Why It Matters
A Gas Smell Emergency Needs a Licensed Response
Natural gas leak detection is not a DIY task. Gas leaks can go undetected for extended periods, creating serious risks for your family, your property, and anyone nearby. The problem is that not every leak announces itself with a strong odor. Some develop gradually along older gas lines or at appliance connections where fittings have loosened over time. Horizon Mechanical's technicians are trained and equipped to identify leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become a much larger problem. We serve residential clients, commercial businesses, and strata properties throughout Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Parksville, Nanoose Bay, and the surrounding communities. When you suspect a gas smell, the right call is to a licensed gas fitter, not a general handyman.
Our Process
How We Perform a Gas Line Safety Inspection
Our gas line safety inspection process is thorough and methodical. We start by assessing the reported concern, whether that is a detected odor, a malfunctioning appliance, or a routine safety check before a renovation. From there, we use calibrated leak detection equipment to test the integrity of your gas lines, connections, valves, and appliance hookups. Every point in the system is checked, not just the obvious ones. If a leak is confirmed, we walk you through exactly what we found, what the repair involves, and what it will cost before any work begins. That is the honest, upfront pricing approach we bring to every job. Once repairs are completed, we perform a final pressure test to verify the system is fully sealed and safe. Our work is documented to meet City of Nanaimo and engineering inspection standards, so you are not left guessing whether the repair was done right.
Who We Help
Residential and Commercial Gas Safety on Vancouver Island
Gas safety concerns look different depending on the property. For homeowners, the most common triggers are aging appliance connections, older gas lines that have not been inspected in years, or a recent renovation that may have disturbed the existing infrastructure. For business owners, particularly in restaurants and other commercial kitchens, high-use appliances put ongoing stress on gas connections and require regular inspection to stay safe and compliant. Horizon Mechanical works across all of these scenarios. We also support general contractors who need a licensed gas fitter to sign off on new construction or tenant improvement projects in Nanaimo and surrounding areas. No matter the setting, our approach is the same: show up on time, use the right equipment, communicate clearly, and do the job properly the first time.
Why Horizon Mechanical
What Sets Our Gas Leak Detection Service Apart
Central Vancouver Island has no shortage of contractors, but finding one who actually answers the phone, shows up on schedule, and holds a valid TSBC gas license is a different matter. Horizon Mechanical was founded by Carson Vos, who was born and raised in Nanaimo and built this company on the principle that reliability is not optional. Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, bonded, and background-checked. We carry the right leak detection equipment on our trucks so we are not wasting your time waiting on tools or parts. We price our work honestly, we do not cut corners on materials or methods, and we do not disappear after the job is done. If you are comparing gas safety providers across Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Parksville, or Qualicum Beach, the question to ask is simple: are they TSBC licensed, do they show up, and will they tell you the truth? We check all three.
REVIEWS
What Vancouver Island Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Gas Leak Detection: What You Need to Know
What should I do right now if I smell gas in my home or business?
If you smell gas, do not turn any switches on or off, and do not use your phone inside the building. Leave the property immediately, leaving doors open as you go to help ventilate the space. Once you are safely outside, call your gas utility provider to shut off supply, then contact a TSBC-licensed gas fitter like Horizon Mechanical. Do not re-enter the building until a licensed professional has inspected the property and confirmed it is safe. Acting quickly and avoiding any ignition sources are the two most important steps you can take.Is Horizon Mechanical licensed to perform gas leak detection in BC?
Yes. Horizon Mechanical holds a TSBC Gas Contractor license, number LIC00214303. This certification is issued by Technical Safety BC and is required for any company legally performing gas fitting work in British Columbia. All technicians are licensed professionals, and work is documented to meet City of Nanaimo and engineering inspection standards. When you hire a gas fitter, verifying their TSBC license number is one of the most important checks you can make to confirm the work will be done safely and legally.How does professional leak detection equipment find a gas leak that I cannot smell?
Calibrated gas detection equipment can identify the presence of natural gas at concentrations far below what the human nose can reliably detect. Technicians use these tools to systematically test connections, valves, joints, and appliance hookups throughout your gas system. This is especially important for slow leaks along older lines or in areas with limited ventilation where gas can accumulate without producing a strong odor. A visual inspection alone is not enough. Professional equipment removes the guesswork and gives you a clear, accurate picture of your system's condition.Do you offer gas leak detection for commercial properties and restaurants?
Yes. Horizon Mechanical works with business owners across Central Vancouver Island, including restaurants and other commercial operations that rely on high-use gas appliances. Commercial kitchens place significant ongoing stress on gas connections, and regular inspections are an important part of keeping those systems safe and compliant. We also support tenant improvement projects where new gas lines or appliance hookups are part of a build-out. If you manage a commercial property in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Parksville, or surrounding areas, we can schedule an inspection that fits your operational schedule.Which areas do you cover for gas safety inspections and emergency calls?
Horizon Mechanical operates across an approximately 40-kilometre radius from our Nanaimo hub. Our service area covers Chemainus in the south through Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Parksville, and north to Qualicum Beach and Qualicum Bay. We offer 24/7 availability for emergency calls throughout this region. If you are unsure whether your address falls within our service area, give us a call and we will confirm right away.How is the cost of a gas line safety inspection determined?
Horizon Mechanical provides free quotes and estimates before any work begins. The cost depends on the size and complexity of the system being assessed, the type of property, and whether any repairs are identified during the inspection. Our pricing is honest and upfront, with no hidden fees or surprise charges added after the fact. We will walk you through exactly what we found and what any recommended repairs will cost before you commit to anything.Can an unresolved gas safety issue affect my home insurance coverage?
Yes, undocumented or unresolved gas safety issues can create complications with home insurance. Insurers in BC are increasingly attentive to the condition of mechanical systems, and a property with a known gas concern that has not been professionally addressed may face coverage issues. Having your gas system inspected and any repairs completed by a TSBC-licensed contractor creates a documented record that the work was done to code. This is the same principle that applies to aging plumbing materials like Poly-B piping, where documented, licensed remediation protects your insurability and your property's value.
