Natural Gas & Propane Leaks
Natural gas and propane have no smell on their own, so suppliers add a chemical that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. If you smell it, act right away.
- Homeowners
- Renters
Signs of a leak
- A rotten egg or sulfur smell
- A hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance
- Dead plants or bubbling water over a buried line outdoors
If you smell gas
- Leave immediately. Get everyone, including pets, out of the house and away from the building.
- Don’t create sparks: don’t turn lights or appliances on or off, use the phone or doorbell inside, light a match, or start a car in the garage.
- Leave doors open behind you if it’s easy, but don’t stay to open windows.
- From a safe distance outside, call 911 and your gas utility or propane supplier.
- Don’t go back inside until the utility or fire department says it’s safe.
Don’t rely on smell alone. Some people can’t smell the odorant well, and the smell can fade in propane tanks or new pipes. Consider an explosive gas detector in addition to CO alarms.
Prevention
- Have gas appliances and furnaces inspected by a qualified technician regularly.
- Know where your gas meter and shutoff valve are. See How to Shut Off Utilities.
- Call 811 before digging; many gas leaks start with a damaged service line.
- Store propane cylinders outdoors, upright, and away from heat.
Standards & references
- Contact your local gas utility for its emergency number and safety information.
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