When most people think of a plumber, they think of water—leaky faucets, clogged toilets, and burst pipes. But here in Beaumont, many of our most urgent calls aren’t about water at all. They are about natural gas.
Natural gas powers our water heaters, stoves, furnaces, and even our outdoor grills. It is efficient and affordable, but it demands respect. A gas leak is not like a water leak; it doesn’t just damage your floor—it puts your entire home and family at risk.
At AMC Plumbing, we are fully licensed gas fitters. We want every homeowner in the Golden Triangle to know the warning signs of a leak.
1. The “Rotten Egg” Smell
Natural gas in its pure form is actually odorless. That famous smell is an additive called mercaptan that the gas company puts in specifically so you can smell a leak.
If you walk into your kitchen or laundry room and smell sulfur or rotten eggs, do not ignore it. Even a faint smell can indicate a loose fitting or a small crack in the line.
2. The Hissing Sound
If you are near a gas appliance (like behind your stove or near the water heater in the garage) and you hear a soft hissing or whistling noise, you have a significant leak. That sound is the gas escaping under pressure. This is an immediate emergency.
3. Dead Plants (The Silent Sign)
Sometimes gas lines leak underground in your yard, running from the meter to the house. Since the gas dissipates into the air, you might not smell it. Instead, look at your landscaping. If you have a patch of grass or bushes near the gas line that is turning brown and dying while everything else is green, the gas might be suffocating the roots.
What to Do If You Suspect a Leak
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, follow these steps instantly:
- Leave the House Immediately: Get everyone (including pets) outside and away from the structure.
- Do NOT Touch Any Switches: Do not turn lights on or off, and do not use a landline phone. A tiny electrical spark from a switch can ignite the gas.
- Call the Gas Company or 911: Once you are safe, report the leak. They will come out and shut off the main meter.
The “Red Tag” Repair
Once the gas company shuts off your meter, they will “Red Tag” it. This means they cannot turn it back on until a licensed plumber (that’s us) repairs the leak and performs a pressure test to certify the system is safe.
Need a gas line test or repair? Do not trust this job to a handyman. Call the licensed professionals at AMC Plumbing at +1 409-866-3030. We will get your gas back on safely and quickly.