Natural Gas Leak Warning Signs and Safety Tips for Riverside Homeowners

Many Riverside-area homes rely on natural gas for water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and other appliances. Natural gas is generally reliable and affordable, but a damaged gas line, loose connection, or malfunctioning appliance can create a serious safety hazard.

How to Recognize a Possible Gas Leak

Natural gas is naturally odorless, so utility companies add a distinctive sulfur-like odor that is often compared to rotten eggs. Other warning signs may include:

• A hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance
• A damaged appliance connection
• Dirt or dust blowing near an underground gas line
• Unexplained dead or discolored vegetation
• Physical symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, or confusion

Never rely on smell alone. Certain conditions can make natural gas difficult to detect.

Health and Asphyxiation Risks

A substantial natural gas leak can reduce the amount of oxygen available in an enclosed space. This may cause dizziness, fatigue, confusion, breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness.

A malfunctioning gas appliance may also produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that requires a working carbon monoxide detector to identify. If anyone is experiencing serious symptoms, leave the building immediately and call 911 from a safe location.

Fire and Explosion Risks

Natural gas is highly flammable. When enough gas accumulates inside a building, a flame or small electrical spark can cause a fire or explosion.

If you smell rotten eggs, hear escaping gas, or otherwise suspect a leak:

1. Leave the building immediately and move to a safe location.
2. Do not use light switches, electrical appliances, phones, vehicles, matches, candles, or anything else that could produce a spark while near the suspected leak.
3. Do not attempt to locate or repair the leak yourself.
4. From a safe location, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. Call 911 if the leak may present an immediate danger to people or property.
5. Do not return until emergency personnel or the gas utility says it is safe.

These precautions follow SoCalGas natural gas leak guidance.

Gas Line and Water Heater Services in Riverside, CA

Once the property has been declared safe, Rooter Warrior Plumbing & Drain Cleaning can help evaluate plumbing-related gas lines, appliance connections, and gas water heaters. We provide professional gas line repairs and water heater replacement services for homeowners throughout Riverside and surrounding communities.

For non-emergency plumbing service, call Rooter Warrior Plumbing & Drain Cleaning at (951) 410-5108 today.

If you currently suspect a gas leak, leave the area first and contact SoCalGas or 911—not a plumbing company.