How to detect a gas leak in your Houston home
Smell gas in your Houston home? Learn the warning signs, what to do immediately, and how professional gas leak detection works in Houston TX.
If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur in your Houston home, you likely have a gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add mercaptan to give it that distinct smell. If you detect it, leave the house immediately and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. This guide covers how to detect a gas leak in your Houston home, what to do next, and when to call a professional.
We are Leak Detection The Heights, a local leak detection company serving Houston, Texas. Our technicians find and repair gas leaks in homes across the city. If you suspect a leak, we can help. Call us at 832-839-4984.
What does a gas leak smell like?
A gas leak smells like rotten eggs, sulfur, or a dead animal. That smell is mercaptan, a chemical added to natural gas so you can detect it. If you smell it, treat it as a real leak. Do not ignore it or assume it will go away.
Some people describe the smell as skunk-like or like a struck match. The intensity can vary. A faint smell near a gas appliance might indicate a small leak. A strong smell throughout the house means a larger leak. Either way, you need to act.
Natural gas is lighter than air. It rises and dissipates outdoors. Indoors, it can accumulate near ceilings or in enclosed spaces. If you have a gas leak in your home in Houston Texas, you might smell it more in one room or near a specific appliance.
If you have a gas leak, you might also hear a hissing sound near a gas line or appliance. That is gas escaping under pressure. A hissing sound is a serious sign. Leave immediately.
Physical symptoms and warning signs
Physical symptoms of a gas leak include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms often improve when you leave the house and worsen when you return. If you notice this pattern, you likely have a gas leak.
Other signs include:
- Dead or dying houseplants with no other explanation
- Bubbles in standing water near a gas line
- Dust blowing from a gas line or connector
- Higher-than-usual gas bills
- Pilot lights that keep going out
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. A gas leak can also produce CO. CO is odorless and can cause flu-like symptoms, confusion, and even death. If you have a CO detector and it alarms, treat it as an emergency. Leave the house and call 911.
In Houston, many homes have gas furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. These appliances can develop leaks over time. Older homes in neighborhoods like the Heights may have aging gas lines. If you live in an older home, pay attention to any new smells or symptoms.
If you suspect a leak, do not wait. Call a professional for Gas Leak Detection Houston TX. We can find the source and make repairs.
How to check for a gas leak yourself
You can perform a basic check for a gas leak using a soapy water solution. Mix one part dish soap with one part water. Apply it to gas connections, such as where the gas line meets the appliance. If bubbles form, gas is escaping. Do not use a flame to check for leaks.
You can also buy a gas leak detector for home use. These devices cost between $30 and $100 in 2026. They can alert you to low levels of gas. However, they are not a substitute for a professional inspection. A detector may not catch all leaks, especially small ones.
If you smell gas, do not try to find the leak yourself. Leave the house and call for help. A professional has the tools and training to safely locate and repair the leak.
For homeowners in Houston, we offer Electronic Leak Detection Houston TX to pinpoint gas leaks without guesswork. Our equipment can detect leaks behind walls, under floors, and in other hard-to-reach places.
What to do if you smell gas in Houston Texas
If you smell gas in your Houston home, follow these steps:
- Leave the house immediately. Do not stop to open windows or turn off appliances.
- Do not use anything that could create a spark. That means no light switches, no phones, no flashlights, no cars in the garage.
- Once outside, call 911 or your gas utility from a safe distance. CenterPoint Energy serves most of Houston. Their emergency number is 888-876-5786.
- Do not re-enter the house until emergency responders say it is safe.
If you have a gas leak, you need a professional to repair it. After the utility makes the area safe, call a licensed plumber or leak detection company. We can find the leak and fix it. For Plumbing Leak Detection Houston TX, our team is ready to help.
If you live in an apartment or rental, notify your landlord or property manager. They are responsible for repairs. If they do not act, call 911.
How professional gas leak detection works
Professional gas leak detection uses specialized tools to find leaks without tearing up your home. We start with a visual inspection of gas lines and appliances. Then we use electronic detectors, which sense gas in the air. We also use tracer gas, which we inject into the line and then track with a detector. This method is highly accurate for finding small leaks.
We may also use pressure testing. We isolate a section of the gas line and pressurize it. If the pressure drops, there is a leak. This tells us which section is faulty. For underground gas lines, we use acoustic listening devices to hear the leak.
Once we find the leak, we repair it. That might mean tightening a connection, replacing a section of pipe, or fixing an appliance. We test the line after repair to make sure it is safe. We do not leave until the leak is fixed.
For homes in Houston, we offer Tracer Gas Leak Detection Houston TX for hard-to-find leaks. This method is safe and effective.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is ignoring a faint gas smell. Even a small leak can become dangerous. Another mistake is trying to fix a gas leak yourself. Gas work is not a DIY job. You need a licensed professional.
Do not use a match or lighter to check for leaks. That can cause an explosion. Do not turn on appliances or use your phone inside the house. Do not assume the smell will go away on its own.
Another mistake is not calling the gas utility. If you suspect a leak, call them first. They will come out and make the area safe. Then call a plumber for repairs.
If you have a gas leak, you might be tempted to open windows and stay in the house. Do not. Leave immediately. Gas can accumulate and ignite.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if you smell gas, hear hissing, or have symptoms that improve when you leave the house. Also call if your gas bill spikes without explanation or if you have a CO detector alarm.
At Leak Detection The Heights, we specialize in finding and fixing gas leaks in Houston homes. We use advanced tools to locate leaks fast. We repair them safely. If you need Water Leak Detection Houston, we also handle water leaks. But for gas, we are here to help.
If you live in an older home, consider a gas line inspection. Older pipes can corrode and develop leaks. A professional inspection can catch problems before they become emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a gas leak in Houston TX?
You will likely smell rotten eggs or sulfur. You may also hear hissing, see dead plants, or feel dizzy and nauseous. If symptoms improve when you leave, it is likely a gas leak. Leave immediately and call 911.
What should I do if I smell gas in my Houston home?
Leave the house immediately. Do not use phones, light switches, or anything that can spark. Once outside, call 911 or CenterPoint Energy at 888-876-5786. Do not re-enter until authorities say it is safe.
Who do I call for a gas leak in Houston Texas?
Call 911 or your gas utility first. For repairs, call a licensed plumber or leak detection company like Leak Detection The Heights at 832-839-4984. We can find and fix the leak.
How much does gas leak detection cost in Houston TX?
In 2026, gas leak detection in Houston typically costs between $150 and $500, depending on the complexity. Repair costs vary. We provide upfront pricing before we start work.
Can I detect a gas leak myself?
You can use a soapy water test on connections or buy a gas detector. But these are not foolproof. If you suspect a leak, leave and call a professional. Do not try to repair it yourself.
Get help with Leak Detection in Houston
If you suspect a gas leak, do not wait. Call Leak Detection The Heights at 832-839-4984. We will find the leak and fix it fast. Your safety is our priority.