Natural Gas Safety Checklist

Natural gas is safe when everything works. When it doesn’t, it becomes one of the fastest ways to blow up a house or poison everyone inside. This checklist covers the warning signs, prevention steps, and exactly what to do if you ever think there’s a leak.

For more safety fundamentals, see Carbon Monoxide Safety Basics, Home Appliance Safety Checklist, and New Home Walkthrough Checklist.

1. Detecting a Possible Gas Leak

[ ] Learn the smell—natural gas is odorless; the “rotten egg” smell is a safety additive.
[ ] Listen for hissing near gas lines, appliances, or meters.
[ ] Look for dying vegetation above buried lines (common leak clue).
[ ] Watch for bubbles if using soapy water to test exposed joints.

2. What to Do If You Smell Gas

[ ] Do NOT turn lights on or off—any spark can ignite gas.
[ ] Do NOT use appliances, phones, or anything electrical inside the house.
[ ] Open doors and windows briefly if safe.
[ ] Leave the house immediately and call the gas company from outside.

3. Gas Appliances and Connections

[ ] Check flexible gas hoses for cracks, kinks, or corrosion.
[ ] Ensure appliances have proper clearance and ventilation.
[ ] Verify burners burn blue—yellow flame = incomplete combustion.
[ ] Schedule annual service for stoves, heaters, and gas fireplaces.

4. Water Heaters and Furnaces

[ ] Ensure vent pipes are connected, sloped upward, and not rusting through.
[ ] Keep flammable items away from the heater and furnace.
[ ] Test the temperature relief valve annually.
[ ] Check for soot marks, scorch marks, or unusual heat—these are combustion problems.

5. Gas Dryer and Fireplace Safety

[ ] Inspect dryer gas lines and verify no leaks at fittings.
[ ] Clean dryer vents frequently—blocked vents increase CO risk.
[ ] Ensure gas fireplaces vent correctly and have working sensors.
[ ] Never leave a gas fireplace running unattended.

6. Shutoff Valves and Emergency Access

[ ] Locate the main gas shutoff valve outside the home.
[ ] Learn how to shut it off—usually requires a wrench or special tool.
[ ] Keep the shutoff tool stored nearby.
[ ] Ensure meter area is clear of bushes, debris, or obstructions.

7. Carbon Monoxide Protection

[ ] Install CO detectors on every level of the home.
[ ] Test detectors monthly and replace batteries annually.
[ ] Replace CO detectors every 5–7 years depending on the model.
[ ] Never run fuel-burning tools indoors or in attached garages.

8. Outdoor and Yard Safety

[ ] Call 811 before digging—gas lines may be shallow.
[ ] Keep grills at least 3 feet from the house and never use them indoors.
[ ] Monitor buried gas lines for soil shifts or wet patches.
[ ] Maintain clear access paths to exterior appliances and meters.

9. Annual Service and Inspection

[ ] Have a licensed technician inspect all natural gas appliances yearly.
[ ] Replace worn hoses and valves immediately.
[ ] Keep written notes of service dates for Home Safety Annual Review.
[ ] Check that vents and chimneys are not blocked by nests or debris.

10. Final Walkthrough

[ ] Re-check appliances for stable flame color and proper venting.
[ ] Make sure emergency numbers are posted where everyone can find them.
[ ] Review family protocol for what to do if someone suspects a leak.
[ ] Replace old equipment before it becomes dangerous.

Natural gas is efficient and safe—until a leak, bad vent, or worn hose turns it into an emergency. This checklist eliminates the most common failures before they become explosive or deadly.