Do you Suspect a Gas Leak?
How do I report a gas leak? Xcel Energy
If you walk into your home and detect the unmistakable scent of rotten eggs, your intuition is likely telling you something is wrong—and you should trust it. That distinctive smell is added to natural gas specifically to alert you to a potential gas leak happening somewhere in your home.
Natural gas is a common and efficient energy source for our furnaces, water heaters, and stoves here in the Denver Metro area, but it is also highly flammable. When a leak of gas occurs, it becomes an immediate safety hazard and should be recognized as an emergency.
Here is exactly what you need to do—and what you must avoid—to keep your family safe if you suspect one.
1. Evacuate Immediately
If you suspect a gas leak, don’t spend time trying to investigate the source or “sniffing out” where it’s coming from. Get everyone, including pets, out of the house immediately. Do not stop to gather belongings.
2. Leave the Doors Open
As you exit, if it is safe to do so, leave the door open behind you. This helps ventilate the area and prevent a dangerous accumulation of gas from a leak indoors while you are gone.
3. Do NOT Create Sparks
This is the most critical step. Gas can ignite from the smallest spark if there is a leak present.
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Do not flip any light switches on or off. Even the smallest action might trigger ignition in a saturated environment.
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Do not use your phone, computer, or landline while inside the house.
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Do not start your car if it is parked in an attached garage, as this could put you in direct contact and create an explosive hazard.
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Do not light any candles, matches, or cigarettes.
4. Call for Help From a Safe Distance
Once you are a safe distance from the property, use your cell phone to call 911 or your local utility provider (Xcel Energy). They have the equipment to monitor gas levels and will shut off the gas supply at the main line to ensure your home is no longer at risk.
Who Repairs the Leak?
It is a common misconception that the utility company will perform the repairs on your home’s internal pipes. While they will ensure the immediate area is safe and turn off the gas, they do not repair the leaks themselves—it is up to a professional to resolve your gas leak problem fully.
That is where a licensed, local expert comes in. At Befort Plumbing & Heating, we understand that a gas leak is not just a plumbing issue—it is a serious safety event. Once the utility company has cleared the scene, you need a professional to locate, repair, and test your system to ensure it meets all safety codes before the gas is turned back on.
If you are dealing with a suspected leak, please visit our Gas Leak Detection & Repair page to learn about our emergency dispatch process and how we can secure your home from any future gas leak incidents.
Your safety is our priority. If you smell gas, don’t wait; a gas leak requires immediate attention.