Gas Safety Checks Every Homeowner Should Do Annually

Every home deserves to feel safe. And nothing puts your family at risk faster than hidden gas leaks or poorly maintained appliances. Gas safety can’t wait for a rainy day. It’s urgent, and it’s personal.

At Alexanders Plumbing, we know how quickly a small issue can spiral into an emergency. Your peace of mind matters. Let’s walk through the steps every homeowner should take—year after year.

Gas Safety Checklist ✅

Gas in your home is a silent helper—until something goes wrong. Think of this checklist as your annual safety tune-up. Like changing smoke detector batteries, these steps should be routine.

• Check appliance vents: Look behind your stove, water heater, furnace, and dryer. Vents should be clear of dust, lint, and blockages. Poor airflow means dangerous gases could build up instead of escaping.
• Inspect pilot lights: The flame should burn blue. Yellow or flickering flames can mean incomplete combustion—a warning sign.
• Test by smell: Natural gas smells like rotten eggs (because of a chemical called mercaptan). If you catch a whiff, stop and investigate. Don’t ignore it.
• Listen for hissing: Noisy pipes or appliances could signal a leak.
• Check carbon monoxide alarms: Press the test button. Replace batteries every six months. Alarms should be present on every floor, especially near sleeping areas.
• Look for physical signs: Sooty stains on or around appliances, pilot lights blowing out frequently, or condensation on windows are all red flags.
• Know where your main shut-off valve is: Every adult in the home should be able to find and turn off your gas supply in an emergency.

Do these checks every year—better yet, put a reminder on your calendar. If something feels off, act fast.

Signs of a Gas Leak 🚨

Gas leaks don’t always announce themselves with drama. Sometimes, the clues are subtle—like the early warning signs of water pressure issues near you. Don’t brush them off.

• Rotten egg smell: The most obvious sign. Trust your nose.
• Dying houseplants: Plants wilting without explanation can indicate a leak nearby.
• Unexplained headaches, dizziness, or nausea: These symptoms, especially when you’re home, could mean carbon monoxide is present.
• Unusual sounds: Hissing or whistling near gas lines or appliances.
• Visible damage: Rust, corrosion, or loose fittings on pipes.

If you notice any of these, leave the house immediately and call emergency plumbing professionals.

When to Call a Pro

Some things you fix with a quick twist of the wrench. Gas isn’t one of them. Like performing surgery, it’s best left to the trained and licensed.

• Annual safety inspections: Regular checks by a licensed technician catch small problems before they grow.
• Appliance installation or removal: Incorrect hookups can leak gas or cause fires.
• New smells or symptoms: If you’re ever in doubt, don’t risk it.

Why hire pros like Alexanders Plumbing? We send only licensed, background-checked technicians—people you can trust with your home’s safety.

Emergency Steps for Gas Leaks

If you suspect a gas leak, don’t wait or try to solve it yourself. Here’s what you must do:

1. Evacuate everyone immediately—pets too.
2. Don’t use light switches, phones, or electronics inside; even a tiny spark can ignite leaking gas.
3. Open doors and windows as you leave, if safe to do so.
4. Shut off the main gas valve outside, if you know how and can do it safely.
5. Call your local gas company or emergency services from a safe distance.
6. Contact emergency plumbing help—make sure the team you call is experienced with leak detection and repair.

Your family’s safety is always worth the interruption.

Why Annual Professional Inspections Matter

Gas systems are like a car’s engine: most problems hide under the hood. Professional inspections follow code requirements (see the International Fuel Gas Code and local regulations) and look far beyond what you can see.

A licensed technician will:

• Test all connections for leaks
• Verify appliance venting and combustion
• Confirm carbon monoxide alarms are in place and working
• Inspect flexible gas lines and shut-off valves
• Check for outdated or corroded components

Annual checks aren’t just about peace of mind—they’re required by many home insurance policies and local laws. Keeping up means you’re covered, legally and practically.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Some jobs belong to the pros. Here’s where to draw the line:

DIY:

• Testing alarms
• Visual checks for blockages or physical damage
• Smell tests (with caution)

Call a Pro:

• Repairs, replacements, or installations
• Anything involving pipe connections or valves
• Annual inspections and code compliance

Think of it this way: you change a tire, but you don’t rebuild the engine. Gas work is the same.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When Alexanders Plumbing arrives, here’s what you can expect:

• Assessment: We’ll ask about smells, symptoms, and recent changes in your home.
• Inspection: Using advanced leak detection tools, we check every connection and appliance.
• Testing: Appliances are tested for safe operation, and venting is examined for blockages.
• Repairs: If issues are found, our licensed technicians repair or replace faulty parts on the spot.
• Documentation: We provide a written report for your records—useful for insurance and resale.

Our team follows all local and national codes. Your safety is never left to chance.

Prevention & Maintenance

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here’s how to keep your gas system running safely:

• Schedule annual professional inspections.
• Replace old or worn-out appliances before they fail.
• Keep vents, flues, and chimneys clear of debris.
• Don’t block appliance air intakes with furniture or boxes.
• Train your family: Make sure everyone knows what gas smells like and what to do in an emergency.

Regular maintenance prevents emergencies before they start.

Costs & Time Factors

How much and how long? It depends. Here’s what to expect:

• Annual inspection: Usually takes 60–90 minutes, depending on home size and number of appliances.
• Minor repairs: Small fixes are often handled on the spot, adding a bit more time.
• Major repairs or replacements: Could take half a day or longer, especially if new parts are needed.

Most insurance companies recommend (or require) professional inspections. Costs are a small price to pay for your family’s safety.

When It’s an Emergency ⚠️

Gas leaks, strong odors, or carbon monoxide alarms going off—these aren’t “wait and see” moments. They’re red lights. If you ever have doubts, err on the side of caution.

Call emergency plumbing help immediately. Alexanders Plumbing responds 24/7. We handle leak detection, pipe repair, water heater repair, and more—always with licensed, background-checked technicians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my gas appliances?
Every year, at a minimum. Some homeowners check alarms and vents twice a year—each time the clocks change.

What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm keeps beeping?
Leave the house, then call emergency services. Don’t ignore persistent alarms.

Is it safe to install a gas appliance myself?
No. Gas work must be handled by licensed professionals for safety and legal compliance.

Do I need a professional inspection if I haven’t noticed any problems?
Yes. Many gas issues hide until they become emergencies. Annual checks catch problems early.

Local & Seasonal Considerations 🌦️

Cold weather can put extra strain on gas appliances. After a big storm or long cold snap, check vents for snow or ice. In older homes, shifting foundations or settling can stress gas lines—especially after heavy rain or drought.

If you’re moving into a new home, always schedule a professional inspection before you settle in. Safety first, comfort second.

A safe home is a happy home. Don’t wait for a problem to show itself. Schedule your annual gas safety check and keep your family protected all year.
Call Alexanders Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  877-837-7096 .