gas lines
Emergency Gas Line Repair & Leak Detection
Natural gas is an incredibly efficient and powerful fuel source for heating your home, water, and cooking. However, a gas leak is an immediate and severe hazard. Gas lines are typically made of black iron pipe or flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). Over time, shifting soil, improper initial installation, or corrosion at the threaded joints can cause the pipe to lose its airtight seal, allowing highly flammable gas to escape into your walls or basement.
Repairing a gas line is not a standard plumbing task—it requires strict adherence to fire safety codes, specialized diagnostic equipment, and often, permits and inspections from the local municipality. Our technicians use highly sensitive electronic gas "sniffers" and pressure gauges to isolate the exact location of the leak. Once found, we replace the compromised section of pipe, re-thread connections, and perform rigorous drop-tests to guarantee the entire system is perfectly sealed.
Signs You Need Gas Line Repair
- The distinct smell of sulfur or "rotten eggs" inside or outside your home.
- A hissing sound near gas appliances like the water heater, furnace, or stove.
- Dying or dead houseplants, or dead patches of grass near underground gas lines.
- Higher than normal gas bills without an increase in appliance usage.
- The gas company has locked your meter due to a suspected leak.
Our Process
Safety Evacuation and Shutoff
If a major leak is detected, the property is evacuated and the main gas supply is shut off at the meter.
Pressure Testing
A pressure gauge is attached to the system. The lines are pressurized with air to confirm a leak exists.
Leak Isolation
Using electronic combustible gas detectors and soap solutions, the exact failing joint or pipe is pinpointed.
Repair and City Inspection
The pipe is repaired, re-tested under pressure, and (if required) inspected by the city before the utility company unlocks the meter.
What Affects the Cost
- The location of the leak (underground lines or lines buried inside drywall require excavation/demolition).
- The size and material of the pipe being repaired.
- Whether the city requires a full system pressure test and permit before utility restoration.
- The length of the pipe run that must be replaced if it is severely corroded.
✓ Safe to DIY
- Knowing where your main gas meter shutoff is and having a wrench nearby to turn it off in an emergency.
- Evacuating the house immediately if you smell a strong odor of gas.
✕ Stop & Call Us
- Attempting to tighten or repair gas pipes yourself. A tiny mistake can lead to a catastrophic explosion.
- Using matches or lighters to look for a leak, or flipping electrical switches (which can cause a spark) when you smell gas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I smell gas in my house?
Do not turn on lights, use your phone, or create any sparks. Evacuate the house immediately, leave the doors open, and call your gas utility provider or 911 from outside. Once the gas is shut off, call a licensed plumber for repairs.
Why did the gas company lock my meter?
If the utility company detects a leak on your side of the meter, they are required by law to "red-tag" and lock the meter until a licensed plumber repairs the leak and a city inspector signs off on a pressure test.
How do plumbers find a gas leak?
We pump the gas lines full of compressed air and use highly sensitive electronic combustible gas detectors. We also spray a specialized bubbling soap solution on all joints; if the soap bubbles, we know exactly where the air is escaping.
Request Service
Step 1 of 3- Upfront pricing — no surprise charges
- Licensed, background-checked plumbers
- Cleanup included on every job
Need a Plumber Fast?
From leaky faucets to emergency drain clearing, our experts are ready to help. Fast, reliable service across Charlotte and York County.