Gas Shut Off by Atmos in Dallas? How to Get It Back On

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If Atmos Energy has locked your meter or tagged an appliance, the gas stays off until three things happen: the problem is repaired, the piping passes a City of Dallas gas test witnessed by a city plumbing inspector, and the inspector releases the meter to Atmos. Then you call Atmos to schedule the reconnect.

Smelling gas right now? Leave the building first and take everyone along. Don't flip switches, press the garage door opener or light anything on the way. From outside, call 911 or Atmos Energy; after that, call us at (844) 313-1397. For a gas smell, we send our on-call plumber right away.

Why Atmos shuts off or red-tags gas

A leak found after someone reported a gas smell
House piping that failed the pressure test Atmos runs before restoring service
An appliance or vent the technician judged unsafe
A meter pulled at the request of the Fire Department, Code Compliance or a city plumbing inspector, or because of tampering

Atmos can restore gas without a city release in a few cases, such as a shut-off for non-payment, but only when no hazards were found. Once Atmos finds a leak or the piping fails its test, a permit and a City of Dallas gas release come first.

Step by step: shut-off to gas back on

Atmos turns off the gas. Photograph the tag, note what the technician said, and leave the lock and tag in place.
A licensed plumber finds and fixes the problem. The piping is tested section by section, then the failed pipe, fitting, valve or connector is repaired or replaced. The inspector will check every gas appliance, so fix anything flagged on one now too. See gas line repair.
The City of Dallas gas test permit. Before work begins, the plumbing contractor applies for a single-trade gas test permit in DallasNow, the city's online permit system. The contractor must be registered with the City of Dallas and work under a responsible master plumber's license.
Pressure test and city inspection. The guidelines call for a test pressure of 3 psi on an approved diaphragm gauge, witnessed by a City of Dallas plumbing inspector for at least 15 minutes. The test takes in all gas piping from the meter onward, including the yard line and every building on the property, and the inspector checks each gas appliance.
The city releases the meter to Atmos. When everything passes, the inspector contacts Atmos Energy with the release.
You schedule the reconnect. Call Atmos customer service to book the turn-on; Atmos then unlocks the meter, and the appliances can be relit. If service isn't set up within 60 days of a release, the city requires a new one.

Heat is part of the inspection. Before the meter is released, the building needs approved vented heating that can hold at least 70°F, measured three feet above the floor. Existing approved unvented heaters may stay in a home if the code official approves them.

Why you can't turn the gas back on yourself

The gas was shut off for a reason. Gas sent into leaking pipe can collect indoors, where a spark ignites it.
The meter and lock are Atmos property, and Atmos restores service only with the city's release.
Tampering adds a step: under the city's guidelines, a tampered meter needs its own inspection and release.
Tagged appliances stay off, even if the rest of the house has gas.

The extra $300 city charge for an after-hours gas test

A January 2026 memo from the City of Dallas Planning & Development Department, written ahead of winter weather, says every after-hours gas test inspection request carries a $300 inspection fee on top of the permit fee. The rules don't change after hours: the permit must already be in place, the person doing the work has to be on site, and the contractor must be registered with the city, which coordinates the visit.

That $300 is a city charge, separate from the repair. A family with no heat in a freeze, or a restaurant facing a lost night of service, may decide it's the right call; on a mild day a regular inspection may do. We'll explain both options.

While the gas is off

For heat, use electric space heaters plugged straight into a wall outlet, with clear space around them. Never heat the house with a range, grill or patio heater, keep generators outside and away from windows, and test your carbon monoxide alarms.

Homes and businesses across Dallas

These are the City of Dallas steps; neighboring cities set their own rules. From 2900 Botham Jean Blvd in the Cedars, we handle Atmos shut-offs across Dallas, from South Dallas and Fair Park to Oak Cliff, East Dallas and Pleasant Grove. Restaurants: see commercial plumbing. Tagged water heater? See water heater replacement.

Atmos shut-off and gas test FAQ

Can I turn the gas back on myself?

No. Only Atmos Energy unlocks the meter, after a City of Dallas plumbing inspector releases it. Restoring gas to piping with a known leak risks a fire or explosion, and a tampered meter needs its own city inspection and release.

How long will I be without gas?

It depends on the repair, when the city inspection can happen and when Atmos can reconnect. A worn connector is a far smaller job than a buried yard line. An after-hours city inspection is possible for an extra $300 city fee.

Is there an extra charge for an after-hours city test?

Yes. A January 2026 City of Dallas memo sets a $300 inspection fee for every after-hours gas test request, on top of the permit fee. It's a city charge, separate from the repair.

Does this apply to businesses too?

Yes. The City of Dallas gas test guidelines cover residential and commercial properties. A business also needs a current Certificate of Occupancy before gas is restored, and the homeowner permit option doesn't apply.

Who can pull a gas test permit in Dallas?

A plumbing contractor registered with the City of Dallas and working under a responsible master plumber's license. A homeowner can pull a residential permit only for a homestead they own and live in, and the work must meet the same code.

Get your gas back on

Gas shut off today? Call (844) 313-1397 and have a photo of the tag ready. A gas smell gets our 24/7 emergency service; other repairs are booked at a time that suits you.