Smell Gas Near Your Stove? Here's Exactly What to Do

A faint gas smell right when you turn on a burner is normal and usually clears within a few seconds. A persistent or strong gas smell near your stove or oven is different, and it should always be treated as a safety issue first, not just an appliance problem to schedule around.

Step 1: Do not use any switches or open flames

Avoid turning light switches on or off, using a lighter, or creating any spark near the area. If the stove is currently on, turn the knobs off without flipping any other switches nearby.

Step 2: Ventilate the area immediately

Open windows and doors to let fresh air in and gas dissipate. If you have a range hood that vents outside, turning it on can help, though avoid doing so if the smell is very strong and you're unsure about ignition sources.

Step 3: Turn off the gas supply if you know how

Many homes have a shutoff valve on the gas line leading to the stove, or a main shutoff near the gas meter. If you know how to safely access it, turning off the supply can stop the leak from continuing while you sort out the next steps.

Step 4: Leave the house if the smell is strong

If the smell is strong or you're not able to identify the source quickly, leave the house and call your gas utility's emergency line from outside. Do not go back in until you've been told it's safe.

Step 5: Call a technician once it's safe

Once the immediate safety concern is addressed, a technician can determine the actual source, whether it's a loose fitting, a failing gas valve, or an igniter issue letting gas through without lighting. Our stove and range repair technicians handle these diagnoses regularly, and our emergency line is answered 24 hours a day for exactly this kind of situation.

Common causes once it's safe to investigate

• A weak igniter that lets gas flow briefly before sparking.
• A loose connection at the gas line fitting behind the range.
• A damaged or aging gas valve that isn't sealing fully when off.

Gas safety isn't something to guess at. If you smell gas and aren't sure what to do, treat it as an emergency and call for help rather than waiting to see if it clears on its own.