Smell gas in your property? Don’t ignore it. Knowing the warning signs of a natural gas leak and what to do next can help protect your home and everyone inside it.
We spoke with Brian J. Clark, Senior Vice President of Gas Operations at PSE&G, which is New Jersey’s largest and oldest gas and electric provider. He explains how to spot the signs of a gas leak in a house and prevent a major emergency.
What Is a Gas Leak in a House?
A gas leak happens when natural gas (methane) escapes from a pipe or appliance in your home. Fire departments in the U.S. respond to 200,000 natural gas leaks per year.
Natural gas is highly flammable. If it builds up in your home and comes into contact with a spark or flame, it can ignite and cause a fire or explosion. Gas leaks can also reduce the amount of oxygen in the air, making you feel dizzy or sick. More on these symptoms later.
Common Signs of a Gas Leak
“Safety of the public is the most important service that utilities provide. We encourage all customers to be aware of these signs and contact your utility if you have questions or concerns.” Clark says.
You may have a gas leak in your house if you notice or experience the following:
Rotten egg smell
Interestingly, natural gas doesn’t smell like anything. But gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan, which has an odor like rotten eggs or sulfur, so people can detect leaks before they become dangerous.
If you notice this smell in your home, take it seriously. The odor might only be faint at first, but it can be a warning sign that something’s seriously wrong.
But you shouldn’t just rely on your sense of smell to detect a leak: “There may be times when the odor is difficult to detect even when a leak exists,” says Clark. “And some people may have a diminished sense of smell. Leaks may present themselves in other ways.”
Hissing sounds
When gas escapes from a pipe, it can make a hissing or whistling noise—kind of like air leaking from a tire. Hearing this sound alone doesn’t always mean there’s a gas leak, but if you notice it along with a rotten egg smell, leave your home and call your gas company.
Dead plants or bubbles in water
Plants need carbon dioxide, not natural gas, to grow. So, if grass or plants near a buried gas pipe start dying while everything else looks healthy, it might be a warning sign.
“If you see a ring or circle of dead grass or vegetation in an otherwise green area, that could also be a sign of a gas leak,” says Clark.
Natural gas leaking from the ground can also create bubbles in ponds, puddles, and other standing water, so watch out for this phenomenon.
Potential Symptoms of Gas Exposure
The visible signs or egg smell are the most telling signs of a gas leak; however, if you suddenly feel ill inside your home but better when you leave, a gas leak may be affecting the air you’re breathing.
Here are some common symptoms to pay attention to:
Headaches
Getting a headache at home doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a gas leak. However, if other people in your house have headaches at the same time as you, this could be worth investigating.
Dizziness
Escaped gas can reduce oxygen levels indoors, making you feel lightheaded. Again, dizziness isn’t proof of a leak, but it’s something you shouldn’t overlook.
Nausea
An upset stomach may also point to a gas leak, especially when it occurs with the symptoms above.
Confusion or Fatigue
Feeling confused or unusually tired can also be a warning sign of gas exposure.
Other physical symptoms caused by a gas leak include breathing problems and eye and throat irritation.
What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you think you have a gas leak in your home, don’t ignore it. The sooner you act, the quicker you can keep members of your household safe.
Leave the house immediately
Get everyone outside as quickly as possible. Doing so reduces gas exposure and lets you assess the situation from a distance. Don’t go back into your home to collect belongings until it’s safe to return.
“Don’t panic, but act quickly,” says Clark. “Immediately exit the building and move at least 350 feet away.”
Avoid phones, switches, and flames
Never do anything that might create a spark during a suspected gas leak. This includes charging your phone, turning lights or switches on and off, or lighting flames.
According to Clark, that also means not smoking or vaping or even starting your car: “Leave lights, electrical equipment, and appliances alone.”
Call emergency services or your gas company
Contact your gas company if you think you have a leak. They’ll tell you what to do next and send someone out to investigate.
If the smell of gas is strong or you sense that there’s a safety risk, call 911 immediately. “Don’t return to your home until you are informed it is safe to do so,” Clark cautions.
What Not to Do
Doing the wrong thing in a potential gas leak can put you and others in danger. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Don’t try to find the leak
You might want to find out where the smell of gas is coming from, but this isn’t a situation where you want to play detective. Leave your home, call your gas company, and wait for a professional to make sure everything’s safe.
Don’t use electronics
Avoid using appliances or any other electronics that can create a spark in your home. Even a small spark could ignite gas that’s built up in the air, resulting in a fire or explosion.
Don’t stay inside
As mentioned above, get everyone to leave your home as quickly as possible—including pets, says Clark. Using time ventilating your house or trying to fix the problem yourself isn’t worth it.
Don’t relight appliances
If your stove, furnace, or another gas appliance goes out, don’t turn it back on. Just wait until a professional says they’re safe to use again.
How to Check for a Gas Leak Safely
There are a few ways to identify a possible gas leak in your home without putting yourself at serious risk:
Visual and sound clues
A gas leak might be easy to recognize if you know what you’re looking for. For example, a rotten egg smell is often a telltale sign to investigate further. Also, pay attention to any hissing sounds near gas pipes, dead plants near outdoor pipes, and bubbles in standing water.
When to use a gas leak detector
Residential methane detectors are useful gadgets that can alert you to a natural gas leak before it gets worse. You may want to install them near your stove, water heater, or other gas-burning appliances—follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how and where to place them.
“Remember, detectors can provide an extra layer of protection, but they’re not always foolproof. Still, take action if you notice the common signs of a gas leak,” says Clark.
For additional safety, consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home. It can’t identify natural gas leaks, but it can notify you about dangerous levels of carbon monoxide—an odorless gas that causes serious illness and even death.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause flu-like symptoms, which may include headache, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, and confusion. Symptoms may occur immediately or gradually. Clark recommends checking the batteries in a carbon monoxide detector every 6 months.
When to call a professional
If you smell gas and can’t identify an obvious source, leave your home right away. Once you’re at a safe distance, contact your gas company. They can shut off the gas if there’s a problem and identify whether you have a leak.
If your appliances need repairs, you may need to contact a plumber. Look for one that’s licensed, reputable, and can get the job done safely with minimal disruption.
How to Prevent Gas Leaks
The risk of gas leaks can be reduced by taking a few precautions:
Regular appliance checks
Get gas appliances like furnaces and generators inspected by a professional to make sure they’re working properly. Loose connections, broken parts, and other issues may increase the chances of a gas leak. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on how often appliances should be checked.
Clark also warns homeowners never to use a gas oven or range to heat a room: “This can deplete oxygen from the air and may create a risk of severe carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Keep vents clear
As a general safety reminder, gas appliances that aren’t vented properly can increase the chances of carbon monoxide entering your home. Keep vents clear of leaves and debris to allow for proper airflow.
“Vents or exhaust ducts should never be shut or blocked,” warns Clark. “Snow accumulation, falling snow or ice, bird and squirrel nests, or leaves can potentially block proper ventilation and cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.”
Protect your gas meter
Clark says that a corroded or damaged gas meter could potentially create a natural gas leak. “Your gas company is required to perform periodic inspections. During those inspections, ensure that the meter is safely accessible for the utility employee to complete a thorough assessment of the meter,” he adds.
It is also important to protect your gas meter from other damage. This can happen when removing snow, ice, or debris around it. “Use a broom to keep the gas meter clear of snow and ice during the winter season. Don’t use hard objects like a shovel or ice scraper.”
If your meter is damaged, contact your utility provider immediately.
Call 811 before digging in your yard
Before building a fence or planting a tree in your yard, have underground utility lines marked by calling the national Call Before You Dig service.
Digging without knowing where gas and other utility lines are located can damage them and increase the chances of a leak or other hazards. “Call 811 for a free mark-out before beginning any digging projects at home or at work,” says Clark. “It’s available 24 hours a day.”
For additional tips, the American Gas Association has a lot of useful information about Using Natural Gas Safely, including steps to take to be a smart natural gas customer.
