What to Do If Your House Smells Like Gas

June 26, 2024
technician with a detector checking for a leak
*Updated July 10th, 2025

If you suddenly notice the distinct odor of rotten eggs or sulfur in your home, it could be a sign of a potentially dangerous gas leak. Knowing what to do if you smell gas in your home is critical for protecting yourself, your family, and your property.

In this article, we’ll walk through the specific steps to follow if you believe there’s a gas leak in your home. In addition, we’ll cover causes of natural gas leaks and preventative measures to take in order to avoid the issue completely.

Table of Contents

  • How to Tell if You Have a Gas Leak

  • What You Should Do if You Have a Gas Leak

  • Causes of Gas Leaks

  • Where the Smell Could Be Coming From

  • Preventing Gas Leaks

How to Tell if You Have a Gas Leak

The most distinctive sign of a gas leak is the smell of gas. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a strong, unpleasant odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. If you smell gas in your house, it’s important that you act quickly.

Other signs of a potential gas leak include:

  • A hissing or blowing sound near gas lines or appliances

  • Unexplained dead or dying vegetation around your home near gas lines

  • Gas stove burners that are lit but not producing a flame

  • The distinct odor of gas or suspicion of a leak

  • Abnormally high, low, or absent flames in all gas appliances

  • Inability to shut off gas to an appliance or heating unit

  • Continuous water leakage from a gas heating unit or water heater

  • Unusual noises like roaring, hissing, or whistling coming from gas pipes

  • White haze, vaporous mist, or bubbles visible in stagnant water near gas lines

  • An unusual gas smell, causing irritation to eyes, nose, and/or throat, or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and aggressive behavior

What You Should Do if You Have a Gas Leak

When it comes to a suspected gas leak, every second counts. To minimize the potential dangers, here are the steps you should take:

Evacuate the Building

If you smell gas in your home, your top priority is to ensure everyone’s safety. Leave the house immediately, and make sure all occupants evacuate. Do not turn on a light switch or use any electrical devices—even a small spark can ignite the gas and cause an explosion.

Do Not Search for the Leak

Do not try to locate the leak yourself, especially if the gas odor is strong. This is a job for your gas company or another professional service provider.

Ventilate the House if Possible

If it’s safe and can be done quickly, open windows and doors on your way out to provide ventilation. This helps to dissipate gas escaping into the air.

Call for Help from Outside the House

Once you are outside your home and at a safe location, call 911 or your utility company’s 24-hour emergency number to report the suspected gas leak. Provide your address, details about the situation, and location of the gas meter. Do not make this call from inside the house.

Turn Off the Gas Supply if You Know How

If you know where your gas supply shut-off valve is and how to use it, turn it off outside the home.

Wait for the Professionals

Wait for emergency service responders or a gas company representative to arrive. Don’t go back inside until they declare your home safe.

In a gas leak emergency, don’t second guess. Treat every smell of gas seriously and prioritize safety above all else.

Causes of Gas Leaks

Gas leaks in your home can happen for many reasons. Understanding what could cause natural gas to escape can help you respond quickly.

Faulty Appliances

Old or poorly maintained gas appliances, such as fireplaces, gas stoves, and water heaters, can start leaking gas. Regular professional servicing can prevent this.

Damaged Gas Lines

Gas pipes can be damaged by corrosion or impact, leading to a leak. These issues often require professional equipment to detect.

Poor Installation or Maintenance

If a gas line or appliance isn’t installed properly, it may develop a leak over time. Skipping regular maintenance checks can let small leaks go unnoticed.

Where the Smell Could Be Coming From

If it smells like gas, it could be leaking inside or outside your home. Here are some common sources:

Kitchen Appliances

A gas stove left on without a flame or a broken pilot light can leak gas into your home.

Heating Systems

A cracked gas furnace can lead to a natural gas leak. If your home may have heating issues, schedule an inspection.

Water Heaters

Signs of a gas leak include a pilot light that won’t stay lit or a natural gas smell near the unit.

Outside Sources

A leak may also come from a damaged gas line in your yard. If you smell gas outside, call the gas company or call 811 before digging.

Preventing Gas Leaks

Here are important natural gas safety tips:

  • Schedule regular inspections for all gas service appliances and gas lines.

  • Make sure a qualified service provider installs or repairs any gas supply components.

  • Install devices that detect a gas leak and maintain them.

  • Learn where the main gas shut-off valve is located.

Conclusion

If you smell gas, don’t wait. Leave the building, and call 911 from a safe location. Let professionals handle the situation.

To avoid ever smelling gas in your home, invest in regular maintenance and inspection of gas in your home by licensed professionals.

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Natural Gas Safety FAQs

Can you stay in a house with a gas leak?

No. A gas leak in your home can be deadly. If you smell gas, leave your house and contact emergency services. Don’t return until it’s declared safe.

Can a slow gas leak make you sick?

Yes. Exposure to even a small leak can cause gas poisoning symptoms like headaches, nausea, and carbon monoxide effects. Seek medical help if needed.

How long can a gas leak go unnoticed?

A gas leak can go undetected for weeks if it’s in a hidden spot. But even a small leak can become dangerous. Regular inspections help detect natural gas leaks early.

How long does it take for gas to air out of a house?

After a leak occurs, allow plenty of time for gas escaping to dissipate. Open windows and doors and follow your gas company or utility company‘s advice before going back inside.

Always call a professional when you suspect your home has a natural gas leak.

Check Out Additional HVAC Resources

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