Reporting a Gas Leak

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If you smell gas, or think you smell gas, leave the area immediately! Then contact Town Hall at (985) 892-0711 or dial 911. Do not call from the area you smell the gas. Do not turn on or off electrical switches or use flashlights in the presence of a gas smell because an electric spark could ignite the gas and cause an explosion.

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Gas Safety

 

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Natural Gas is America’s most popular heating fuel, heating more households than all other forms combined. In all, 52 percent of all heated U.S. homes have natural gas heat.

 

The purpose of this message is to inform the public that the Town of Abita Springs has buried gas pipelines throughout the gas service area that provides reliable energy to its customers.  Natural Gas is increasingly popular for use by homeowners, schools, businesses, factories and electric power generating plants because it is efficient, clean, reliable and a bargain compared to alternative energy sources.

 

The Town of Abita Springs currently services more than 820 gas customers through a network of underground distribution lines. Main lines branch into household service lines. The pipes used for gas distribution are typically made of a “caution yellow” plastic or tar-coated steel which helps prevent corrosion. Main lines are typically two inches in diameter and are located roughly two feet below the ground’s surface. Service lines are typically half inch to three quarters inch in diameter and buried twelve to eighteen inches below the ground’s surface.

 

It is very important that you call before you dig or move earth in any way. Whether you are installing an underground dog fence, running water to an outbuilding or digging a hole for a new mailbox, the potential to hit an underground pipe or utility service line always exists. Be wise and be safe…Call before you dig!

 

Natural Gas is a colorless, odorless gas; however, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs is added to help detect possible leaks. If you smell gas, or think you smell gas, leave the area immediately! Then contact your local gas provider at (985) 892-0711 or dial 911. Do not call from the area you smell the gas. Do not turn on or off electrical switches or use flashlights in the presence of a gas smell because an electric spark could ignite the gas and cause an explosion.

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Call Before You Dig

​Always Call Before You Dig! Just Dial 1-800-272-3020 or 811 Call Louisiana One Call Before You Do Anything Else.

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Gas Pressure Test

NOTE: IF GAS IS TURNED OFF FOR A LEAK OR IF GAS IS OFF FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS, YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE A PRESSURE TEST.

• A pressure gauge is installed by a licensed plumber, on Monday-Fridays only. 

• A letter must be submitted to the town on business letterhead stating that the pressure held at 5 psi for 1 Hour.

• The gauge remains on the line for a period of not less than 1 hour, then it is rechecked by a town employee to verify that the pressure is holding. 

• If the pressure is holding, the plumber is notified by resident to remove the gauge and make the connection of the gas line to the gas meter.

• If the pressure has not held, the plumber must find the leak, make the necessary repairs and pressure up the gauge for another test, repeating the process.

 

BEFORE THE GAS IS TURNED ON BY THE TOWN:

• A letter must be written and signed by a licensed plumber, on his letterhead or an invoice, stating that the pressure test was successful.  This letter is to be given to the utility department where it will be kept on file for future reference. THEN, AND ONLY THEN, WILL THE GAS BE TURNED ON. An adult will need to be present to light the pilots.