Gas Line Repair and Installation in Gardena, CA
Gas piping problems need a licensed professional, and a suspected leak needs the utility first. Here is what to do, who handles what, and what to ask.
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Smell gas right now? Leave the building and get everyone out. Don't switch lights or appliances on or off, use a lighter, or start a car in the garage. From a safe distance outside, call 911 or SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. Don't call a plumber first for an active gas leak.
Who handles which part of the gas line?
Short answer: in Gardena, natural gas is delivered by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). The utility is responsible for its service line and the gas meter. The piping that runs from the outlet of the meter to your appliances is the customer's, and that is the part a licensed private contractor repairs, replaces or extends.
- SoCalGas: suspected leaks, gas odors, the meter, the gas service line up to the meter, and turning gas service back on after a shutoff.
- A licensed contractor: house piping after the meter, connections to the water heater, furnace, range or dryer, new gas lines (for a BBQ, fire pit or new appliance), and repairs after a failed pressure test.
Signs of a gas line problem
- A rotten-egg or sulfur smell indoors or outdoors. Utilities add this odor to natural gas so leaks can be noticed.
- A hissing or whistling sound near a gas pipe, connector or the meter.
- Dead or discolored plants in a line along a buried gas pipe's route.
- Bubbles in standing water or wet soil above a buried line.
- A gas bill that climbs without a change in use.
- Appliances that won't stay lit or burn with a lazy, yellow flame instead of a steady blue one. Have the appliance checked too.
Any of these is a reason to stop and call. Don't try to find a gas leak with a flame.
Common gas line jobs for Gardena homes
- Leak repair on indoor or outdoor piping after the utility has made the situation safe.
- Replacing old or corroded pipe, including buried yard lines in older homes.
- New gas lines for a range, dryer, outdoor kitchen, BBQ, fire pit or pool heater.
- Water heater and furnace connections, often done during a water heater replacement.
- Pressure testing to confirm a system holds gas before it goes back into service.
- Seismic gas shutoff valves, which close automatically during strong shaking. Ask a provider whether one is suitable or required for your project.
Why gas work is not a DIY job
Gas piping has to be sized for every appliance it feeds, joined with approved materials, and tested before use. New lines and most repairs need a permit and inspection through the city, and the utility may need to be involved to restore service. A small mistake can cause a fire, an explosion or carbon monoxide problems, so this is work for a properly licensed contractor.
What happens on a typical gas line repair
- If there was an odor, SoCalGas responds first and may shut off the meter.
- The contractor locates the problem, often with a pressure test and leak detection solution.
- The damaged section is repaired or replaced, or a new line is run.
- The system is pressure-tested and, where required, inspected.
- Gas service is restored and appliances are relit and checked.
Questions to ask a gas line provider
- What is your California contractor license number? You can check it with the Contractors State License Board.
- Does this job need a permit and inspection, and is that included in the price?
- Will you pressure-test the system when the work is finished?
- What pipe material will you use, and how will a buried line be protected?
- Will SoCalGas need to turn the gas back on, and who arranges that?
Gas problems often show up alongside other plumbing work. See our pages on water heaters and emergency plumbing.
Gas line FAQs
What should I do if I smell gas in my Gardena home?
Leave the building right away, avoid switches, flames and phones inside, and call 911 or SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from a safe distance outside.
Who is responsible for the gas line to my house?
SoCalGas is responsible for its service line and the gas meter. The piping after the meter, which feeds your appliances, is generally the property owner's responsibility.
Can a plumber repair a gas line?
Yes, a contractor licensed for gas piping can repair, replace or add customer-side gas lines. Ask for their California contractor license number and check it with the CSLB.
Do I need a permit to add or repair a gas line?
New gas lines and most repairs need a permit and inspection. Ask the provider whether the permit is included in their price.
How do I know if my gas line is leaking underground?
Possible signs include a sulfur smell outdoors, hissing, dead plants along the line's route, bubbles in wet soil and a rising gas bill. Leave the area and call SoCalGas if you notice any of them.
Need a gas line repaired, tested or added?
If you smell gas, leave and call SoCalGas or 911 first. For repairs and new lines, call and describe the job.