Who is responsible for gas leak in house?

Author: Kylie Crona  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

Who Repairs Gas Leaks. Usually, plumbers and gas company professionals make repairs to gas lines. Gas companies are responsible for leaks on their side of the meter, and homeowners are responsible for leaks typically from the meter to throughout the house.

Who pays if there is a gas leak?

Usually, if the issue arises outside your property boundaries or in the pipelines up to and including the meter, the utility company will bear the cost. Conversely, if the problem is within your premises, you, as the homeowner, are typically liable for the expenses.

What if my house smells like gas but no leak?

If there is a gas smell but no leaks, it could be the lingering propane odor due to poor ventilation or it coming from your neighbor. The dirty sewage system, contaminated well, or rotten garbage (like veggies, dead animals, residual foods, etc.) might also be the source of the smell.

Is a gas leak covered by home insurance?

In certain scenarios, yes, such as if the gas leak is severe enough to cause an explosion. Explosions are a covered peril under standard homeowners policies. However, other scenarios won't be covered, such as if the gas leak occurs due to an aging appliance, and doesn't lead to something catastrophic like an explosion.

What to do if you find a gas leak in your house?

For mild leaks, turn pilot lights off, open your windows, and contact your gas company. They'll tell you what to do and whether the gas meter needs to be turned off. If you're noticing symptoms or a strong odor, leave your home immediately. Remember that gas is volatile and can cause an explosion.

How to tell if you have a gas leak by looking at the meter

How long can you be in a house with a gas leak?

If you notice any sign that you have a gas leak, exit your home and call a professional to inspect your system ASAP. If you have a carbon monoxide leak, you could lose consciousness in just 3 hours so it's important to act fast. You might first think to call your utility company but all they can do is cut off your gas.

Does the gas company fix gas leaks?

They own the meter and the piping upstream of the meter. If they discover a leak there, they'll fix it. You (or the landlord) own the gas piping downstream of the meter. That is your responsibility to maintain and repair.

Do I have to pay if I have a gas leak?

It's free to call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 to report a gas leak. They'll send an emergency gas engineer to make sure your home is 'Gas Safe' – this is free of charge and usually within one hour of making the call. However, they won't fix any appliances or pipework.

How much does it cost to fix a gas leak in a house?

Homeowners pay between $150 and $800 to fix a gas line leak. The costs can be higher if the leak is in an inaccessible or buried part because the line must be excavated, adding around $1,000 to $1,500 to the price. When leaks happen, the damaged part of the line needs to be replaced entirely.

Can I sue for gas leak?

If a gas leak in your home caused you or your family to become injured, then you may be able to take legal action. Sometimes, gas leaks in homes are caused by faulty piping or poor installation.

What happens when you report a gas leak?

Whether you call your utility or 911, an emergency crew will be sent to shut off the gas supply in the area before arriving at your site. Once there, the crew will inspect your gas lines and appliances to determine where the leak occurs.

Is it safe to stay in a house that smells like gas?

Here's what you should DO if you smell gas: DO leave the home, building, or area of the suspected leak. Get to a safe area as quickly as possible. After leaving your home, DO call the 24-hour emergency number for Peoples at 1-800-400-4271, or call your local emergency response number.

Would a gas leak smell come and go?

Natural gas leaks are particularly likely to cause smells in small, enclosed areas where gas can build up. If the leak is outside, the smell may seem to come and go as the breeze blows it away. The other big sign to look out for is a strange noise.

Is there a charge to check for a gas leak?

The cost of leak detection is separate from that of performing repairs. Detecting a gas leak is also different than detecting a water leak. It's not unheard of to spend a few hundred dollars on this step alone. However, the exact cost depends on the method used and how the company sets its rates.

Do you call a plumber for a gas leak?

Calling a plumber might not be your first thought when you smell gas. Not every plumber can do the job. Don't expect an apprentice or general contractor to be ready to handle the task. Check the plumber's qualifications; they must have a California C-36 Plumbing Contractor license to work with gas lines.

How long does a gas leak take to fix?

How long does it take for repairs to be completed on a gas leak? Gas leaks typically take up to 4-24 hours for the plumber or gas technician to find and repair the problem. This time estimate can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your home and the age of your piping infrastructure.

How much does it cost for a gas leak check?

At 1300 FINDLEAK, our gas and water leak detection cost Australia wide starts from $168 including GST. Prices may vary depending on your location, and whether it is a domestic or commercial job.

Can you live in a house with a gas leak?

Once a gas leak has been suspected everyone should evacuate the building immediately and contact a professional. Homeowners can contact their local utility company, a licensed plumber, or the fire department if they feel safety is compromised.

Does homeowners cover gas leaks?

Most policies do provide coverage for accidental fires or explosions caused by a gas leak. It also covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property. However, coverage may be limited or excluded for damages caused by natural gas leaks or gradual leaks that have occurred over time.

Who pays for a gas leak in your home?

Who Repairs Gas Leaks. Usually, plumbers and gas company professionals make repairs to gas lines. Gas companies are responsible for leaks on their side of the meter, and homeowners are responsible for leaks typically from the meter to throughout the house.

Is a gas leak call out free?

Calling the National Gas Emergency number to report a gas leak is free. An emergency gas engineer will be sent, free of charge, to 'make safe' your property. They won't repair appliances or pipework, though, that's something you'll need to arrange and pay for yourself. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer.

What is the most common cause of a natural gas leak?

Gas is responsible for powering high-use appliances, like stoves and HVAC units. Over time, parts naturally wear out and corrode. Sometimes, appliance seals wear away and can allow gas to escape. This usually happens slowly over time but worsens, so a tiny leak can eventually become a big one.

Are gas leaks expensive to fix?

Cost to Repair a Gas Leak

cost $120 to $250, though you should plan for financial surprises. For example, if drywall is covering up a leaky gas pipe, you will have to hire a drywall contractor to replace the areas knocked out by the plumber. This will set you back $270 to $760.

What to do if you smell a gas leak?

Go to a phone that is not near the smell and call your local gas company right away. (If the smell is strong or you are unsure, leave the building and then call.) They will come and make the area safe at no charge to you.

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