Natural gas has a rotten-egg smell added so you can detect a leak. If you smell it, act right away.
Do this immediately
- Get everyone out of the house, including pets.
- Don't flip any switches, use phones inside, start a car in the garage, or light anything. A spark can ignite gas.
- Leave doors open on your way out if it's quick and safe.
- From a safe distance outside, call 911 and your gas company's emergency line. For most of North Texas, that's Atmos Energy.
- Don't go back inside until the gas company or fire department says it's safe.
After it's safe
The gas company may shut off gas to your home. Before it's turned back on, the leak has to be found and repaired. In Texas, gas line repairs must be done by a licensed plumber with the right endorsement, and many cities require a permit and a pressure test.
How a gas leak gets fixed
- The leaking section is found and repaired or replaced
- The system is pressure-tested to make sure it holds
- The city inspects when required
- The gas company restores service