Edited: July 1, 2025
Gas leaks are one of those emergencies that hit fast—and feel overwhelming. You catch a strange smell, maybe feel dizzy or lightheaded, and suddenly you’re second-guessing everything. Is it really gas? Should I call someone? Is my family safe?
Here’s the good news: when it comes to gas leaks, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Bulldog Rooter, we help homeowners across Spokane, Post Falls, and the entire Inland Northwest stay safe with fast, reliable gas line repair and no-upcharge emergency services—day or night. Whether you’re facing a full-blown plumbing emergency or just want to make sure your system is safe, we’re here when you need us.
If you suspect a gas leak, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do—and how to keep it from happening again.
Not Sure It’s a Gas Leak? Start Here.
Before you read another word, ask yourself: What made you think it might be a gas leak?
Was it a rotten egg smell in the house? A strange hissing noise by your stove? Did you feel off but couldn’t explain why?
These are all common warning signs—and the sooner you recognize them, the better.
👉 Check out our full guide to the 8 Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home for a full breakdown of what to watch for.
If you’ve noticed one or more of those signs, skip ahead to the next section now.
Step 1: Get Out. Fast.
If you suspect you have a gas leak in your home or office, do not wait around to investigate. The safest thing you can do is evacuate immediately. Don’t turn anything off, don’t stop to pack a bag—just get out.
Here’s the exact order of operations our techs recommend:
- Get everyone out of the building. Pets, kids, roommates—everyone.
- Don’t use any electronics. That means no light switches, no phones, no doorbells. Even a spark can ignite gas.
- Leave doors and windows open on your way out. This helps ventilate the space, but only if it’s safe to do so without delay.
- Once outside and far from the building, call 911. The fire department can confirm the presence of a gas leak.
- Call your gas utility. They’ll shut off the main line and do an inspection.
- Then call Bulldog Rooter. We’ll inspect, repair, or replace your gas line system and make sure everything is safe to turn back on.
Step 2: Don’t Do These Things (Seriously)
In a stressful moment, it’s easy to fall back on instinct—but some instincts can be dangerous around gas. Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t search for the leak yourself. Leave that to professionals with the right tools and training.
- Don’t light candles, smoke, or strike a match.
- Don’t try to turn the gas back on later. Only a licensed technician should restart the system.
- Don’t assume the smell will “go away.” Natural gas doesn’t vanish on its own. If you smell it, act.
Why Gas Leaks Happen in the First Place
You might be wondering: How does a gas leak even happen? Most people don’t think about their gas lines until something goes wrong—but these systems, like anything else in your home, need attention.
Common causes of gas leaks include:
- Aging pipes (especially in older homes)
- Corrosion or physical damage to the line
- Improperly installed appliances
- Shifting soil or foundation settling
- DIY digging or renovations that damage buried lines
Your gas lines may be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be out of mind. Catching small issues early can prevent emergencies later—and keep your household safe year-round.
When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Gas Line
Not all gas line issues require a full replacement—but some do. If any of these apply to your home or building, it may be time to consider an upgrade:
- Your gas lines are 20+ years old
- You’ve had multiple leaks in recent years
- You see visible rust or corrosion
- You’re adding a new gas appliance (like a stove, fireplace, or water heater)
- You’re doing a major renovation
At Bulldog Rooter, we’ll never push a replacement you don’t need. But we’ll always tell you when a repair won’t cut it—and give you clear options with upfront pricing and no surprise fees.
How to Prevent Gas Leaks from Happening Again
You can’t prevent every problem—but there’s a lot you can do to reduce the risk. Prevention starts with awareness and a little regular maintenance.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Schedule annual inspections. If your home uses gas appliances, get your lines checked once a year by a pro.
- Install natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors. These are your first line of defense.
- Learn where your gas shut-off valve is. And know how to turn it off in case of emergency.
- Call 811 before you dig. Even small yard projects can hit buried lines if you’re not careful.
- Don’t DIY gas line work. Ever. Always call a licensed pro—it’s not worth the risk.
We offer scheduled gas safety inspections for homes and businesses in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. It’s a small investment that could save you thousands—or even save your life.
Gas Safety for Business Owners and Landlords
If you own or manage a property with tenants, guests, or customers, your responsibility goes beyond your own safety. Gas leaks in commercial spaces can lead to major liability issues—and often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Whether you manage a restaurant, rental property, or office space, our team can help you stay compliant, up to code, and leak-free.
Don’t Wait—Call Bulldog Rooter Now
If you smell gas, suspect a leak, or just want peace of mind, don’t second-guess it. Call Bulldog Rooter.
We’re available 24/7 with no after-hours fees, no runaround, and no pressure—just honest help when you need it most.
Whether you need:
- Emergency gas leak repair
- A full gas line inspection
- Upgrades for aging or corroded lines
- Or expert help figuring out what’s going on in your home or office
We’ve got the tools, the team, and the know-how to get the job done safely—and fast.
Call Bulldog Rooter now or schedule service online. One quick visit from our licensed techs can protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.
Your safety isn’t something we take lightly. And we don’t make you wait to feel safe again.
