Smell Gas? Here’s Exactly What You Should Do (and NOT Do)

In its original state, natural gas has no color and no smell. That doesn’t mean natural gas is…

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Dec 20, 2025

In its original state, natural gas has no color and no smell. That doesn’t mean natural gas is harmless. In fact, it’s deadly, and that’s exactly why gas companies add a chemical odorant that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. That sharp and unmistakable scent is designed to grab your attention fast and urge you to act!

But here's where many people freeze up: What exactly should you do when you smell that notorious odor? Panic? Call someone? Keep looking for the source?

In this brief article brought to you by Rooter Guard, we give our two cents on what you should, and should NOT, do when you get that telltale whiff of sulfur. If you’d rather consult a trained plumber in Santa Monica, then call or message Rooter Guard to get in touch today.

What That Smell Means

The sulfur-like odor isn’t there to scare you; it’s there to warn you. When you smell that rotten egg odor, you're detecting natural gas escaping somewhere it shouldn't be.

Natural gas is highly flammable, and even small amounts mixed with air in the right proportions can ignite from the tiniest spark – like a light switch, doorbell, phone, or any electrical device.

To be clear, the smell isn't always strong. Small leaks might produce faint odors that come and go. Large leaks create overwhelming smells that are impossible to ignore. Neither should be ignored or brushed off, though!

What to Do IMMEDIATELY

The moment you smell gas, your priority should be safety. Don't waste time investigating the source, gathering belongings, or finishing what you're doing. Instead:

Get Everyone Out: People and pets need to evacuate to a location at least 100 feet away from the building. Don’t spend time opening windows and door. Evacuate immediately!

Don’t Touch Anything Electric: Don't turn on lights, don't turn off lights, don't flip switches, don't unplug devices, and absolutely don't use your phone inside the building. Even a tiny spark can ignite the gas!

Call Once You’re Outside: Use your phone only AFTER you're 100 feet from the building. Report the gas leak to emergency services first, then contact your gas company's emergency line.

Gas line explosions aren’t reserved for the movies; they happen almost daily in the U.S. Always put safety first. You can always restore property, but not lives.

What You Should NOT Do

We touched on this a little above, but let’s drill it down. There are some things that people find logical but are, in fact, incredibly dangerous during gas leaks. For instance:

Do NOT Search For the Source: Your job is to get out alive. Leave leak detection to professionals with proper equipment and training.

Do NOT Turn Anything On/Off: No lights, no fans, no appliances. Don't even turn off the stove if you think that's the source. The spark can ignite gas!

Do NOT Start Vehicles: Evacuate the property ON FOOT. Starting up your car creates sparks that can ignite gas!

Do NOT Attempt DIY Repair: This is not something to address following some online guide. Gas line repair requires proper licensing, equipment, and expertise.

Other Signs of Gas Leaks

The rotten egg smell is the most well-known warning sign, but it’s not the only one. Other warning signs include:

Hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines or appliances
Dead or dying plants near buried gas lines
Bubbling in standing water
Dust blowing from the ground

Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea, or fatigue can sometimes point to gas exposure, too. If anyone feels unwell alongside the odor, then get medical help right away after evacuating.

Hire a Local Plumber Today

Rooter Guard is proud to offer reliable and affordable plumbing repair service in the Los Angeles area. Our services include gas line repair and replacements. Call or message us at any time of the day to get in touch.