For gas leaks or broken lines call 24 hours: 251-476-2738 or toll free 1-800-373-1444
Safe operation of local pipelines is a top priority for Mobile Gas. Safety takes all of us working together - pipeline operators, contractors, landowners, and neighbors. Dig Safely -- avoid damage to pipelines!
When digging, excavating, drilling or moving the earth in any way that could damage underground utility facilities, contact Alabama One Call (800) 292 - 8525 or simply dial 811 no less than 2 days before starting the excavation.
How to Recognize Gas or Pipeline Leaks
An odorant has been added to natural gas to give it a distinctive decaying smell. Additonal signs that may indicate a leak include: dirt, grass of leaves blowing from an area where a pipeline is located, fire coming from the ground or from valves along the pipeline route, continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas or in marshlands, rivers, creeks, or bayous, or a hissing or roaring sound caused by escaping gas.
If you smell a gas leak, hear a hissing sound, or notice dirt, grass, or leaves blowing from an area where a pipeline is located, or notice any of the other indicatiors, it may be a sign of a gas leak.
What Should You Do If You Notice a Gas Leak?
- Leave the area immediately
- Do not operate or use ignition sources such as phones, flashlights, cigarettes, any kind of an open flame, and do not start a car.
- Once you've moved away from the odor, call Mobile Gas immediately, 24 hours a day at (476-2738).
Odor Fade (Loss of Odorant)
Odor fade (loss of odorant) can cause the odorant to diminish so that it is not detectable. Do not rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas.
Odor fade is caused by physical and chemical processes. It occurs predominantly in installations of new pipe rather than in existing pipe. Odor fade is more pronounced in new steel pipe, and in pipe of larger diameter and longer length. However, it can also occur in plastic pipe, and in smaller pipe installations. In addition, if a natural gas leak occurs underground, the surrounding soil may cause odor fade.
New installations or additions of pipe may require the conditioning of the pipe before it is placed into service to prevent odor fade. Other factors that may cause odor fade include:
- Construction and configuration of the customer’s gas facilities.
- Presence of rust, moisture, liquids or other substances in the pipe.
- Gas composition, pressure and flow.
Intermittent, little or no gas flow over an extended period of time may also result in the loss of odorant until gas flow increases or becomes more frequent.
Remember, do not rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas.
Be Aware of Pipeline Locations
Many major pipelines are marked, but you should know the location of your gas meter and be cautious when digging in areas where lines may extend to the meter.
For more information or to report leaking or damaged pipelines call 476 - 2738.
Your Home's Gas Lines
Mobile Gas maintains natural gas piping along roadways and up to and including your gas meter. Each customer is responsible for the periodic inspection of all above ground and buried piping on the “house side” of the meter. If you notice leaking, corroded piping, or any unsafe condition, you should report the problem to Mobile Gas immediately at 476 – 8052 or have a qualified contractor repair the piping.