Natural gas is an efficient source of heat for our homes, to warm water, and more. Living in the Lower Mainland means we rely heavily on natural gas resources during chilly winter mornings and damp spring days. However, due to natural gas being highly flammable, any suspected leak requires immediate attention.
If you suspect a gas leak, a common question is often who to call for gas leak detection? The answer depends entirely on the situation itself. Is it a sudden, immediate emergency or is it a faint, occasional scent that requires a professional diagnostic check? Understanding what to do and who to call keeps your loved ones and your property secure.
Real Time Emergencies vs Routine Detection
While natural gas is odourless, utility providers add a chemical called mercaptan that gives a distinctive rotten egg or sulfur smell.
- If The Smell Is Strong & Overwhelming: If you smell a powerful rotten egg odour, hear a loud hissing sound near a gas line, or see a broken pipe, this is an extremely serious emergency.
Stop what you are doing immediately, do not flip any light switches, light matches, use your phone indoors, or start your car. Any small spark can ignite the gas, so evacuate the property immediately. Leave the doors and windows open as you exit to help clear the air.
Get to a safe distance outside and dial 911 immediately or the FortisBC emergency line at 1-800-663-9911. FortisBC will send a technician to shut off the gas supply and ensure the area is safe. - If The Smell Is Faint, Intermittent or Requires Preventative Testing: If you catch a faint whiff near the stove, notice your gas bill spiking unexpectedly, or want a safety check for the property, you are looking for routine gas leak detection. FortisBC will turn off your gas if they find a leak, however you will need a licensed professional to test or repair the appliances in the home.
Who To Call For Gas Leak Detection?
If you suspect a minor issue needs tracing or if FortisBC has shut down the meter and confirmed any immediate danger is over, both situations require specialized plumbing companies to employ certified gas fitters who hold the correct license from Technical Safety BC.
Licensed gas fitters possess the tools and training to manage gas leak detection and repairs. Our team of professionals handle several key responsibilities:
- Locating the exact source of a minor leak behind walls or near appliances.
- Repairing or replacing worn-out gas lines and valves.
- Testing appliance connections on furnaces, water heaters, and stoves.
- Certifying that the system is completely sealed and safe to turn back on.
Common Areas For Gas Leaks
When you hire a professional for gas leak detection, the certified technicians use specialized tools to pinpoint the exact origin of the problem without damaging the property. With over 20+ years of experience, our team has often found leaks in a few specific locations:
- Appliance Connections: Flexible hoses that connect to the stove, dryer, or outdoor BBQ can degrade, loosen, or crack when moved. We check the connections with specialized tools to ensure there is no escaping gas coming from the appliance.
- Aging Furnaces & Water Heaters: Older heating systems experience wear on their control valves and pilot assemblies over time. Our professional technicians test the efficacy of furnaces and water heaters for potential leaks.
- Corroded Exterior Pipes: The Lower Mainland’s damp climate and wet soil can accelerate the corrosion of older, buried exterior gas lines.
- Renovation Mistakes: Homeowners and construction teams can accidentally puncture gas lines hidden behind drywall while hanging heavy shelving or other projects. Gas leak detection services helps pinpoint the exact location of the punctured gas line.
When dealing with a gas system, professional gas leak detection is paramount to ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones. At Pete & Son Plumbing, our family owned business has built our reputation on our core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. We believe in open communication, transparent pricing, and ensuring that our certified gas leak professionals provide unparalleled service to protect your home and give you peace of mind.
If you suspect an issue with your gas lines, are interested in scheduling a preventative safety inspection, or need a certified professional to repair your system after an emergency natural gas shutoff, our team of experts are here to help. We can handle your plumbing, drainage, and gas needs with care and exceptional craftsmanship.
