Who you call first depends on the problem. If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas company or 911 from outside. If water is leaking inside your home, call a plumber. If the problem seems to be at the street or affects your whole block, contact your water provider.
When to Call the Gas Company First
A rotten egg smell, a hissing sound near a gas line, or a dead patch of grass over a gas line can all point to a gas leak. Do not switch lights on or off, and do not use your phone inside. Get everyone outside and away from the house, then make the call. A plumber is not the right first call for a gas leak.
When to Call the Water Provider
Your water provider handles the water main in the street and, in many cases, the meter. Contact them if:
- Water is bubbling up from the street or sidewalk
- Your neighbors also have no water
- The water suddenly turns brown for everyone on the block
- There is a problem at the meter itself
When to Call a Plumber
Most problems inside the house are plumbing problems. A burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, a leaking water heater, or sewage coming up through a drain all need a plumber. If water is spreading and you cannot stop it with a shut-off valve, treat it as urgent and reach a plumber for emergency help right away.
If you are not sure, start with the safest choice. Gas comes first, then water you cannot stop. A clogged drain or a dripping faucet can usually wait for a regular visit during business hours.
For questions about who handles what, or to schedule a visit for a problem that can wait, you can talk with a local plumber about your home. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.