Act now
Leave now: possible gas leak
A gas smell is an emergency. Get everyone out first, then call from outside. The banging can wait.
Why this happens
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission says to leave your home or building immediately if you smell gas, and not to turn lights on or off or make calls from inside. Atmos Energy gives the same order: leave the area, then call 911 and the gas utility from a safe distance.
Do this now
- Get everyone out of the house now, including pets.
- Do not turn lights or other switches on or off, do not make calls while inside, and do not do anything that could cause a spark. The Pennsylvania PUC also says to leave windows and doors open as you exit so the gas can vent outside.
- From a safe distance outside, call 911 and your gas utility.
- Stay out until emergency or utility personnel tell you it is safe to go back in.
When to stop. Any gas smell at any point means leave and call from outside.
What to tell the plumber
- You smelled gas, where it was strongest, and when you noticed it.
- That the pipes were also banging, and roughly when it started.
- Whether the smell was near the water heater or another gas appliance.
Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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