- Natural gas has a sulfur odorant (mercaptan) added specifically so leaks are detectable — a rotten egg or sulfur smell indoors requires immediate action.
- Corroded, improperly supported, or unprotected flexible gas connectors to appliances are a common source of gas leaks in older North Shore homes.
- Any work on interior gas lines — new appliance connections, line extensions, or leak repairs — requires a licensed plumber and a local permit in Lake County municipalities.
You smell gas anywhere in or near the home
Do not operate any electrical switches, thermostats, or appliances. Do not use your phone inside the home. Leave immediately, go at least 100 feet from the building, and call Peoples Energy's emergency line (1-800-947-5000) from outside. Do not re-enter until cleared by Peoples Energy or emergency services.
Adding a gas appliance or extending a gas line to a new location
Gas line extensions — for a new range, generator, outdoor grill stub-out, or garage heater — require a licensed plumber, a local permit, and a pressure test before any appliance is connected. DIY gas work is not legal in Lake County municipalities and voids homeowners insurance coverage for resulting incidents.
What Legendary inspects on a gas line service call
Technicians check flexible appliance connectors for corrosion or damage, verify proper pipe support and protection through walls and floors, test shutoff valve operation at each appliance, and perform a pressure test on accessible sections. Any finding is documented in writing with a flat-rate repair option before work begins.
Flexible gas connectors — the most common interior failure point
Corrugated stainless steel flexible connectors (CSST) and older uncoated flexible connectors at appliances are subject to corrosion, movement-related fatigue, and age-related degradation. Connectors over 10 years old — particularly uncoated brass fittings in pre-2000 installations — warrant inspection.
DIY appliance connection without a pressure test
A gas connection that doesn't leak at low pressure may leak at operating pressure or under thermal cycling. Pressure testing after every new connection is standard practice — not optional. Unpermitted connections also create insurance and liability exposure for homeowners.
CSST bonding requirements not met in older installations
Corrugated stainless steel tubing requires electrical bonding to prevent arc damage from lightning-induced electrical surges. Older CSST installations may not have been bonded when installed — a condition that can be remediated without replacing the tubing.
Questions homeowners ask
- What's the difference between Peoples Energy and Nicor in my area?
- Peoples Energy and Nicor Gas merged under one parent company; service area assignments depend on your municipality. Both share the same emergency line: 1-800-947-5000. Your gas bill will show which brand serves your address.
- Can Legendary install a gas line for an outdoor grill or generator in Mundelein?
- Yes — Legendary installs gas line extensions under permit in Mundelein and across Lake County. The project includes sizing the run to the appliance BTU demand, obtaining the permit, installing the line, and pressure testing before appliance connection.
- What does a gas leak repair cost?
- Legendary provides a flat-rate price before any work begins. Common repairs — connector replacement, shutoff valve replacement, or fitting tightening — are typically straightforward. Complex situations involving line rerouting are assessed on-site.
Editorial provenance
Content by Legendary Service editorial team
Updated:
Methodology
Guidance compares the stated system factors, applicable utility program rules, and the conditions that must be confirmed in the home. Figures are planning ranges, not quotes; Legendary Service provides an upfront flat-rate price after diagnosis.