How to tell if there is a gas leak in a house?

Author: Jermain Treutel  |  Last update: Monday, January 26, 2026

If you smell a sulfur or rotten-egg-like odor, you could have a gas leak. Natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless. We add an odorant called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinctive smell. In some cases, you can also identify natural gas by sight or sound.

What are the symptoms of a gas leak in a house?

5 Natural Gas Safety Tips: Signs, Symptoms and What to Do When a Gas Leak Occurs
  • The smell of rotten eggs. In its natural state, natural gas is odorless and colorless. ...
  • Hissing sounds. ...
  • Air bubbles outside your home. ...
  • Dead or dying plants. ...
  • Higher-than-normal gas usage.

Can you stay in a house with a gas leak?

Legally yes, if there is a gas leak that is a danger to your health and safety and if the gas had to be shut off so you have no heat or hot water, that would make the property uninhabitable as a matter of law.

Will my carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

No, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms cannot detect natural gas leaks. They are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas formed during incomplete combustion of fuels like oil, gas, propane, and wood.

How to test for gas in a house?

How to check for a gas leak
  1. Listen for a hiss or whistling noise. Stop moving for a minute and focus on what you can hear. ...
  2. Check the gas stove or gas range top. When you turn on the burner, gas stoves will give off a blue flame. ...
  3. Try the soapy water test. ...
  4. Use a natural gas leak detector.

How to detect a gas leak

How to detect carbon monoxide with iPhone?

Go to the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. , then tap Home Settings. Tap Safety & Security. Tap Sound Recognition, then turn on Smoke & CO Alarm.

How long does it take for a gas leak to affect you?

Severe leaks can cause this problem in just five minutes. The EPA states that exposure to concentrations of nine ppm or more for eight hours is enough to produce harmful health effects for at-risk individuals. Exit the property and call 911 if you suspect your home has a gas leak.

Is there a device that can detect gas leaks?

The gas leak alarm sensor is like a superhero that can detect butane, methane, and any odd smells lurking around. And the best part? It talks! It's got voice prompt, so it can be like, "Hey, watch out!

What does a gas leak sound like?

A leaking gas line will often create a hissing or whooshing sound as the pressurized gas escapes.

How do plumbers test for gas leak?

Common leak-test methods are pressure and vacuum decay, tracer gas detectors, and a bubble soap leak detector. Trades and homeowners alike can use a bubble soap leak detector to check piping systems for leaks.

How do you suspect a gas leak?

Open your windows for better ventilation. Check that stove burners, naked flames, and pilot lights are off. Finally, turn off your electricity at the fuse box. From outside the house, call your local licensed plumber or gas fitter.

Why do I smell gas but can't find a leak?

If you smell gas near an appliance, it may be just a pilot light that has gone out or a burner valve that is open slightly. If you find this problem and can fix it, the problem may be solved. If you smell gas inside: Go to a phone that is not near the smell and call your local gas company right away.

How long can a small gas leak go unnoticed?

They can even go on for months undetected. But if there's a significant amount of gas escaping from your system, it can cause a spike in your gas bill.

Would a gas leak smell come and go?

Natural gas leaks are particularly likely to cause smells in small, enclosed areas where gas can build up. If the leak is outside, the smell may seem to come and go as the breeze blows it away. The other big sign to look out for is a strange noise.

What smell can be mistaken for gas?

Hydrogen Sulfide

The gas has a strong scent of rotten eggs, which makes it distinct from other, similar gases. If you detect this rotten egg scent and you are using hydrogen sulfide at your facility, this could be evidence of a leak.

How much is gas leak detection?

At 1300 FINDLEAK, our gas and water leak detection cost Australia wide starts from $168 including GST. Prices may vary depending on your location, and whether it is a domestic or commercial job.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

Will a carbon monoxide alarm detect gas leaks? Answer: While a carbon monoxide detector is helpful to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you cannot rely on a carbon monoxide detector to detect a gas leak. A carbon monoxide detector will sense carbon monoxide, not raw fuel or gas fumes.

Can a very small gas leak make you sick?

Can a slow gas leak make you sick? Yes, a slow gas leak can cause chronic health conditions, including respiratory problems and lethargy or fatigue.

What are two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.

Can you buy a gas leak detector?

Gas Leak Detectors

Whatever gas leak detection solution you need, you're sure to find it within our extensive range. Plus, with competitive prices and free next-day delivery on qualifying orders, you can get what you need promptly and affordably.

How to tell if you have carbon monoxide in your house without a detector?

What Are Signs of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home?
  1. Yellow or orange flames coming out of your gas appliances instead of the usual blue flame.
  2. Dark and sooty staining on or around gas appliances.
  3. Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
  4. Increased condensation on windows.
  5. Solid fuel fires burn much slower than usual.

Is there an app that can detect carbon monoxide in your house?

Nest Protect will sound an alarm and send a message to the app when it detects that carbon monoxide (CO) levels have reached an emergency level. It is important that you always respond to a CO emergency by evacuating the house and calling emergency services.

Can smartphones detect carbon monoxide?

With the UEi COA1 Carbon Monoxide Detector Adapter for Android and iOS Smartphones, you can easily view CO levels picked up by your compatible clamp meter. Download the free app on your Android device or iPhone to see 3 visual danger levels.

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