not delayed by waiting on the wrong service.
Print this page and keep it with your gas shutoff map. During a stressful moment, a simple sorted list is easier to follow than memory.
Keep these ready
- Phone charged and kept where you can grab it on the way out
- Meter wrench stored near the meter
- Gas shutoff map printed
- Your SoCalGas account information somewhere outside the house or on your phone
Common questions
Is a faint smell near the stove an emergency?
A burner left slightly on can cause a brief smell. If it does not clear right away after turning the burner off, leave and call SoCalGas or 911.
Can a plumber come instead of SoCalGas for an odor?
For a gas smell, the first call is 911 or SoCalGas. A plumber handles the repair after the area is safe.
What if I am not home and a neighbor smells gas?
They should move away and call 911 or SoCalGas. Do not ask them to enter the house.
General information for Villa Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.