How to Spot a Gas Leak (Before it Becomes Dangerous)

Natural gas itself is odorless. Utility companies add mercaptan, which smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, specifically so you can detect leaks.

The signs

• Rotten egg / sulfur smell — most common
• Hissing sound near gas appliances or lines
• Dead or dying vegetation near a gas line outside
• Bubbles in standing water near gas line
• Higher-than-normal gas bill with no usage change
• Physical symptoms: dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue indoors — these clear when you go outside

If you smell gas

1. Leave the house immediately — take everyone, including pets
2. Don't turn on or off any lights or electrical devices — sparks ignite gas
3. Don't use your phone inside the house — go outside first
4. Don't light matches or candles
5. From outside, call your gas utility's emergency number for immediate shutoff
6. Then call us to find and repair the source

Prevention

• Have gas appliances inspected annually
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near gas appliances and bedrooms
• Know where your gas shutoff valve is — usually near the meter
• Don't store flammable items near gas appliances