Why You're Smelling Gas

Natural gas is naturally odorless. Utilities add a chemical called mercaptan specifically so a leak has a noticeable, unpleasant smell, often described as similar to rotten eggs. If you're smelling that near a stove, furnace, or water heater, something is releasing gas that shouldn't be, whether that's a loose fitting, a cracked line, or a pilot light that's gone out while the gas supply valve is still open.

A pilot light going out is one of the more common, less dramatic causes. If the safety shutoff doesn't engage properly, or someone attempts to relight it without first clearing the gas that's already accumulated, it creates a real hazard. This is exactly why relighting a pilot light safely matters, and why a persistent smell after relighting should never be ignored.

Signs of a Gas Leak

• A rotten egg or sulfur-like smell near an appliance, gas meter, or gas line
• A hissing sound near a gas line or appliance connection
• Dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise healthy area near an outdoor gas line
• Unusually high gas bills without a clear reason
• Physical symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea that improve when you leave the house

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Smell Gas

1. Leave the house immediately. Don't stop to investigate the source or open windows on your way out.
2. Don't operate any switches, appliances, or open flames on your way out, including light switches, phones, or garage door openers, since any spark can ignite accumulated gas.
3. Get to a safe distance away from the house before making any calls.
4. Call your gas utility's emergency line and, if there's any immediate danger, 911 as well.
5. Do not go back inside until your gas utility or a professional has confirmed it's safe to do so.
6. Call a licensed plumber to diagnose and repair the actual source once it's safe, rather than attempting to identify or fix it yourself.

Safety Tips

Never attempt to locate a gas leak yourself using an open flame or lighter. If you can safely and quickly do so on your way out without lingering, shutting off the main gas valve outside the home is helpful, but leaving safely comes first. Don't return to check on pets or belongings until you've been told it's safe.

When You Shouldn't Try This Yourself

Any suspected gas leak is professional-only territory, full stop. This includes relighting a pilot light that keeps going out, tightening a fitting you suspect is loose, or investigating a hissing sound near a gas line. Gas work carries real fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide risks that aren't worth taking on yourself.

When to Call a Professional

Call immediately for any suspected gas leak, a pilot light that won't stay lit, a gas appliance that seems to be malfunctioning, or a gas smell that persists even after your utility has checked the meter and main line. A licensed plumber can inspect and repair gas lines, fittings, and appliance connections safely.

What It Costs to Repair a Gas Line Issue

Cost depends on the specific cause, whether it's a fitting repair, a line replacement, or an appliance connection issue. We diagnose the actual problem and give you a flat-rate quote before any repair work begins, once the immediate safety concern has been addressed.

Preventing Gas Line Problems

• Have gas appliances and lines inspected periodically, especially older ones
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and gas appliances
• Don't attempt DIY gas line work, even for something that seems minor
• Know where your main gas shutoff valve is located
• Address a pilot light that won't stay lit promptly rather than repeatedly relighting it

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A gas smell is never something to investigate yourself, even if it turns out to be minor. Leaving immediately and calling your utility and a professional is always the right call, every time, no exceptions.