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Reviewed by Marcus Aldridge — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Plumbing, HVAC & Wet Trades

What to do now · Plumber

Gas leak near appliance: what to do right now

SAFETY FIRST: if you smell the distinctive rotten-egg odor of natural gas (mercaptan) near a stove, furnace, water heater, or gas line, evacuate everyone from the building immediately. Do not flip light switches, use phones indoors, or start vehicles in the garage — any spark can ignite the gas. Once outside, call your gas utility's emergency line, then 911 if the odor is strong. A gas leak is typically caused by a loose or corroded fitting, a cracked flexible connector (appliance line), a failed gas valve, or a pilot light that blew out and is releasing unburned gas. After the utility confirms the area is safe, a licensed plumber or gas-line technician pressure-tests the supply lines, tightens or replaces fittings, and checks every appliance connection. Even a small leak that you barely smell can accumulate in enclosed spaces to explosive levels, so never ignore the odor or attempt DIY repair.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Rotten-egg or sulfur-like smell near the stove, furnace, or water heater

  2. 02

    Hissing or whistling sound coming from a gas line or appliance connection

  3. 03

    Pilot light on the furnace or water heater keeps going out

  4. 04

    Dead or dying houseplants near a gas appliance with no other explanation

  5. 05

    Physical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea when indoors

What to do now

Before the plumber arrives

Gas leak near appliance

Don't do this yourself

What to do until the pro arrives

  1. Do not switch anything on or off — no lights, no phones indoors, no doorbells; a spark is the danger.
  2. Open windows and doors on your way out and get everyone, including pets, outside.
  3. If you can reach it safely on the way, turn the gas off at the meter or the cylinder valve.
  4. From outside, call the gas emergency number for your area, then your gas supplier.
  5. Stay out until the emergency service says the building is safe; the appliance must be checked by a registered gas engineer before use.

Rules in the US: Call 911 or your utility's gas emergency line. Gas appliance repairs and connections must be done by a licensed contractor; most states and cities require a permit.

Rules in Poland: Pogotowie gazowe: 992. Only a person with valid gas qualifications (uprawnienia gazowe) may work on the installation.

Rules in the Netherlands: Nationaal storingsnummer gas en stroom: 0800-9009. Since 2023 only CO-certified installers may work on gas appliances and flues.

Rules in Spain: Call 112. Only an authorised gas installer (instalador de gas autorizado) may repair or connect gas appliances.

Rules in Cyprus: Call 112 and your LPG supplier. Cylinder and appliance connections must be done by a licensed technician.

What a pro does that you can't

A registered gas engineer finds the leak with a detector, pressure-tests the installation, repairs or replaces the appliance connection, and certifies the system before it is turned back on.

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Who to call

Plumber

A registered gas engineer finds the leak with a detector, pressure-tests the installation, repairs or replaces the appliance connection, and certifies the system before it is turned back on.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Gas leak near appliance?

Call a licensed plumber. Plumbers have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose gas leak near appliance safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

No — this is licensed work. The guide above says what to do until the plumber arrives; A registered gas engineer finds the leak with a detector, pressure-tests the installation, repairs or replaces the appliance connection, and certifies the system before it is turned back on.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most plumbers offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Gas leak near appliance?

Rotten-egg or sulfur-like smell near the stove, furnace, or water heater. Hissing or whistling sound coming from a gas line or appliance connection. Pilot light on the furnace or water heater keeps going out. Dead or dying houseplants near a gas appliance with no other explanation. Physical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea when indoors.

Who to call

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