What should I do if I smell gas in my house?

Natural gas is given a deliberate rotten-egg or sulphur smell so you can detect a leak. If you smell it indoors, your only job in that moment is to get everyone out safely and let the gas utility make the home safe — repairs come later. Do not try to find the leak yourself. Follow these steps in order.

Do this immediately, in order

• Get everyone out — people and pets — and leave the door open behind you. Don't stop to gather belongings.
• Do NOT operate anything that could spark: no light switches (on or off), no appliances, no thermostats, no garage door, and no phones while inside.
• Do NOT light a match, lighter, candle, or stove, and don't smoke.
• Don't start a vehicle in an attached garage.
• If you can do so safely and quickly on your way out, turn off the gas at the meter — but never delay leaving to do this.

Then call for help — from outside

• From outside or a neighbour's home, call Enbridge Gas's 24-hour emergency line at 1-866-763-5427, or call 9-1-1.
• If you hear a hissing sound, see blowing dirt or bubbling water, or anyone feels dizzy or nauseous, treat it as urgent and call 9-1-1.
• Stay well away from the building until the gas utility or fire service tells you it's safe to go back in.
• Do not re-enter to open windows or 'air it out' yourself — let the professionals clear the home.

After it's confirmed safe: licensed repair

The gas utility will make the home safe and shut off supply if needed, but they don't repair your furnace, gas lines, or appliances. Once they've cleared the house, a licensed gas technician (TSSA-certified in Ontario) must find and fix the source before the gas is turned back on. Common culprits include a failed furnace gas valve, a loose connection at an appliance, or a corroded fitting — work that legally and safely requires a licensed contractor, not a DIY fix.

Reduce the risk going forward

• Have your furnace and gas appliances inspected annually — combustion and gas-valve checks are part of a proper tune-up.
• Keep working carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas; gas problems and CO often go together (see can my furnace cause carbon monoxide).
• Never ignore a faint, persistent gas smell because it 'isn't that strong' — leaks can grow.

Once Enbridge or the fire service has cleared your home, ZK Mechanical's licensed technicians handle furnace repair and gas-appliance safety inspections across the GTA and Hamilton, and we treat suspected gas and combustion problems as same-day emergency calls. For repairs after the utility has made things safe, call (647) 801-1252 or contact us.