When to Call a Gas Line Plumber

As the colder months come to their end and the warmer weather springs into action, the average household will have a 65% decrease in natural gas usage compared to winter. When gas heating is used less, it’s easy to overlook the safety of your natural gas system. However, leaks and system failures can happen any time of year—and when gas usage is lower, potential leaks are even more likely to go unnoticed.

During winter, when gas furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and stoves are running at full capacity, homeowners are much more likely to notice a leak or problem because of frequent use, and how much colder it is in your home when the system is failing. However, in warmer months, natural gas appliances may be used less often, making the failure of your home’s gas system much harder to detect—which is very dangerous.

Trust Your Senses: Signs of a Gas Leak

A natural gas leak is a critical emergency that requires immediate action. If you notice any of the following warning signs, evacuate the area and contact emergency services or your utility provider right away.

Smell – A Rotten Egg Odor

• Natural gas itself is odorless, but utility companies add a strong sulfur-like or rotten egg scent (mercaptan) to help detect leaks. If you notice this smell in or around your home, it could indicate a gas leak.

Sight – Visible Signs of a Leak

• Hissing or white mist near gas lines.
• Dead or discolored plants near gas pipes, even when surrounding vegetation looks healthy.
• Bubbling in standing water, such as puddles where gas lines run underground.
• A small flame if gas is leaking near an ignition source.

Hearing – Unusual Noises

• A hissing, whistling, or roaring sound near gas appliances or pipelines may signal gas escaping under pressure.

Touch – Physical Symptoms

• Dizziness, nausea, headaches, or breathing difficulties may indicate exposure to natural gas or carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion.
• A sudden rush of cool air near gas pipes or fittings could be a sign of escaping gas.

Taste – Uncommon but Possible

• A metallic or sour taste in the mouth, often accompanied by dizziness, can sometimes indicate gas exposure. However, most people won’t detect a gas leak by taste alone unless the concentration is extremely high. By the time gas levels are strong enough to affect your taste, your sense of smell, sight, or hearing would likely have already signaled the danger.

What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak

If you smell gas, experience dizziness or nausea, or notice any other warning signs, evacuate immediately and call a licensed emergency gas line plumber, your utility provider, or 911 from a safe distance. Do not re-enter your home until professionals have declared it safe.

⚠️ Important Safety Reminders ⚠️

• Do not turn on lights, electrical switches, or appliances—even a small spark can ignite gas.
• Avoid using your phone inside the home; step outside before making a call.
• Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself—leave it to the experts.

How to Prevent Gas Leaks in Your Home

Regular maintenance and inspections are key to preventing gas leaks. Here are essential steps to keep your home safe:

1. Schedule Routine Inspections
   • Gas plumbing systems should be inspected annually by a licensed gas line plumber to check for leaks, corrosion, or improper connections. If your home has aging gas pipes, consider upgrading to a safer, more durable system. Learn more about our professional gas piping services here.
2. Know the Location of Your Gas Shutoff Valve
   • In the event of a leak, shutting off the gas supply can prevent further hazards. Every homeowner should know how to locate and operate the main shutoff valve.
3. Upgrade to Safer Appliances
   • Many gas-powered water heaters and furnaces include built-in safety features that reduce the risk of leaks. If your system is outdated, consider upgrading to a more efficient and safer model.
4. Perform Regular Maintenance
   • There are a number of small things a homeowner can do to protect their loved ones and their property from natural gas leaks, like replacing the air filter to their natural gas furnace regularly and checking ducts for cracks and gaps.
   • Checking the flue pipe and your external vents for obstructions that might keep deadly fumes from escaping is also a necessity.

Gas plumbing repairs should always be handled by certified gas plumbers near you. Incorrect installations can lead to serious leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. Trust our experienced team for safe and reliable gas repairs.

Essential Gas Appliance Safety Tips

Routine maintenance is essential to preventing leaks and ensuring your natural gas appliances operate safely.

• Check and clean your gas stove burners regularly.
• Have your water heater inspected annually to prevent leaks.
• Test your gas furnace for leaks and change filters often.
• Ensure proper ventilation – Schedule an HVAC tune-up twice a year (winter & summer) and they will check flue pipes and external vents for obstructions.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor.

The Importance of Installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every floor is crucial for home safety because carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas that can accumulate undetected. Here’s why it’s essential:

• Carbon Monoxide Can Spread Throughout the Home
  • CO doesn’t stay in one place—it can rise, mix with the air, and move between floors. Installing detectors on each level ensures early detection no matter where a leak starts.
• Protection While Sleeping
  • Many CO poisoning incidents occur at night when people are asleep and unaware of symptoms like dizziness or nausea. A detector near bedrooms provides an early warning and can save lives.
• Coverage for All Gas-Powered Appliances
  • CO can leak from gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and even attached garages. Having detectors on every floor ensures coverage near any potential CO source.
• Early Detection Saves Lives
  • Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning—such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea—can be mistaken for the flu. A CO alarm provides an unmistakable warning before levels become fatal.
• It’s Recommended by Safety Experts
  • Organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the CDC recommend placing CO detectors on each level of a home, including the basement, for maximum safety.
  • Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector every six months.
  • Replace the whole unit every 5-7 years, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Carbon monoxide is invisible and undetectable without an alarm. Installing CO detectors properly in your home is a simple, life-saving step to protect your family.

What Causes Residential Gas Leaks?

Gas leaks can occur both inside and outside the home, often due to aging infrastructure, appliance malfunctions, or external damage. Understanding the common causes can help you prevent leaks and detect issues early.

Inside the Home: Common Causes of Gas Leaks

Gas leaks indoors often stem from faulty appliances, aging gas lines, or improper installations. Here are the most frequent culprits:

Aging or Damaged Gas Lines

• Over time, gas pipes corrode, rust, or develop cracks, leading to leaks.
• Older homes with original gas lines are more susceptible to wear and tear.

Loose or Faulty Gas Connections

• Gas stoves, furnaces, and water heaters have fittings that can loosen over time, allowing gas to escape.
• Poor installations or lack of maintenance can make the problem worse.

Worn-Out or Malfunctioning Appliances

• Older gas appliances can develop leaks due to cracked seals, broken regulators, or failing components.
• Blocked vents or clogged burners can lead to incomplete combustion, causing gas buildup.

Gas Pressure Issues

• If gas pressure is too high or fluctuates, it can strain connection points, increasing the risk of leaks.

Improper Appliance Installation

• A misaligned gas stove burner or improperly connected gas line can cause leaks over time.

Outside the Home: Common Causes of Gas Leaks

Outdoor gas leaks often go unnoticed longer than indoor leaks. Many are caused by external factors like weather, landscaping, and aging infrastructure.

Excavation and Landscaping Damage

• Digging near underground gas lines without calling 811 (before you dig) can lead to accidental ruptures.

Tree Root Intrusion

• Over time, tree roots can wrap around gas pipes, cracking or shifting them.

Corroded or Worn-Out Outdoor Pipes

• Exposure to moisture, soil conditions, and extreme temperatures can corrode underground gas lines.

Extreme Weather Conditions

• Earthquakes, freezing temperatures, or heavy rains can cause ground shifts that break gas lines.

Damaged or Old Gas Meters

• Outdoor gas meters can wear down over time, especially if exposed to harsh weather or accidental impact.

What to Do If You Smell Gas in Your Home

A hazardous residential gas leak is one that poses an immediate risk due to its size or location, potentially leading to an explosion or dangerously high gas concentrations if not quickly addressed. In contrast, a non-hazardous gas leak is typically smaller and may not present an immediate threat but still requires prompt repair to prevent it from becoming dangerous over time. Regardless of the severity, all suspected gas leaks should be treated as hazardous, and immediate safety precautions should be taken.

• Evacuate Immediately—Leave the house and move to a safe distance before making any phone calls.
• Do Not Use – light switches, electrical devices, appliances, cell phones, garage door openers, lighters, or matches. Anything that creates a flame or spark can ignite the gas and air mixture, causing a rapid combustion and explosion due to the sudden pressure increase.
• Call for Help – Call your utility company, 911, or emergency gas leak repair service from a safe location.
• Do Not Attempt Repairs – Gas leaks should only be handled by plumbers who work on gas lines or your utility provider.

Gas Line Resources in WA

In Washington State between the years of 2019 and 2021 fire agencies reported 6,924 incidents involving gas leaks, by following our safety tips, knowing when to call a gas line plumber, and using these resources will help you protect your home and family.

• Washington State enforces its own set of rules through the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), specifically focusing on gas pipeline safety. WAC 480-93-18601 outlines the classification and action criteria for gas leaks, defining them as Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 based on their severity and potential hazard. These classifications apply to all gas pipeline companies operating within Washington State, encompassing both residential and non-residential gas lines.
• Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
  • CNG’s service area includes all of the City of Bremerton and adjacent unincorporated areas; the City of Port Orchard; the majority of South Kitsap, Silverdale, and Central Kitsap; and the City of Poulsbo.
  • For CNG’s emergency information contact 888-522-1130
• Puget Sound Energy
  • As Washington state’s oldest local energy company, PSE serves over 900,000 natural gas customers in 10 counties across 6,000 square miles, primarily in the Puget Sound region of Western Washington.
  • For PSE’s gas leak emergency, call 1-888-225-5773.
• NW Natural
  • NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through 800,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
  • For NW Natural gas safety, call the 24-hour emergency line at 800-822-3377.
• If you’re unsure who your gas provider is, dial 911 to report a leak.

In Washington State between the years of 2019 and 2021 fire agencies reported 6,924 incidents involving gas leaks, by following our safety tips, knowing when to call a gas line plumber, and using these resources will help you protect your home and family.

Gas Line Services in Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia & Renton

At Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians, we provide trusted gas line services across the Puget Sound region. Whether you need a new gas line installation, leak detection, or gas pipe repairs, our licensed professionals are here to help.

We proudly serve the greater Puget Sound, with plumbing warehouses in following cities:

🏠 Tacoma – Gas Piping & Repair Services
🏙️ Seattle – Gas Line Installation & Safety Inspections
🌲 Olympia – Reliable Gas Line Plumbing Experts
🏡 Renton – Professional Gas Line Repairs & Maintenance

Schedule your service with a trusted gas plumbing at Harts today!

Stay Safe and Proactive About Your Gas Line

Gas leaks and system failures are not just a winter concern—they can happen any time of year. Even when your natural gas appliances are used less frequently, routine maintenance, inspections, and early detection remain critical for keeping your home safe. If you suspect a gas leak, need an inspection, or are planning a new gas line installation, don’t wait until it’s too late.

Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians are here to help! Contact us today for expert gas line services and keep your home running safely and efficiently year-round.