I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto?

Understanding Your Water Heater Gas Emergency

I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto? This is a critical safety situation demanding immediate action. Natural gas has a distinctive "rotten egg" odor added so you can detect leaks. If you notice this smell near your water heater, you're facing a potential emergency that requires a swift response.

Immediate Actions:

1. Evacuate immediately - Leave your home and move to a safe, upwind location
2. Call 911 if the gas smell is strong or widespread
3. Contact City of Palo Alto Utilities at (650) 329-2579 for a hint of gas smell
4. Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the leak
5. Contact a licensed HVAC technician for water heater repair after the area is cleared safe

Do NOT:

• Use phones, light switches, or electronics inside the building
• Attempt to locate the leak yourself
• Try to repair the water heater
• Re-enter the building until cleared by professionals

For expert water heater services in the Bay Area, visit our main water heater repair page, or if you need immediate assistance, contact Precision Heating and Cooling for emergency service.

Gas leaks from water heaters can stem from loose connections, faulty pilot lights, damaged gas control valves, or aging tanks. In Palo Alto's mix of historic and modern homes, these issues can affect various systems. While the City of Palo Alto Utilities proactively maintains public gas mains, the gas lines and components within your home—including those connected to your water heater—require your attention and professional maintenance.

I'm Tony Lara, and in my years in the HVAC field, I've seen how quickly a gas smell can escalate. Knowing who to call when I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto? becomes your urgent question is critical. Understanding the roles of the utility company versus a licensed technician saves valuable time in an emergency.

Basic "I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto? glossary:

• Palo Alto water heater
• professional water heater repair
• hot water not working

What to Do Immediately If You Smell Gas

That distinctive rotten egg smell or a hissing sound near your water heater should never be ignored. Natural gas companies add this sulfur-like odor (mercaptan) to help you detect leaks quickly. Your next few minutes are critical.

Evacuate immediately. This isn't the time to investigate or troubleshoot. Grab your family and pets and get everyone out of the house. Head to a location that's upwind from your home—far enough away that you're clear of any escaping gas.

Once safely outside, call for help. For a faint gas smell, call the City of Palo Alto's dispatch center at (650) 329-2579. They can guide you. If the smell is strong or widespread, call 911 immediately. After calling 911, also report the leak to PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Notifying multiple professionals is the safest choice.

Gas leaks are dangerous, creating both a fire hazard and serious health risks. Natural gas is highly flammable, and a small spark can cause an explosion. Inhaling it can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even loss of consciousness. Speed is essential when "I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto?" becomes your reality.

While evacuating, resist the urge to flip switches or use your phone. Do not use electronics, do not operate light switches, and do not start vehicles in an attached garage. Any of these actions could create the spark that ignites the gas. Even using a cell phone inside the house could be dangerous.

Get to a safe, upwind spot and stay there. Once the utility company and emergency responders have cleared the area and addressed the immediate leak, you'll need a licensed HVAC technician to inspect and repair your water heater. For expert assistance after the emergency phase, Precision Heating and Cooling offers emergency service throughout the Bay Area.

The key takeaway is that gas leaks demand immediate action. Our experience shows that homeowners who follow these safety steps without hesitation keep their families safe. You can't overreact when natural gas is involved.

Critical Safety Steps for a Suspected Gas Leak

A suspected gas leak requires understanding the life-threatening risks. Natural gas is invisible and highly flammable, accumulating quickly in enclosed spaces. The "rotten egg" smell is your warning to act now, as a small spark can ignite the gas, causing an explosion or fire. Inhaling it can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even asphyxiation. Every second counts when I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto? becomes your reality.

The most important thing to remember is this: do not create any sparks or ignition sources. This means leaving your phone in your pocket until you're safely outside. Don't flip light switches on or off. Don't unplug appliances. Don't start your car if it's in an attached garage. All of these seemingly innocent actions can create the spark that ignites accumulated gas.

Your first priority is to evacuate to an upwind location. This keeps you away from any escaping gas. Once you're safely outside and at a distance from your home, then you should use your phone to call for help.

For a strong gas odor, call 911 immediately. After that, report the leak to PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. If you're just catching a hint of gas smell, contact the City of Palo Alto Utilities dispatch at (650) 329-2579. When you need professional water heater expertise after the emergency is cleared, our Emergency Services team at Precision Heating and Cooling is here to help.

What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Services

Once you've made it safely outside and called for help, the wait can feel endless. You might be tempted to peek inside, but resist that urge. Keep a safe distance from your home, and do not re-enter the building until emergency personnel give you the all-clear.

When the fire department or utility workers arrive, tell them exactly what you observed—how strong the gas smell was, where you think it came from, and whether you heard any hissing sounds. These details help them work faster and more safely. Your safety matters more than anything else; it's not worth the risk to re-enter for belongings.

In my years working with homeowners in the Bay Area, I've never met anyone who regretted leaving their belongings behind during a gas emergency. But I've seen plenty of people grateful they got their families out safely.

Key Safety Precautions for a Gas Leak

These essential safety precautions can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

Leave doors open when evacuating if you can do so safely on your way out. This helps ventilate the area and allows gas to disperse.

Avoid all ignition sources without exception. No matches, lighters, light switches, garage door openers, or phones while you're inside. Don't start your car if it's in an attached garage. Even a doorbell's tiny spark can be dangerous.

Know your main gas shutoff valve location before an emergency. It's typically near your gas meter. We don't recommend turning it off yourself unless instructed by emergency personnel. However, knowing its location is helpful for responders. Never attempt to turn the gas back on yourself; only PG&E or a qualified professional should restore service.

Finally, do not attempt repairs yourself. Gas systems require specialized knowledge and tools. This is not a DIY job. Leave it to licensed professionals who understand the dangers. After an emergency, Precision Heating and Cooling is here to help, with over two decades of experience keeping Bay Area families safe.

I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto?

When you ask, "I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto?", you need fast answers on who to contact. Palo Alto has a coordinated response system involving utility companies and professional HVAC services, and we'll walk you through it.

Think of it as a team effort. Utility companies like City of Palo Alto Utilities and PG&E are first responders for the main gas lines. For a faint gas smell, call the City of Palo Alto Utilities at (650) 329-2579. For stronger smells, call 911 first, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. They will secure the gas supply and contain the immediate danger.

Once the utility company determines the leak is inside your home—from your water heater or internal piping—you need a licensed HVAC professional. We provide 24/7 emergency response because gas leaks don't wait. Our licensed technicians can diagnose and safely repair your water heater.

We serve Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and throughout the Bay Area, ready to respond when you need us most. Whether it's the middle of the night or a holiday weekend, we're available. You can learn more about our specialized services on our Palo Alto Water Heater Repair page.

How do I know who to call for a gas smell from my water heater?

Knowing who to call during a gas emergency can feel overwhelming. Here's a simple breakdown so you know what to do.

If the gas smell is strong, widespread, or you hear a loud hissing sound, your first call is 911. Don't hesitate. The fire department will secure the scene, ensure evacuation, and coordinate with the utility company.

Next, contact the utility company. Once safely outside, call them even if 911 was notified. For Palo Alto residents with a faint smell, call City of Palo Alto Utilities at (650) 329-2579. For serious situations or PG&E areas, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Their job is to control the gas supply and determine if the leak is on their side or yours.

Finally, call us—your professional HVAC technician. Once the utility company gives the all-clear or confirms the leak is on your property, our expertise is essential. We specialize in repairing water heaters and internal gas connections. Our technicians will pinpoint the source—be it a faulty valve, loose connection, or other issue—and make repairs to restore your safety and hot water.

Think of it this way: the utility company secures the gas supply, and we fix your water heater. For comprehensive support and information about our services, visit our Water Heater Repair Palo Alto page.

What are the potential causes of a gas smell from my water heater?

Understanding potential causes highlights why professional repair is vital. Several gas-handling components in your water heater can malfunction and cause a dangerous leak.

A faulty pilot light is a common culprit. This small flame ignites the main burner. If it goes out or malfunctions, uncombusted gas can escape. If you smell gas, even if you know how to relight a pilot, step back and call a professional.

Loose gas line connections can develop over time due to home settling and vibrations. This is common in older Palo Alto homes. Even a small leak from a loose connection is dangerous.

A damaged gas control valve is a serious issue. This valve regulates gas flow to the burner. If it cracks or malfunctions, it can leak gas continuously, requiring immediate professional attention.

Worn-out tanks in older water heaters can cause gas problems. While the tank doesn't leak gas directly, corrosion or structural issues can affect gas connections or venting. Water leaks from an aging tank can also corrode gas lines.

A faulty pressure relief valve, while managing water pressure, can cause leaks that corrode gas lines over time. It can also indicate broader system issues.

Improper installation or physical damage can also cause leaks. Whatever the cause, any gas smell from your water heater requires immediate professional attention.

We've seen all of these issues in our years serving Bay Area homes. You can learn more about common water heater problems on our Water Heater Repair Issues and Solutions page.

How to Prevent Future Water Heater Gas Leaks

Proactive maintenance of your water heater can dramatically reduce the risk of gas leaks and provide peace of mind.

The foundation of prevention is annual maintenance and professional inspections. A yearly check-up by a qualified technician is essential. During these visits, we inspect gas line connections, the gas control valve, the pilot light, and the burner. This proactive approach identifies and fixes small problems before they become dangerous emergencies.

Knowing the signs of an aging water heater is also important. Most last 10-15 years. As they age, components wear out and become less reliable. If your unit is in this age range, consider a replacement to avoid a breakdown or safety hazard. The peace of mind is worth the investment.

Beyond professional maintenance, checking connections and staying observant can make a real difference. During routine household checks, look around your water heater area. Are there any visible signs of corrosion on pipes or fittings? Do you hear any unusual hissing sounds? Trust your senses—if something seems off, it probably is. For more comprehensive information, visit our Palo Alto Water Heater Services and Water Heater Repair Services pages.

Regular maintenance does more than prevent emergencies like asking "I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto?" It also ensures efficiency, lowers energy bills, and extends your equipment's life. A well-maintained water heater is a safe one.

Regular Maintenance Checklist for Your Water Heater

Understanding proper water heater maintenance shows why professional check-ups are vital for safety. Most tasks require professional expertise and tools.

A thorough visit includes inspecting the anode rod, a sacrificial part that protects the tank lining and extends its life when replaced periodically. We also test the pressure relief valve, a critical safety device that prevents dangerous pressure buildup.

Flushing the tank is another essential task that addresses sediment buildup. This sediment accumulates from minerals in your water, and if left unchecked, it reduces efficiency and can cause premature tank failure. Annual flushing removes this buildup.

For gas water heaters, visually inspecting gas lines and connections is crucial. We check every line, valve, and connection for corrosion, wear, or leaks. We also ensure the pilot light and burner show proper combustion—a healthy flame burns blue. Yellow or orange flames indicate a problem and potential carbon monoxide production.

We also look for any water leaks, even tiny ones. Small drips can corrode gas lines or damage electrical components, creating bigger problems down the road.

If you have a tankless water heater, maintenance differs slightly but is equally important. These units need regular heat exchanger flushing and gas connection checks. You can learn more on our Tankless Water Heater Repair Palo Alto page.

Professional maintenance ensures your water heater operates efficiently and safely, saving you money and extending its lifespan. It's an investment in safety, reliability, and peace of mind.

Your Trusted Partner for Water Heater Safety in Palo Alto

When you smell gas from your water heater, you need clarity, not confusion. This guide has outlined the critical steps: immediate evacuation, calling the right emergency numbers, understanding potential causes, and preventing future leaks.

Safety is paramount. At Precision Heating and Cooling, it's our foundation. When you're asking, "I smell a gas smell from my water heater. Who offers emergency service in Palo Alto?", immediate action is crucial. Evacuate first, call 911 for strong odors or City of Palo Alto Utilities at (650) 329-2579 for faint smells, report to PG&E at 1-800-743-5000, and then call our licensed technicians once the area is safe.

For over two decades, we've served homeowners in Palo Alto, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and the San Jose Bay Area. Our experience shows that professional service ensures safety and regular maintenance prevents emergencies. Gas leaks are unpredictable, which is why we're always available.

Your water heater is essential, but when gas components fail, it requires experienced professionals who understand the urgency and complexity. Our licensed technicians have the expertise to diagnose and repair issues safely and accurately.

Don't wait until a gas smell becomes a crisis. If you're experiencing any issues with your water heater, or if it's been a while since your last professional inspection, we're here to help. Our commitment is to provide reliable, professional service that keeps your home safe and comfortable year-round.

Contact us for expert water heater repair in the San Jose area and let our team take care of your water heater needs. We're ready to be your trusted partner in home safety and comfort.