I Smell Gas in My House, and It Is Still Lingering After I Shut Off My Stove

Natural Gas Basics

• Natural gas is a colorless, odorless gas produced when organic matter decays. The rotten egg smell of natural gas is created by mercaptan, an odorant added to the gas for your safety. Natural gas is lighter than air, so it dissipates into your home or another area when it leaks. Burning natural gas and other fuels create carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that has no color or odor.

Checking the Pilot Light

• If the pilot light on your stove goes out, natural gas may build up in your stove. If your pilot light has gone out, open the kitchen windows and doors for 15 minutes to let the gas dissipate safely then relight the pilot light. Do not relight the pilot light immediately -- striking a match could cause an explosion.

Gas Leak

• If you can smell the sulfur-like or rotten egg smell of gas, there may be a gas leak inside or outside your home. You might also hear a hissing sound coming from the stove or another appliance or from a pipeline. Outside gas leaks may kill or stunt nearby vegetation. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, dizziness, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms.

Staying Safe

• If you still smell gas after relighting the pilot light, don't hesitate. Leave your home, along with the rest of your family and pets, then call your utility company or 911 from a safe location. Leave the doors and windows open behind you, especially if the odor is strong or you can hear the hissing of a gas leak. Do not turn appliances or lights on or off or use a phone in your home. Do not strike a match or use a lighter, either.

Prevention

• You can prevent natural gas leaks by having your stove and other appliances inspected once a year. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can also keep your family safe. In addition, you should contact your local utility company before digging to avoid hitting gas lines. If you damage a gas line, you will need to evacuate the area and call your utility company immediately.