Tidal Plumbing & Heating LLC

Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a distinctive odorant called mercaptan to help people detect leaks more easily. If you suddenly notice a strong, sulfur-like smell of rotten eggs or a “skunk-like” odor in your home, business, or anywhere else, it’s essential to take immediate action.

• Evacuate: If you’re indoors, leave the building immediately. Do not use any electronic devices, including cell phones, as these can create sparks that may ignite the gas.

• Avoid Open Flames: Do not light matches, candles, or cigarettes, and avoid turning on any electrical appliances, including light switches. Any spark or flame can be extremely dangerous in the presence of a gas leak.

• Don’t Touch Electrical Devices: Avoid touching any electrical switches, outlets, or appliances, as these could also generate sparks.

• Leave Doors Open: As you exit the building, leave doors and windows open to help ventilate and disperse the gas.

• Alert Others: If you’re in a multi-unit building, make sure to warn your neighbors about the potential gas leak so they can evacuate as well.

• Do Not Use Phones: Avoid using any phones, including landlines and cell phones, within the vicinity of the gas leak. Phones can create sparks that may trigger an explosion.

As soon as you are safely outside and away from the source of the gas leak, you should immediately contact the appropriate authorities:

• Call 911: If you suspect a gas leak and there is a potential danger of fire, explosion, or harm to people, dial 911. Emergency responders will dispatch firefighters and other appropriate personnel to address the situation.

• Con Edison: For non-emergency gas leaks, you should contact Con Edison’s emergency hotline at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). They will send a technician to investigate and address the issue.

• Tidal Plumbing NYC: 718-505-9300

• Utility Company Responsibility: In many cases, the utility company (such as Con Edison) is responsible for addressing gas leaks that occur before the gas meter. This includes gas leaks in the service lines leading to your property.

• Property Owner Responsibility: Property owners are typically responsible for addressing gas leaks that occur after the gas meter, which includes the piping and appliances within your property. This is why it’s important to have gas appliances and piping regularly inspected and maintained to prevent leaks.

• Renter Responsibility: If you are a renter, you should immediately notify your landlord about the gas leak. Landlords are responsible for maintaining safe living conditions, and they should coordinate with the utility company to address the issue.

The most common places for gas leaks to occur within a house are typically related to the various gas appliances and piping systems that are part of a household’s infrastructure. Here are some of the most common areas where gas leaks can occur:

1. Gas Appliances: Appliances that use natural gas, such as stoves, ovens, water heaters, furnaces, and clothes dryers, are potential sources of gas leaks. Leaks can occur due to faulty connections, worn-out seals, or damaged components.

2. Gas Stove/Oven: The connections between the gas supply line and the burners or oven on a gas stove can sometimes become loose or develop leaks over time. Regularly inspecting these connections and ensuring they are properly tightened is essential.

3. Gas Water Heater: Water heaters that use natural gas to heat water can develop leaks at the connections between the gas supply line and the water heater itself. Also, the pilot light area can be a potential source of gas leaks if not properly maintained.

4. Gas Furnace: Similar to water heaters, gas furnaces can develop leaks in the connections between the gas supply line and the furnace. Additionally, the heat exchanger, which is a crucial component of the furnace, can develop cracks or corrosion over time, leading to gas leaks.

5. Gas Dryer: Gas-powered clothes dryers can develop leaks around the connections between the gas line and the dryer, as well as at the burner assembly.

6. Gas Piping: The piping that carries natural gas throughout the house is another common area for potential gas leaks. These pipes can corrode, degrade, or develop weak points over time, leading to leaks.

7. Gas Valves and Connections: Valves and connections in the gas supply lines, both within appliances and along the piping system, can be prone to leaks if not properly maintained or if they become worn out.

8. Joints and Seals: Joints and seals in the gas piping system, such as those found in elbows, tees, and fittings, can develop leaks due to vibration, movement, or degradation of the sealing material over time.

9. Outdoor Gas Lines: Gas lines that extend outdoors to fuel appliances like grills, outdoor heaters, or fire pits can also develop leaks due to environmental factors or accidental damage.

10. Gas Meters: While less common, gas leaks can also occur around the gas meter connections or within the meter itself. Gas meters should be regularly inspected by professionals to ensure they are functioning properly and are leak-free.