The Charlottesville Department of Utilities takes its responsibilities to inform and educate the community about natural gas safety procedures seriously. As a common energy source in our area, we want everyone to be aware of how to detect a gas leak, understand the actions to take if a leak is suspected, and to always follow proper safe digging practices with Virginia 811.
Gas Meter and Equipment Safety Tips for Winter Weather
Keep Your Gas Meter Safe:
- Keep your meter visible for maintenance or in the event of an emergency
- Never let snow completely cover the meter setting
- Do not use a shovel or hammer to hit the equipment to break up ice or snow
- Do not shovel snow up against your meter
- Watch for ice build-up on your meter
- Use a broom to clear snow from the meter
Keep Your Vents Clear:
- Make sure to clear snow and ice from intake, exhaust, and/or make-up air vents to help avoid carbon monoxide buildup in your home
- Keep your air supply ducts clear of snow and ice. Some direct-vent and high-efficiency appliances have side-wall vents and air intakes that can become obstructed during heavy snowfall
- Ensure that your chimney or roof vent is clear
Gas Piping and Meter Maintenance Responsibility
The Department of Utilities is responsible for the maintenance of the gas service line extending from the gas main up to and including the gas meter. Maintenance of gas lines that connect from the meter into the home and up to any appliance are the responsibility of the homeowner - Utilities cannot maintain or repair these lines.
New piping requires a permit for installation, followed by an inspection to verify that the line meets 2021 VA Residential Fuel Code and 2021 VA Mechanical Code. Utilities will not unlock the gas meter until it receives official documentation that the piping has passed inspection.
To have any existing lines in your home evaluated, please contact a licensed plumber to verify that the piping is up to code.
Detecting a Natural Gas Leak
 Blowing dirt, bubbling creeks or ponds, dry spots in moist areas or dead plants surrounded by green, live plants may indicate a natural gas leak. |
 An unusual hissing sound near gas lines or appliances may indicate a natural gas leak. |
 Natural gas utility companies add a substance called mercaptan to create the familiar, rotten egg-like odor you associate with natural gas. |
Take Action for Natural Gas Safety
 Do not smoke, use a cell phone, flashlight, turn on or off any lights or appliances or operate any kind of vehicle or equipment that could create a spark. |
Leave the area immediately. Do not try to find or stop the leak. |
 Immediately notify the City of Charlottesville-Department of Utilities at (434) 293-9164 or call 911. |
Email Utilities Outreach to receive a Scratch-n-Sniff Natural Gas Safety Card to smell the rotten egg-like odor associated with natural gas!
Call Before You Dig - It's The Law
Whether you are installing an underground dog fence, running water to an outbuilding or digging for a new mailbox post, underground piping and other utilities can be damaged. When
you call the toll-free number 811, all buried utility lines on your property will be professionally located so you can dig safely and prevent a potentially hazardous condition. The service is FREE of charge. For more information visit Virginia 811 or read our Virginia 811 Safe Digging Guide (PDF).
Carbon Monoxide
As part of safe natural gas use, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and create a family escape plan. If the alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and notify Charlottesville Gas from a neighbor's house, cell phone or building at (434) 970-3800 or (434) 293-9164.
Flicker at Your Classroom Program
Flicker the Flame is Charlottesville’s natural gas safety ambassador. Flicker visits elementary schools and camps year-round to talk about natural gas safety. His free program is interactive
and engaging. For more information, or to request a presentation, email Flicker or by contacting Utilities Outreach at (434) 970-3686.