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Safety Guide

Smell Gas?
Here's Exactly What to Do

📅 August 17, 2026 ⏰ 5 min read 👤 Alyssa Stewart, Licensed Plumber

⚠️ If you smell gas right now:

Leave the house immediately without turning any switches, lights, or appliances on or off. Once safely outside and away from the building, call your gas utility's emergency line or 911. Do not go back inside until they confirm it's safe.

Natural gas is odorless on its own — utility companies add a chemical (mercaptan) that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur specifically so leaks are noticeable. Taking that smell seriously, every time, is the right call even though most calls turn out to be minor. Here is the exact step-by-step procedure to follow.

Gas leak safety response steps for Ponca City Oklahoma homeowners

Step-by-Step: What to Do

  1. Don't operate any switches or flames. Don't turn lights on or off, don't light a match, don't use your phone until you're outside — any spark could ignite gas in a confined space.
  2. Get everyone out of the house, including pets, and leave doors open behind you as you go if it doesn't cost you time.
  3. Move well away from the structure — don't stand right next to the house or in the garage.
  4. Call your gas utility's emergency line from a safe distance, or call 911 if you're unsure of the number. Most utilities have a 24/7 emergency line specifically for gas odor reports.
  5. Don't go back inside until the utility company or fire department confirms it's safe.
  6. Once it's safe, call a licensed plumber to locate and repair the source of the leak if it originated from your home's gas lines or appliances rather than the utility's infrastructure.
💡 Common sources of gas leaks in homes: Aging or damaged flexible gas connectors behind stoves and dryers, corroded fittings, a pilot light that's gone out on an older water heater, or a cracked line disturbed during other home repairs. A licensed plumber can pressure test the system to find the exact source.

When It's the Utility's Responsibility vs. Yours

Generally, the gas utility is responsible for the line up to the meter, and the homeowner is responsible for gas piping and appliances on the house side of the meter. The utility company can typically tell you which side of the meter a confirmed leak is on, and if it's on your side, that's when you'd bring in a licensed plumber to make the repair.

Related services at Drain Doctor Plumbing:

Gas Line Issue on Your Side of the Meter?

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Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What does a gas leak smell like?

Natural gas is odorless on its own, so utilities add mercaptan, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, specifically to make leaks noticeable. If you smell that odor inside or near your home, treat it as a possible gas leak.

❓ Should I call 911 or my gas company first?

Either is appropriate — the priority is getting out of the house safely first, then calling from a safe distance. Most gas utilities have a dedicated 24/7 emergency line, but 911 will also route the response appropriately if you're unsure of the number.

❓ Is it safe to use my phone if I smell gas inside the house?

It's safest to wait until you're outside and away from the structure before using your phone, since any spark-producing device is a theoretical ignition risk in a gas-filled space.

❓ Who fixes a gas leak — the utility or a plumber?

The utility company handles the line up to the meter. Gas piping and appliances on the house side of the meter are the homeowner's responsibility, which is where a licensed plumber comes in to locate and repair the leak.

Licensed Gas Line Repair, Done Safely

If it's on your side of the meter, we'll find it and fix it right.

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