If you smell gas at home
Leave the house, call SoCalGas from outside, and avoid sparks.
Updated · 3 min read
Bottom line
If you smell gas, leave right away and call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from outside, plus 911 if there is danger. Do not flip switches, light anything or try to fix it. Once the utility makes it safe, a plumber repairs the line or connector.
Contents
What SoCalGas tells customers
SoCalGas's earthquake and excess flow valve page is clear: evacuate first, then call from a safe location.
It also says not to turn lights or appliances on or off, use anything that could spark, or try to control the leak yourself.
Small smells near appliances
A faint whiff right at a stove burner while lighting is normal. A steady smell near the water heater, dryer or range connector is not.
SoCalGas's home energy and safety guide lists hissing sounds and damaged appliance connections among the signs of a leak.
After the utility visit
If SoCalGas finds a leak inside the house, it may shut off the appliance or the meter and tag it. Repairs to house piping and connectors are then done by a plumber, and the utility restores service.
Common fixes include replacing an old connector, resealing a threaded joint, or replacing a corroded section of gas pipe.
Preventing gas leaks
Monterey Park's housing is mostly from the 1940s to 1960s, per Census Reporter. Gas lines and appliance connectors in houses that age deserve a look, especially older uncoated brass connectors.
Keep connectors from kinking behind the range or dryer, and do not let anything rest on gas pipe.
Before you call
Can I turn the gas back on myself after shutting it off?
No. SoCalGas says to leave it off and call the utility to restore service and relight pilots.
Is a carbon monoxide alarm the same as a gas detector?
No. CO alarms detect combustion gas, not natural gas. Many homes have both.
Why can I not smell a known leak?
SoCalGas notes that some people have a reduced sense of smell and that odor can fade or be masked.