What should I do if I smell gas?

Do this now — in order

1. Get everyone out. Family, roommates, guests, pets. Everyone outside, upwind if possible.
2. Don't touch any switch or appliance. An on/off flip can spark. Don't turn lights on. Don't turn lights off. Don't unplug anything.
3. Don't use a phone inside. Wait until you're outside, at least across the yard or the street.
4. Don't light anything. No lighter, no match, no stove, no candle.
5. From outside, call PG&E or 911. They come out, locate the leak, and confirm the site is safe.
6. Do not go back inside until told it's safe. Even if the smell weakens.
7. Then call a licensed plumber. After the utility has cleared the site, we handle the repair — locating the exact leak source, replacing the failed section, and pressure-testing the line before returning it to service.

Why the "don't touch anything" rule matters

Natural gas is flammable across a specific concentration range. At high enough concentration, an electrical spark — from a light switch, a phone, a thermostat, an appliance turning on by itself — can ignite it. This is a life-safety rule, not an overreaction.

How PG&E responds

PG&E emergency response is free and available 24/7. They locate the leak, shut off the gas at the meter if necessary, and confirm the immediate safety of the site. They do not do the repair on your interior line — that's licensed contractor work.

After the utility clears the site

Call a licensed plumber to handle the actual repair. A proper gas line repair includes:

• Precise leak location
• Replacement of the failed section with correct materials
• Pressure test at the correct psi for the required duration
• Documented restoration to service
• Permit and inspection where required

Preventing the next one

• Have exterior gas lines inspected periodically — that's where most corrosion shows up
• Know where your gas main shutoff is (usually at the meter)
• Don't attempt any DIY gas work — it's licensed contractor territory for good reason
• If a gas appliance is being installed or moved, have a licensed plumber size and connect the line