Gas Leak Warning Signs: What Arlington Homeowners Should Do

Natural gas has no smell on its own, so gas companies add a chemical that smells like rotten eggs to make leaks easy to notice. If you smell it, hear a hiss, or see signs outdoors near a gas line, treat it as an emergency. Once the gas company has made the area safe, Arlington Leak Pros can test and repair your gas lines. Call (817) 285-5426, 24/7.

What are the warning signs of a gas leak?

The main warning signs are a rotten egg or sulfur smell, a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance, dead or dying plants over a buried line, bubbles in standing water or wet soil, and a pilot light or burner flame that is yellow or orange instead of blue.

• Rotten egg or sulfur smell
• Hissing near a line or appliance
• Dead grass over a gas line
• Bubbles in puddles or mud
• Yellow or orange burner flame
• Gas bill higher than normal

Some people feel headaches, dizziness or nausea around a gas leak. If anyone feels sick, get everyone outside and call 911.

What should you do if you smell gas?

Leave the home right away and take everyone with you. Do not flip switches, unplug anything, use a phone inside, light a flame or start a car in the garage. Leave the door open behind you. Once you are a safe distance away, call 911 and Atmos Energy's emergency line at 866-322-8667.

1. Get out now. People and pets first.
2. Avoid sparks. No switches, plugs, phones or flames inside.
3. Move away from the building.
4. Call 911 and Atmos Energy at 866-322-8667.
5. Wait for the all-clear before going back in.

What happens after the gas company responds?

The gas company checks for gas, makes the area safe and may shut off service at the meter. Leaks on your side of the meter, such as house piping and appliance connections, are usually yours to repair. A licensed plumber finds the leak, repairs it and pressure tests the line before gas service is restored.

In Texas, gas piping work is done by licensed plumbers. Our plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

How is a gas line tested for leaks?

A plumber isolates the gas piping and runs a pressure test. The line is pressurized and watched on a gauge. If the pressure drops, there is a leak. The technician then checks joints, valves and connections to find it, repairs it, and tests again to confirm the line holds pressure.

Many repairs, and any new gas line, also need a permit and inspection before the gas is turned back on. Your plumber explains what your job needs.

What causes gas leaks in homes?

Common causes are loose or worn fittings, old flexible appliance connectors, corroded pipe, damage from digging, and shifting soil around buried lines. Arlington's clay soil moves with rain and heat, which can stress buried gas and water lines alike. Always call 811 before you dig in your yard.

The same soil movement causes many water leaks. See our guides to slab leak signs and underground water line leaks.

How can you lower the risk of a gas leak?

Have gas appliances serviced on schedule, replace old flexible connectors, keep a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, know where your gas meter is, and call 811 before any digging. If anything smells or sounds wrong, leave first and call for help.