What Does Natural Gas Smell Like?

In its original form, natural gas is odourless, colourless, and highly flammable.  For safety, the rotten egg smell that we associate with natural gas is due to a substance called mercaptan, which is added in the odorization process.  Mercaptan has sulphur in it, which smells like rotten eggs.  This distinctive smell alerts us to a gas leak.   

Why is Mercaptan used in natural gas?

Mercaptan is easily recognised when you smell it, which is why it is added to natural gas.  It helps you detect even the smallest amount of gas leaking into the air.  When it is added to natural gas, it rises and dissipates like the gas itself, making the two substances an ideal combination.

What does natural gas smell like outside?

Natural gas has no smell of its own but because mercaptan is added by gas companies, it gives off a smell similar to rotten eggs or cabbage.  Mercaptan is an odoriser that contains sulphur which is why it gives off a distinct smell even when outside.

Can you smell gas from a meter?

You should not be able to smell gas from a gas meter even if you get close.  A smell points to one or more joints leaking.  It could be the pressure regulator, or the test point, or any connection within the area.  You should get it checked out by a gas engineer to be safe.

What to do if there is a gas leak or you smell gas?

If you smell gas in your property, first check your appliances for any controls left on.  If you find it’s actually a gas leak, the safety procedure below should be followed:

1. Call the gas emergency service number 0800 111 999 (in the UK)
2. Turn off the emergency/ gas meter control valve – usually a red handle found close to the meter.  Look for the yellow on/off tape to see which direction to turn it in but normally is 90⁰ to the pipe
3. Extinguish all naked flames
4. Do not operate electrical switches either on or off
5. Ventilate the premises by opening doors and windows
6. Go and wait outside for the Gas emergency engineer to arrive
7. When making the calls it is not advisable to use a mobile phone in or around where the smell of gas exists, as there is the possibility of explosion.

Can carbon monoxide alarms detect natural gas leaks?

Carbon monoxide alarms cannot detect a gas leak because they are designed to pick up products of incomplete combustion which are colourless and odourless.  A gas leak has a distinct odour so you can smell it but if the source can’t be found, you can buy a gas leak detector especially.

Gas leak in the house, who pays?

If there is a gas leak in the house, the responsibility for paying any costs to repair will depend on whether the leak was before the meter or after it.  Any pipework going into the meter from outside is dealt with by the gas transporter.  The meter itself belongs to the gas supplier, and anything after the meter is the homeowner’s responsibility.

In the first instance, if you smell gas, call the emergency helpline straight away to safeguard life and property.  Once the gas escape has been dealt with, you can then sort out any repair costs.

If it comes down to you having to foot the repair bill, it is a wise move to have the cover in place already.  Having some home cover means you won’t have to find what could be a lot of money in an emergency.  Click the link below to find out how much it costs to have this peace of mind.