Warning Signs of a Gas Leak Every Arlington Homeowner Should Know

Natural gas leaks can be seriously dangerous. We’re talking a life-threatening situation. It’s by far the most serious problem we handle at Made’s Plumbing. The gas is highly flammable, which significantly increases the risk of a fire, explosion, or health issues.

Most homeowners don’t realize the early warning signs that are essential for keeping their family and property safe. We want to make sure homeowners in Arlington, TX don’t get caught off guard and end up in a dangerous situation. We’re sharing the warning signs of a gas leak that everyone should know to stay safe.

Top Signs You May Have a Possible Gas Leak

1. You Smell Gas (i.e. Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell)
Natural gas is actually odorless, but gas service companies add an odorant called mercaptan a safety precaution so that leaks are noticeable. Many people describe it as smelling like rotten eggs. If you smell this type of odor in or around your home, take it seriously.

2. Whistling or Hissing Sounds
A noticeable hissing noise near gas appliances, lines, or the meter can mean gas is escaping even if you can’t smell anything.

3. Dead Vegetation in Your Yard
If grass or plants near a buried gas line suddenly wilt, yellow, or die, it could be from escaping gas that’s contaminating the soil.

4. Physical Symptoms
When people are exposed to gas it can lead to physical symptoms that include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or eye and throat irritation. These are all signs of prolonged gas exposure.

5. Unusual Sounds or Performance Issues From Appliances
Pilot lights that go out repeatedly or burners that don’t heat evenly can be a sign there’s a gas supply issue.

6. Higher Than Normal Gas Bills
A sudden spike in gas usage without changes in your daily routine are a strong indicator there’s a hidden leak causing gas to escape.

IMPORTANT: Carbon Monoxide Detectors Don’t Detect Gas

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that a gas leak isn’t a concern if their carbon monoxide detector doesn’t go off. But here’s the thing – it doesn’t detect natural gas or propane. It will only go off if there’s a huge gas leak that causes carbon monoxide to build up substantially.

Top Sources of Gas Leaks in a Home

If anything in your home is powered by gas, then there’s the potential for a leak. Below is a rundown of the most common possible sources of a gas leak in a home for both natural gas and propane systems.

Gas Appliances

Gas-powered appliances are one of the most common sources of gas leaks, especially as they age over time. Appliances that could be the source include:

• Gas Furnaces
• Water heaters
• Gas stoves and ovens
• Dryers
• Fireplaces
• Pool heaters
• Outdoor grills connected to gas lines

Why leaks happen:
Loose fittings, worn connectors, cracked valves, or improper installation.

Gas Line Connections & Fittings

Even if the appliance itself is fine, leaks can occur at the connection points. Places to check are:

• Flex connectors behind stoves or dryers
• Shutoff valves
• Elbows, tees, and threaded joints

Common causes:
Vibration, corrosion, poor sealing, or aging materials.

Hidden Gas Piping (Inside Walls or Underground)

Gas lines run through walls, attics, crawl spaces, and underground to supply appliances with power. These can be the source of a gas leak due to:

• Corroded steel pipes
• Damaged underground lines
• Pipes punctured during renovations or digging

These leaks are especially dangerous because they’re often out of sight and harder to detect early.

Improper Installation or Past Repairs

Leaks can develop when gas work wasn’t done correctly. Be on the look out for gas leaks from:

• DIY gas line work
• Unlicensed or inexperienced installers
• Incorrect pipe sizing or materials
• Poorly sealed joints

Gas systems must meet strict safety codes for a reason. Shortcuts increase the risk of gas leaks later.

Aging or Deteriorated Materials

Over time, gas system components naturally wear out. Some of the components that cause the greatest concern are:

• Old rubber or plastic connectors cracking
• Rusted steel pipes
• Failing valves

Homes that are 20–30 years or older are more likely to experience these issues if systems haven’t been updated.

Foundation Shifts & Environmental Factors

Movement in or around the home can stress gas lines. Shifting can happen because of:

• Foundation settling or shifting
• Soil erosion
• Tree root growth
• Earthquakes or nearby construction

Even small movements can loosen fittings enough to cause a leak. You don’t have to be in California feeling seismic activity for it to be a problem.

Recent Remodeling or Appliance Replacement

Leaks sometimes occur after home projects. The most common problems are:

• Cabinets or appliances moved without properly reconnecting gas lines
• Drilling into walls or floors near gas piping
• Appliances not reconnected correctly after flooring or kitchen remodels

Pilot Lights & Burner Assemblies

While less common, issues with certain appliance components can cause gas odors. The biggest culprits are:

• Pilot lights that won’t stay lit
• Dirty or damaged burners
• Malfunctioning thermocouples

These issues can allow gas to escape without proper ignition.

What to Do If You Suspect There’s a Gas Leak in Your Home

Leave Your Home Immediately
Don’t try to locate the leak yourself. Gas can accumulate quickly and ignite.

Avoid Flames or Electronics Inside
Do not light matches, turn on lights, or use phones inside — even flipping a light switch can create a spark that creates a fire or explosion.

Call 911 and Your Gas Company From a Safe Distance
Use your cell phone to call the local fire department and your utility provider can check for leaks and secure the leaking line.

Call Made’s Plumbing For a Professional Inspection & Repair
Once the area is safe, our licensed plumbers can perform thorough inspection for gas leak detection and repair for your home or business that’s located in Arlington or the greater DFW area.

Worried You Have a Gas Leak? Don’t Hesitate or Wait to Call Made’s Plumbing

If you notice any of the warning signs above, don’t wait to take action. Once things are secure, reach out to Made’s Plumbing for expert gas leak services. Our experienced team responds quickly to emergency plumbing issues, including dangerous gas leaks.

Call us at 817-962-2257 to schedule an inspection or repair.

Homeowner Gas Safety Checklist

Provided by the Friendly Team at Made’s Plumbing

Use this checklist to help keep your home and family safe from gas leaks and gas-related hazards. Review it regularly, especially if your home has gas-powered appliances.

🔍 Monthly Safety Checks

• ☐ Smell around gas appliances for rotten egg or sulfur odors
• ☐ Listen for hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines or meters
• ☐ Check pilot lights to ensure they stay lit and burn evenly
• ☐ Look for soot, scorch marks, or corrosion on or around appliances
• ☐ Monitor your gas bill for unusual increases

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🏠 Appliance & System Awareness

• ☐ Know where your main gas shut-off valve is located
• ☐ Make sure gas appliances are properly vented
• ☐ Keep flammable items away from gas appliances
• ☐ Do not store chemicals or cleaners near gas lines
• ☐ Schedule professional inspections for older appliances

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🌳 Outdoor Warning Signs

• ☐ Watch for dead or dying grass or plants near gas lines
• ☐ Look for bubbles in standing water near buried lines
• ☐ Be alert for dirt or dust blowing from the ground without cause
• ☐ Never dig near marked gas lines without proper clearance

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👨‍👩‍👧 Health & Household Clues

• ☐ Be alert to headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue indoors
• ☐ Pay attention if pets seem suddenly lethargic or ill
• ☐ Notice if symptoms improve when leaving the house

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🚨 What To Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak

• ☐ Get everyone outside immediately
• ☐ Do not turn lights on or off
• ☐ Do not use phones or electronics inside the home
• ☐ Avoid flames, candles, or smoking
• ☐ Call 911 or your gas provider from a safe location
• ☐ Once safe, contact Made’s Plumbing for inspection and repair