What to Do If You Smell Gas in Your Southern California Home

A gas leak is one of the most serious emergencies a homeowner can face. Natural gas is odorless in its natural state, but gas companies add a sulfur compound that gives it a distinctive rotten egg smell — specifically so you can detect leaks. If you smell that odor in your home, take it seriously immediately.

What To Do Right Now

1. Do not touch any switches or electronics

Do not flip light switches on or off, do not use your phone inside the house, do not start your car in an attached garage. Any electrical spark can ignite gas.

2. Leave immediately

Get everyone out of the house — people and pets. Leave the door open as you exit to help ventilate.

3. Do not use the elevator if you are in a multi-story building

Take the stairs. Elevators have electrical components that can spark.

4. Call 911 from outside

Once you are safely away from the building, call 911. Also call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. They will send an emergency crew to shut off the gas.

5. Do not re-enter the building

Wait for emergency responders to clear the building before going back inside.

After the Emergency — Call a Licensed Plumber

Once the gas company has shut off the supply and cleared the scene, you will need a licensed plumber to find and repair the leak before your gas can be turned back on. Do not attempt to find or fix a gas leak yourself.

Regal Plumbing & Rooter is licensed for natural gas and propane line detection and repair throughout the Inland Empire. We use electronic gas detectors to pinpoint the exact location of the leak and perform a pressure test after every repair to certify the system is safe.

Seismic Gas Shut-Off Valves

Southern California homeowners should also consider installing a seismic gas shut-off valve. These devices automatically shut off your gas supply when they detect the ground motion of an earthquake — before a gas line can be damaged and cause a fire.

Call Regal Plumbing & Rooter at (909) 600-4561 for gas line repair, new gas line installation, and seismic valve installation throughout Ontario, Pomona, Corona, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, West Covina, and Chino.