A homeowner in Oakwood Country Club recently noticed a major gas leak at their home. This was the second reported gas leak at a home in the community this week. Both gas leaks were associated with the gas company’s recent replacement of the gas meters at each property. The leaks were at the high pressure side of the gas meter so a lot of gas was escaping.
Southwest Gas is replacing gas meters in the community and they are not informing homeowners that their gas meter has been replaced. The only way you will be able to tell is to inspect the meter to see if the paint is fresh. If it is…it’s a new one.
The scary fact is that of the 400 meters that have been replaced, 20% have failed in this way. The plans are to replace 3600 more. The problem arises when the meters are replaced and the pressure regulator diaphragm fails within days of replacement. The diaphragm is a round piece on the side of the meter. If the diaphragm is leaking you will be able to smell natural gas which will be accompanied by a loud hissing sound.
If you find your gas meter is leaking, get everyone out of the house immediately and call 911 to report it. The fire department will shut off the gas and will test the air in the house to make sure it’s safe. They will also contact Southwest Gas to send out a repairman. You should report it to Southwest Gas as well at 1-800-528-4277.
I would think the logical thing to do would be for Southwest Gas to inform a homeowner when they have replaced their gas meter so the homeowner can monitor the meter for leaks. Would this be so difficult?
