Why can't I get a service technician for something as dangerous as a gas leak?

I think the wasted time is the least of your worries. Holy smokes! A
gas leak that lasts for 3 days can be potentially pretty dangerous.

Leaking gas means an immediate call to the utility company. They are
usually very good about responding to gas leaking and, at minimum
would have told you how to shut the gas off and why.

I can appreciate being a new home owner and perhaps not understanding
the significance of something like a gas leak, but common sense goes
along way here. Natuarl gas is explosive. A leak that builds up over
days could easily be ignited by something like a pilot light.

if not, don't light any matches!

I'd hone up on some basic mechanical skills and knowledge if I was
you. Maybe the first 2 people never thought to tell you to turn off
the gas because that is the very first thing you should do when there
is a gas leak. You are very lucky that in 3 days nothing happened.

You don't have to be the master of home repair and maintenance to own
a house, but being able to at least know what steps to take in a case
like this could save your home or your life.

It turns out that I didn't actually turn off the gas (my gas valve
turns the reverse way, apparently), and I actually fixed the issue by
turning the valve 1/8th turn the wrong way. The technician came and
did confirm the leak was where I figured it was, by the way. He also
suggested calling the gas company since they come out and check where
the leak is - but they will not fix it, so that kind of doesn't help
in my situation, since I knew which appliance was causing it, and now
I know how to shut off the gas to it myself.

Ultimately, minor details aside, the fault ends up on the person who
installed it for not checking for leaks. And Sears blowing off my
appointment until the end of the day is still unforgiveable. (the tech
said he thought it might be that the tech assigned to my case called
in sick or something, but they could have told me that...)

i thought you normally call the gas company?

they can turn off your gas until the item is fixed

i mean sure it might not be convenient to have to wait to get the item
fixed, but it's better to be without gas during a warm california
month while you wait for the appliance to be fixed... then the
alternative... which usually includes suffocating on the gas while you
wait, or having something spark and blowing up the place.

Kendrick,
I see your point. However, if the leak was at the shut-off fitting
that was your problem and not the installer.
It should not have taken 3 people to have the third to tell you to
turn off the gas. If I am not mistaken that is in the first two pages
of the Operating Instructions that come with those type goods.
If the leak was in or about the dryer ie. pilot or burner that would
be on the installer/manufacturer.
Having gas equipment is a big responsibility and if the home owner
does not react istinctively and know where the shut offs are for each
piece of equipment they at least need to know where the Main is
outside the home or business.
No matter who installs a piece of gas equipment it is always a good
practice to spray some soapy water on all the connections to see if
there are any leaks. In fact a good installer will do that before you
ask.
As far as compensation for ruining your entire morning, most of your
afternoon and your attitude for the rest of day I'll leave that up to
the Sears folks.
Stop back when you gear bvack.
BillR.