Detecting A Leak

If you suspect a gas leak inside your home or business and cannot shut off the gas, immediately evacuate the area and contact 911. Common signs of a gas leak include:

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SMELL

Odor of rotten eggs. The nose knows.

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LISTEN FOR

An unusual hissing or blowing noise from a gas appliance, the ground or exposed gas piping.

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WATCH FOR

A sudden and unexplained increase in gas consumption on your gas bill.

LOOK FOR

• Constant and localized blowing of dirt, dust or debris.

• Flames near exposed piping or coming from the ground. Appliance flames that are behaving in an unusual way.

• Rapid bubbling at the surface of a body of water such as a puddle.

• Unusual brown, dying or dead vegetation in otherwise moist areas over or near pipeline areas as well as unusual soil movement.

• Damaged connections to gas appliances.

• Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster.

If You Detect A Gas Leak

• Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames.

• Turn off machinery and engines and don’t use cell phones or electrical switches.

• Turn off the gas at the tank or appliance if it is accessible and safe to do so.

• Ventilate the area by opening windows if indoors.

• If the leak is outside and underground, do not fill the hole with water.

• If there is a gas fire, do not try to extinguish it unless you are able to shut off the source of the gas.

• Immediately leave the area and warn others to stay away.

• Call the Hawaiʻi Gas office nearest you if there is no immediate danger or call 911.

• Do not attempt to turn the gas back on by yourself – contact Hawaiʻi Gas to have a trained, qualified energy professional restore your service.

• DO NOT rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas or propane gas.

• When installing gas appliances or equipment, the manufacturer's instruction manual should be followed in accordance with the local code authority.

Excess Flow Valves (EFV)

For leak safety, Hawaiʻi Gas customers can purchase and install an excess flow valve (EFV) for their home or business. Certain eligibility limitations may apply.

Learn More About EFVs
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