Natural gas is a resource many of us rely on to power different systems—like HVAC and water heating units in our homes and businesses. While working with a licensed gas plumbing contractor and code-compliant installation work makes leaks less likely, you’ll still need to know what to be aware of so you can respond to any problems with leaking gas pipes right away.

In this blog, Lubbock A-1 Plumbing, LLC’s gas plumbers explain how we detect gas leaks, the signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for, and what steps you should take when you suspect gas might be making its way into your residence or workspace unchecked.

Highlights

Introduction

Natural gas is prized for its efficiency, affordability, and versatility. It powers everything from furnaces and water heaters to stoves and dryers. As access to natural gas becomes more widespread, it’s essential to prioritize gas line safety.

Proper installation by licensed plumbers ensures code compliance, system integrity, and long-term safety. But even with professional installation, gas leaks can still happen. Your role as a home or business owner is to stay vigilant.

Recognizing the warning signs of a gas leak and knowing when to call a licensed plumber will help you prevent costly damage, health risks, and dangerous fires or explosions. Read on for expert advice on how to handle this scenario.

Common Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home or Business

Detecting gas leaks in your home or business early is the best way to protect your loved ones, pets, employees, clients, and property.

Here’s what to watch (and smell) for:

What Does a Gas Leak Smell Like?

One of the most common indicators of a gas leak in your home or business is the distinct smell of rotten eggs or sulfur. This scent is added to natural gas on purpose to alert occupants of leaks. Without this safety feature, natural gas would be virtually odorless.

What Does Escaping Gas Sound Like?

Escaping gas doesn’t just create an odor—it can also make an audible hissing or whistling sound near gas lines, appliances, or gas meters. This happens when gas escapes through a small crack, loose connection, or puncture along the line. If you hear this sound, avoid trying to locate the source yourself.

Doing so could increase your exposure to hazardous gas. Instead, call a licensed gas plumber to handle the issue.

Is a Gas Leak Visible?

Gas leaks aren’t always obvious, but certain visual clues can give them away. Dead or discolored plants near your outdoor gas lines may indicate an underground leak. You might also spot bubbling in water or soil, a sign that gas is leaking underground and rising to the surface.

Indoors, look for unexplained condensation on your windows or around your appliances, which can happen when leaking gas affects moisture levels in the air.

How Do Underground Gas Leaks Happen?

Underground gas leaks are particularly challenging to detect because they don’t produce obvious signs like odor, visible damage, or hissing sounds.

These leaks typically result from the following causes:

  • Shifting soil: Natural ground movement from weather changes, erosion, or seismic activity can put stress on gas lines, causing tiny cracks or misalignments.
  • Construction damage: Accidental punctures from excavation or digging near your property can break underground gas pipes.
  • Corrosion: Underground pipes are exposed to moisture and acidic soil, which can weaken pipe material over time and lead to cracks or holes.
  • Aging pipes: Older gas lines can experience wear and tear from decades of use, making them more vulnerable to leaks.

Since these leaks aren’t visible, licensed plumbers use advanced tools like gas sniffers, which detect trace amounts of natural gas, and pressure testing tools, which measure pressure changes that indicate leaks.

Does Leaking Gas Plumbing Cause Physical Symptoms?

Gas leaks pose a serious health risk, especially indoors. Exposure to natural gas displaces oxygen, leading to oxygen deprivation and several physical symptoms.

Here’s what to watch for:

  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or confusion
  • Shortness of breath

If multiple people in your home or business experience these symptoms at the same time, evacuate immediately and contact emergency services. Prolonged exposure to natural gas can lead to severe health issues, especially for children, seniors, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

What Steps Should You Take When You Have Gas Line Problems?

If you spot any of the signs of a gas problem listed above, try not to panic.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Turn off your gas supply if it’s safe to do so. This step minimizes the risk of fire or explosion.
  2. Evacuate your property immediately, ensuring everyone (including pets) leaves the area.
  3. Avoid using electronics or appliances like phones, light switches, or anything that could create a spark.
  4. Call emergency services from a safe location, like your neighbor’s home or outside your house.
  5. Call a licensed plumber to inspect, diagnose, and repair the leak once the area is deemed safe.

Your quick action can prevent fires, health issues, and expensive repairs.

How Long Does It Take To Detect and Fix a Gas Leak?

The size and extent of the leak are major considerations when determining how long it will take to detect and fix a gas leak. The location of the leak is also one of the most important aspects. Leaks in exposed pipes are easier to access and resolve, while underground or hidden leaks behind walls or under floors require more time and specialized equipment.

Due to minimal gas flow, a small, slow leak may take longer to detect, while a large, active leak is typically easier to identify. The process will naturally take more time when your affected pipes are in hard-to-reach areas, like beneath concrete slabs or behind drywall. Advanced detection tools like gas sniffers and pressure testing equipment speed up the process, but more complex cases may require multiple tests to ensure all leaks are identified.

The extent of the required repair work will influence the time it takes to resolve the issue. Minor repairs, like sealing small cracks, can be done quickly, but larger issues, including pipe replacement or excavation for underground leaks, require significantly more time and labor. Your gas repair contractor will evaluate all these factors and give you a turnaround estimate before getting started.

How Often Should You Test Your Gas Lines for Leaks?

Routine inspections are one of the best ways to prevent gas leaks. Homeowners should test gas lines every one to two years or after significant weather events like floods or earthquakes. Businesses that use gas for daily operations (like restaurants) should schedule annual inspections to comply with safety regulations. Routine testing is the best way to prevent gas-related emergencies.

Consult With an Emergency Plumber

Natural gas is a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective energy source, but it requires responsible management. Recognizing the signs of gas leaks, understanding the risks, and knowing when to call an emergency plumber will help protect your property, health, and loved ones. If you smell rotten eggs, hear hissing, see bubbling soil, or experience physical symptoms like dizziness or headaches, don’t delay.

Call Lubbock A-1 Plumbing, LLC at (806) 796-0206 for fast gas leak detection and repair services. Our expert plumbers use state-of-the-art equipment to locate and fix leaks before they turn into emergencies.