Recognizing a Leak

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Summit Utilities is committed to the safety, health and environment of your community.

Learn more about safety with Summit's Safety Brochure.

Notwithstanding the notable safety record of natural gas pipelines across the country, occasionally, leaks do occur. If a leak does occur, here are some signs of a natural gas leak for you to be aware of:

An odor that smells similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. This is caused by “mercaptan,” an odor mixed with the natural gas to help identify it in the event of a leak.
A loud roaring sound like an engine
White vapor that looks like smoke or fog
A hissing or whistling noise
Fire coming out of a hole or on top of the ground
Dirt blowing from a hole in the ground
An area of frozen ground in the summer near a pipeline
Patches of dead vegetation or grass near a pipeline

Detect a leak with hearing smell and sight

Here are some hazards you need to be aware of:

Gas leaks are highly flammable and easily ignitable
Natural gas is lighter than air
Gas leaks displace oxygen and may cause asphyxiation
Natural gas fires may produce irritating and corrosive vapors which may cause dizziness

Summit Utilities maintains close relationships with local emergency response officials. These partnerships help prevent incidents and help keep us prepared to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency. Always follow the guidelines provided and call 911 if you suspect a leak. A suspected gas leak will be investigated, free of charge, 24/7.

In the event of a natural gas emergency, call 911 and Summit Utilities at 800-992-7552.

If you smell gas, act fast!

Natural gas has a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur.

INSIDE your home or building:

Step 1: Leave immediately on foot! Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), drive or start a car, or anything that could cause a spark.

Step 2: Go directly to a safe location and call 911 and Summit Utilities at 800-992-7552. Do not use e-mail or the Internet to contact the company about a leak, and never assume someone else has reported the leak.

Step 3: Alert your neighbors. We check suspected natural gas leaks at no cost to you.

Step 4: Never try to repair a natural gas leak yourself. Leave all repairs to a trained technician.

OUTSIDE your home or building:

Step 1: Leave immediately on foot! Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), start or drive a car or anything that could cause a spark. Move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud where you can no longer smell gas and maintain a safe distance.

Step 2: Go directly to a safe location and call 911 and Summit Utilities at 800-992-7552.

Step 3: Warn others to stay away from the leak. Leave any equipment being used in or near the area.

Use Your Senses to Recognize A Natural Gas Leak

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If you smell gas, act fast!