How to Find a Natural Gas Leak in Your Pittsburgh Home
Do you smell a strange smell in your home that reminds you of rotten eggs? That odor could be a sign of a natural gas leak. While it can be alarming, repairing a gas leak can be done quick and easily by our team of gas line plumbers.
Why Natural Gas Smells
Fun fact: Natural gas does not actually have a smell. To keep people safe, a harmless chemical called mercaptan is added to the gas so leaks can be identified and keep you safe. Mercaptan gives gas the “rotten egg” smell we are used to. Without that, leaks could go unnoticed—and there would be a higher risk of explosions.
If you’re curious to learn more about the signs you might have a gas leak, we’ve covered what to look for in more detail in one of our recent posts.
What to Do If You Smell Gas
If you suspect a gas leak, ventilate the area. Turn off anything that could create a spark, close the main shut off valves, and evacuate your home or building.
Common ignition sources include:
- Lights and electrical switches
- Cell phones and electronics
- Appliances such as stoves and furnaces
- Open flames, candles, or lighters
For a deeper breakdown of how to handle emergencies like this, check out our guide on emergency gas shutoffs and what every Pittsburgh homeowner should know.
How to Find the Source of the Leak
Once the area is safe and ventilated, the gas company can perform a full leak test.
We can also help identify leaks, and we do this with a spray bottle and mix a little soap with cold water. We spray the solution onto all gas line fittings and connections—especially near appliances like stoves, furnaces, and water heaters.
If you see bubbles forming or expanding on any connection, that’s a clear sign of a leak.
What to Do Next
Contact your gas company or a licensed gas professional for help. You can find important contact information for local utilities in our Resource Guide for Gas Leaks.
Never attempt to make permanent repairs on your own. Our team at Steel City Natural Gas is fully certified to handle gas line repair, replacement, and leak detection throughout Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh area. We use professional-grade testing tools to pinpoint leaks safely and restore your system to code.
Need Help from a Licensed Gas Plumber?
When in doubt, trust the experts. Learn more about our certified gas plumbers and how we help homeowners stay safe with professional leak detection and gas line services. If you’re dealing with a gas issue right now, contact us today for prompt service and expert care.
Related Reading
- Peoples Gas Reactivation: What You Need to Know Before Service Is Restored
- Emergency Gas Shutoffs: What Every Pittsburgh Homeowner Needs to Know
- Resource Guide for Gas Leaks
Steel City Natural Gas—keeping Pittsburgh homes safe, one line at a time.