Question: What does a gas leak smell like? I smell rotten eggs. Does gas smell like rotten eggs? Why?

gas smells like rotten eggs

Why does gas smell like rotten eggs?

Answer: The two most common sources of a rotten egg smell are a natural gas leak and escaping sewer gas. Gas is odorless and very dangerous, so utility companies inject a substance called mercaptan into gas, which emits an odor that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, so you will be aware if you have a gas leak and will get out of the house.

If there's a very strong smell, you could have a substantial natural gas leak.

What You Can Do

Get out of the house! Go across the street to be safe. Then call the gas company after you have safely made it out of the house and have them turn off the gas. Next call a professional and have them do an inspection for a gas leak. The leak could be minor or the gas line in the house could be leaking. Stay out of the house until the house has been inspected and it has been confirmed that the house is safe to enter.

Smell gas? Don’t hesitate. Get out of the house and call 704-846-5371 right away for Charlotte gas line leak detection and repair services. We look forward to keeping you and your family safe.

Learn More

Learn more about gas leaks and what to do if you smell gas.