PGW Offers Free Methane Detectors to Customers
Posted on: Sep 29, 2025(Philadelphia, Pa – September 29, 2025) Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) customers can now order a free methane detector at pgworks.com/customerkits, while supplies last. The kit includes information on methane detectors and instructions on where to install them. Detectors do not notify the utility directly; however, detectors provide an audible alarm should gas levels exceed safe limits to alert anyone in the property to call PGW at 215-235-1212 or call 911 immediately from a safe location.
Whether the property has a methane detector kit or not, if you smell gas, leave the area and call PGW’s emergency hotline at 215-235-1212. Methane detectors can offer an additional layer of safety especially if you have a weak sense of smell.
Natural gas is odorless and PGW adds a safe, non-toxic, odorant to natural gas that has a distinctive smell, similar to sulfur or rotten eggs for quick detection. Odorizing natural gas is a vitally important safety feature required of all natural gas utilities. You may also be able to identify natural gas by sight or sound – like hissing or roaring sounds or seeing blowing dirt, bubbling water, or dead or dying plants – which can be caused by a natural gas leak. Natural gas leaks can infrequently occur for various reasons such as faulty appliances, damaged pipelines, or improper piping installation.
Again, while these methane detectors will alert a customer to the odor of natural gas, they will not notify PGW. A customer must call our 24/7 gas odor hotline at 215-235-1212. PGW responds to all odor calls in less than an hour.
PGW's most important responsibility is protecting the safety of our employees, customers, and community. We are improving service safety and reliability with our robust Pipeline Improvement Program to replace vintage gas mains with newer, safer alternatives.
For added safety, PGW encourages customers to check on the safety of their natural gas appliances by having them inspected by a licensed professional every year, or as often as the manufacturer recommends. Customers may also take advantage of PGW’s Parts & Labor Appliance Protection Plan. For one low-cost annual payment, PGW will provide maintenance and service to your natural gas appliances at no additional cost to the customer.
For more appliance safety tips and steps to take if you smell natural gas, visit our Appliance Safety page.
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