Gas Leak Safety: What Every North Texas Homeowner Should Know

A gas leak is one of the most dangerous situations a homeowner can face. Whether you live in Plano, McKinney, Allen, Wylie, Murphy, Frisco, Garland, or anywhere in North Dallas, knowing the signs, risks, and emergency steps can protect your home and your family. Natural gas is safe when installed and maintained properly — but when a leak occurs, every second matters.

This guide explains how to recognize gas leaks, what to do immediately, how professionals find them, and when repairs or replacement are necessary.

Why Gas Leaks Are So Dangerous

Natural gas becomes extremely hazardous when it escapes from a closed system. A leak can cause:

• Fires and explosions

• Carbon monoxide exposure

• Respiratory symptoms

• Immediate safety risks for children, seniors, and pets

Because North Texas homes rely heavily on gas appliances and heating systems, even a small leak can quickly escalate into a life-threatening emergency.

Common Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home

If you notice any of the following, act quickly:

1. Rotten Egg Smell

Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a sulfur-like smell to detect leaks easily.

2. Hissing or Whistling Sounds

Gas escaping from a pipe, joint, or flexible connector often creates a faint or strong hiss.

3. Dead Spots in Grass or Landscaping

Underground leaks can kill vegetation directly above the damaged line.

4. Bubbles in Standing Water

If water in your yard bubbles for no reason, gas may be escaping below.

5. Sudden Health Symptoms

Gas exposure can cause:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Difficulty breathing

If symptoms improve when you go outside, suspect a gas issue.

6. Unexplained Increase in Gas Bills

Higher usage with no change in habits often indicates a hidden leak.

Immediate Steps to Take If You Suspect a Gas Leak

If you think a leak is present:

1. Leave Immediately

Get everyone — including pets — outside and away from the home.

2. Avoid Electrical Switches

Do not turn lights, appliances, or garage doors on or off.

3. Do NOT use your phone inside the house

Any spark can ignite accumulated gas.

4. If safe, turn off gas at the meter

Most homes have an exterior shutoff valve that can be turned using a wrench.

5. Call Atmos Energy

Emergency Line 866-322-8667

They will dispatch technicians to secure the area.

6. Contact a licensed plumber to repair the leak

Atmos will not perform repairs — they only make the site safe. A licensed plumber must locate the leak, fix it, and perform the pressure test before service is restored.

How Professionals Detect Gas Leaks

MRC Plumbing Solutions uses specialized equipment to locate leaks safely and precisely:

• Electronic gas detectors

• Whole-home pressure testing

• Soap testing for fittings

• Underground line tracing

This ensures every leak — visible or hidden — is found and corrected.

Common Causes of Gas Leaks in North Texas Homes

Aging or Corroded Gas Lines

Older homes may have galvanized or black steel lines that corrode over time, especially in humid or shifting soil conditions.

Foundation Shifting

North Texas clay soil expands and contracts dramatically, causing pipe joints to loosen or crack.

Damaged Flexible Connectors

Kinked, crushed, or outdated connectors frequently cause leaks, especially behind appliances.

Outdoor Line Damage

Tree roots, irrigation installation, digging, or fence work can rupture buried gas lines.

When Does a Gas Line Need Repair vs. Replacement?

Repair is typically appropriate when:

• The leak is isolated to a single fitting

• The line is newer and in good condition

• A single section of pipe is damaged

Replacement is recommended when:

• The home has outdated galvanized or rusted steel lines

• Multiple leaks appear throughout the system

• Foundation movement has compromised an entire run of pipe

• Lines fail pressure testing even after repairs

Replacing old or damaged gas lines dramatically improves long-term safety.

What to Expect During Gas Line Repairs

When MRC Plumbing Solutions performs a repair, you can expect:

• A full system pressure test

• Leak detection with modern tools

• Permanent, code-compliant repairs

• Coordination with Atmos Energy for gas restoration

• Transparent pricing and clear communication

Your safety is our priority.

How to Prevent Future Gas Leaks

• Schedule annual gas safety inspections

• Replace old or damaged flexible connectors

• Monitor monthly gas usage for unexplained increases

• Know where your main shutoff valve is located

• Keep vegetation, irrigation, and digging activities away from marked gas lines

Final Takeaway: Gas Leaks Require Immediate Action

Gas leaks are emergencies — not DIY repairs. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately, call Atmos, and then contact a licensed plumber.

MRC Plumbing Solutions proudly serves Plano, Allen, McKinney, Wylie, Murphy, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, North Dallas, and surrounding areas with reliable gas leak detection, repair, replacement, and pressure testing.

Call 972-357-1400 or visit www.dfwplumber.net to schedule service.

Your safety matters — and we have the solution.