Gas Line Services in Washington, DC

Gas smell: safety comes first

1. Get everyone out of the building right away. Leave doors open as you go.
2. Do not flip switches, unplug anything, light a flame or use a phone inside.
3. From a safe distance, call 911 and the Washington Gas emergency line at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1.
4. Stay out until emergency responders or the utility say it is safe.

Washington Gas maintains the natural gas distribution system in the District. A plumber's role starts after the utility has made the area safe and the problem is in the piping that serves your appliances.

Common gas piping jobs

• New lines for a range, dryer, water heater, furnace, fireplace or outdoor grill
• Locating and repairing leaks in house piping
• Replacing corroded or outdated pipe and fittings
• Pressure testing after work or when service is restored
• Capping lines for appliances that have been removed

Permits in the District

The DC Department of Buildings issues Plumbing and Gas Permits, which cover new and replacement gas appliances. Only a contractor holding a DC license for the trade may apply, and the application is signed by a Master Plumber or Gas Fitter. Ask who will pull the permit and schedule the inspection before work starts.

Not every home uses gas

Some District homes and apartment buildings are all-electric. If you are not sure, look at your utility bills; a gas account will show the gas utility's name. Adding gas service to a home without it starts with the utility, not a plumber.

Outdoor lines and digging

Running gas to a grill, fire pit or detached structure means trenching. In DC, 811 connects to Miss Utility, and property owners must call at least two working days before digging, even when hiring a professional.

Signs of a small leak in house piping

A faint odor near one appliance, a hissing sound at a fitting, or a gas bill that rises without any change in use can point to a slow leak. Treat any noticeable smell as an emergency and follow the steps above. For a faint, intermittent odor near a single connection, a plumber can test the line with a gauge and leak solution to find the exact spot.

What shapes the cost

Pipe length, the route through finished walls or open basement ceilings, material, the number of appliances served and the permit and inspection all factor in. Older homes may need extra work to bring nearby piping up to current code.