Smell Gas Near the Stove or Dryer? What Nicor Gas Says to Do
Updated
Short answer
Look, listen, smell, leave
Natural gas is odorless; Nicor adds mercaptan so a leak smells like rotten eggs. Nicor's guidance: look for blowing dirt or bubbling water, listen for hissing near a gas appliance or line, act on any rotten-egg smell, then leave and move a safe distance away without creating sparks (Nicor Gas).
Nicor also warns that some people cannot smell the odorant, because of a diminished sense of smell or other odors masking it.
Carbon monoxide
Gas appliances that are not burning or venting properly can produce carbon monoxide. Nicor says if CO symptoms are suspected, exit quickly with people and pets and call for help. Illinois requires a working CO alarm within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping (430 ILCS 135/10). See CO alarms in Illinois.
After the all-clear
A gas range, oven or dryer with a leak at its connection or valve needs a qualified technician; NFPA recommends gas dryers be inspected for gas line and connection leaks (NFPA).
Quick answers
What is the Nicor Gas emergency number?
888-642-6748 (888.Nicor4U). Nicor says to call it and 911 once you are safely away from the suspected leak.
Should I turn off lights if I smell gas?
No. Nicor says to avoid light switches, phones and anything else that could spark, and to leave.
Rather have someone fix it?
Tell us the appliance, the brand, the model number and what it is doing. A local technician calls back with a time and a price before any work starts.