As part of National Fire Prevention Week, Piedmont Natural Gas is urging the public to be aware of how to identify a natural gas leak. The company reminds customers that an odorant called mercaptan is added to natural gas, giving it a smell similar to rotten eggs so leaks can be easily detected.
“Our customers value safety, and we’re committed to continually educating the community about the simple ways to detect natural gas leaks,” said Brian Weisker, president of Piedmont Natural Gas. “Natural gas leaks can be managed quickly and safely if you know what to look for, and it starts with training your nose to recognize the odor of mercaptan.”
In addition to the distinctive smell, signs of a potential leak include bubbling water, blowing dirt or dead plants. Other indicators may be sinkholes or exposed pipes. A hissing sound near a gas line or meter can also signal a leak.
If someone suspects a natural gas leak due to these signs or smells, Piedmont advises immediate action: leave the area without delay and call either Piedmont at 800.752.7504 or 911 from a safe location away from the suspected leak. People should not return until authorities confirm it is safe.
Piedmont also recommends installing natural gas detectors as an extra precaution; these devices are available at major retailers and home improvement stores and will sound an alarm if elevated levels of natural gas are detected. If an alarm goes off, individuals should move away from the area immediately and contact emergency services or Piedmont using the same numbers above.
Piedmont Natural Gas serves more than 1.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee as part of Duke Energy’s operations. The company recently ranked highest in customer satisfaction with residential natural gas service in the South among large utilities according to J.D. Power’s 2024 study.
For more information on safety practices related to natural gas use, visit piedmontng.com.
