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    Gas Leak Detection

    Don't flip switches. Get out. Then call.

    If you smell rotten eggs

    1. Get OUT. Take family + pets.
    2. Don't flip light switches, garage door, anything electric (could spark).
    3. Don't use cell phone INSIDE the house.
    4. From OUTSIDE, call gas company emergency line OR 911.
    5. Don't go back in until cleared.

    Symptoms in your house

    • Rotten egg smell — added to natural gas as warning. Methane itself is odorless.
    • Hissing or whistling near pipes, appliances, meter.
    • Dead/dying plants near pipes.
    • White cloud or dust blowing near pipe.
    • Bubbles in puddles after rain near gas line.
    • Headache, dizziness, nausea unexplained — could be subtle leak.
    • Pets acting strange, refusing to come inside.

    Detectors — install ahead of time

    • Kidde Nighthawk Combo ($60) — natural gas + carbon monoxide alarm.
    • First Alert GCO1CN ($45) — same idea.
    • Smart Combo (Nest Protect) — alerts phone when away. ~$120 each.
    • Place WITHIN 5 feet of gas-using appliances (stove, water heater, furnace, dryer).
    • Mount about 6-12 inches from ceiling (natural gas rises).
    • Replace every 5-7 years.

    Carbon monoxide is different

    • CO is INVISIBLE and ODORLESS. You won't smell it.
    • Comes from incomplete combustion — broken furnace, blocked chimney, generator running indoors.
    • Symptoms: flu-like headache, dizziness, weakness, that lifts when you go outside.
    • CO alarm essential. Different sensor than gas alarm.
    • If alarm sounds: get out IMMEDIATELY. Call 911.

    Prevention tips

    • Annual furnace service ($100-200) catches problems before they become leaks.
    • Have flexible gas connectors checked — old ones (pre-1990) prone to leaks.
    • Don't store gasoline, paint, solvents near gas appliances.
    • NEVER use stove/oven for heat.
    • NEVER run generator inside garage or near windows.
    • Shut off gas at meter before extended trips.

    Free gas company inspection

    Your gas utility (PG&E, ConEd, etc.) does FREE leak inspections at your home. Just call. They'll come check appliances, lines, meter. Especially valuable if you've smelled gas occasionally and don't know why.

    Gas Leak Detection — What to Do | TekSure