Since 1997, HomeTips has guided millions of homeowners with original, expert advice for DIY home improvement and repair. Founder Don Vandervort, a nationally recognized authority, has written more than 30 books and countless magazine articles, been a host on HGTV, and served as MSN's home improvement expert. MORE
A gas leak can be extremely dangerous because the smallest spark or flame can ignite gas fumes, causing an explosion.
Natural gas has a garlic-like odor; if you smell this or suspect a gas leak, don’t light matches (or a lighter) and don’t operate electrical switches (they could ignite an explosion). Immediately:
1) Ventilate the house by opening doors and windows. If the smell of gas is strong, move everyone outdoors at once.
2) Turn off the gas supply valve—located by the gas meter on the gas inlet pipe—by rotating the valve one quarter turn with an adjustable wrench. The valve’s oblong stem should be perpendicular (at a right angle) to the inlet pipe to stop the flow of gas.
3) Call your gas supplier or the fire department from a cell or neighbor’s phone.
