Smell Gas From Your Stove? Do This Immediately

Natural gas itself is odorless. Utilities add mercaptan, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs or strong sulfur, as a warning. PG&E uses this same odorant across the entire SF Bay Area. If you detect that rotten-egg smell - even faintly - take it seriously. A brief whiff when lighting a burner is normal; a persistent or strong smell anywhere is an emergency.

Yes. Gas can leak from the flex line connecting the stove to the wall valve, from a worn shutoff valve, from a failed regulator, or from a corroded threaded connection - even with all burners off. If you smell gas with everything off, this is more serious than a smell during ignition. Evacuate and call PG&E 1-800-743-5000 from outside.

Very quickly. Natural gas in air at 5–15% concentration is explosive. In an enclosed SF apartment or kitchen, dangerous levels can build within 10–20 minutes. Never delay evacuation to investigate the source. Get everyone out first, then call 911 from outside the building.

Yes. A leaking or poorly burning gas stove can give off carbon monoxide, a gas with no color and no smell. The rotten-egg mercaptan odorant warns you about the gas leak but never about the CO. The U.S. CDC ties more than 400 deaths a year to unintentional, non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep a working CO detector near the kitchen, and after any gas-smell event have a licensed technician confirm a clean blue flame.

Never. In California, gas line work must be performed by a licensed technician. Improper gas line repairs void your homeowner insurance, are illegal without proper licensing, and can kill people. FixitBay LLC technicians are licensed CA Major Appliance Technicians (BHGS License #51001), trained in gas appliance safety. PG&E is the only entity that touches the meter and main supply line.

To give you an exact gas stove safety inspection cost, we perform a diagnostic first. The diagnostic fee is $80 residential ($100 commercial). After the diagnostic we provide a written repair estimate. Once you approve the repair, the $80 is included in the total cost. Typical SF Bay Area gas stove flex line replacement runs from $140, shutoff valve replacement from $180, and full safety inspection with leak detection certificate from $160. We provide a 180-day warranty on parts and labor.

A 1–2 second smell of gas just before ignition is normal on older stoves - unburned gas escapes before the spark catches. If the smell lasts more than 2–3 seconds, if the burner takes multiple clicks to ignite, or if the smell persists after the burner is lit, the igniter or burner head needs service. Persistent ignition delay is a safety issue that worsens over time.

PG&E gas emergency: 1-800-743-5000. Available 24/7. They will dispatch a service crew at no charge, shut off your gas at the meter if needed, and tag the appliance. Do NOT call PG&E from inside the building if you smell gas - leave first, then call from outside. For commercial buildings call 911 first, then PG&E.

Annually - especially for SF and Daly City flats and pre-1960 housing where gas lines have been retrofitted multiple times. Marin County homes with rural gas lines (Fairfax, San Anselmo, Ross) should also inspect annually. After any kitchen remodel, new stove installation, or earthquake (M4.0+), schedule an inspection. Replace gas flex lines every 10–15 years regardless of visible condition.