Gas Leak Response Protocol

Purpose

This SOP establishes the mandatory response procedure for any suspected or confirmed gas leak encountered during a Spartan Plumbing service call, installation, or inspection. It applies to all service technicians, install technicians, and apprentices.

⚠️ This is a safety-critical SOP. Deviation from this protocol is grounds for immediate corrective action.

When to Use

• You smell natural gas (rotten egg / sulfur odor) at a job site or in a customer's home
• Your gas sniffer or gas leak detector triggers an alert
• A customer reports a suspected gas leak
• You discover a gas leak during pressure testing, bubble testing, or routine inspection
• A gas appliance installation or repair requires leak verification

Procedure

Step 1 — Assess Immediate Danger

Stop all work immediately. Do not continue any task.

Do NOT operate any electrical switches, lights, or devices — sparks can ignite gas.

Do NOT use your cell phone inside the structure if gas odor is strong.

Do NOT attempt to locate the leak if the odor is strong or pervasive — go directly to evacuation.

Step 2 — Evacuate if Necessary

If the gas odor is strong, spreading, or you cannot identify the source:

Calmly instruct all occupants to leave the home immediately.

Leave doors open as you exit — do NOT lock up.

Move at least 100 feet away from the structure.

Call 911 and Columbia Gas emergency line: 1-800-344-4077.

Call your direct supervisor immediately.

Do NOT re-enter the structure until cleared by the fire department or Columbia Gas.

Step 3 — Isolate the Gas Supply (If Safe to Do So)

If the odor is minor/localized and you can safely reach the shutoff:

Shut off the gas supply at the main gas shutoff valve or the appliance-level shutoff.

Open windows and doors to ventilate the area.

Confirm ventilation is adequate before proceeding.

Step 4 — Detect and Verify the Leak

You must verify every suspected gas leak with instruments — never diagnose by smell alone.

Retrieve your gas sniffer from your truck (if not on hand, one is stored in the cage at the shop).

Use the gas sniffer to scan all gas connections, valves, unions, and flex lines in the area.

Perform a bubble test on suspected connections using gas leak detector solution (spray bottle).

If leak source is unclear, perform a gas line isolation test:

- Shut off all gas appliances.

- Close the main gas valve.

- Connect a pressure gauge to a test port.

- Pressurize the line to 10 PSI.

- Hold pressure for 10 minutes.

- Any pressure drop confirms a leak in the system.

Document all readings and findings with photos in the customer's Slack channel.

Step 5 — Determine Response Path

| Situation | Action |

|---|---|

| No leak confirmed (instruments show no leak) | Document the negative result. Inform the customer. Do NOT sell a repair for a leak that doesn't exist. |

| Minor leak at a fitting/connection | Tighten the connection, retest. If resolved, document and proceed. |

| Leak at flex line, union, or valve | Present repair options (Good/Better/Best). Get customer authorization before proceeding. |

| Multiple leaks or main line issue | Contact Columbia Gas to verify. Present options including full gas line test and potential reline. Consider financing options for large jobs. |

| Leak cannot be located or stopped | Shut off gas at main. Contact Columbia Gas. Do NOT leave gas on. |

Step 6 — Repair and Re-Verify

After any gas leak repair:

Pressure test the repaired section at 10 PSI for 10 minutes — zero pressure drop required.

Bubble test all connections with leak detector solution.

Use gas sniffer to confirm no residual leaks.

Turn on gas slowly and recheck all connections.

Test gas flow and operation at all connected appliances.

📸 Photo required: Completed repair with leak test documentation.

Step 7 — Documentation and Closeout

Document all findings, tests performed, and repairs in ServiceTitan job notes.

Upload before/during/after photos.

Post summary in the customer's Slack channel.

If Columbia Gas was contacted, note their response and any reference numbers.

Schedule inspection if required by permit.

Important Notes

• Never diagnose a gas leak based on smell alone. The negative Google review incident demonstrated the reputational damage from false diagnoses. Every suspected leak must be instrument-verified.
• Never collect payment for gas leak repair without verified, documented evidence of the leak. This protects both the customer and Spartan.
• Always offer the customer the option to contact Columbia Gas for independent verification before committing to repairs, especially for large-dollar jobs.
• Pregnant women, elderly, and children — if present, bias toward evacuation even for minor-seeming leaks.
• Gas sniffer batteries — check your sniffer at the start of every shift during your vehicle inspection.
• If in doubt, shut it off and call. It is always better to shut off gas and escalate than to leave a potential leak active.

Related SOPs

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection & Response — CO is often present alongside gas leaks
• CO Testing After Water Heater Install — mandatory post-install verification
• Fire Response at Job Site — if gas ignites during response
• Gas Line Diagnostics & Leak Detection — detailed technical diagnostics for service techs
• Gas Line Repair & Installation — repair procedures after leak is confirmed