I Smell Gas Near My Boiler — What to Do
A rotten-egg smell near your boiler means act now. Here are the exact steps to take in BC, including who to call and what never to do.
Natural gas is odourless, so a scent like rotten eggs or sulphur is added so you can detect leaks. If you smell that near your boiler, treat it as an emergency. This guide is the calm, step-by-step version to keep in mind before you ever need it.
Do this immediately
- Get everyone out of the building, leaving doors open as you go.
- Do not use light switches, phones, plugs or anything that could spark — inside.
- Do not light matches or smoke.
- If you can do so safely on your way out, turn the gas off at the meter.
Then call from outside
Once you are outside and clear of the building, call 911 if there is any danger, and report the leak to FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911. Do not go back inside until emergency responders or the gas utility say it is safe.
What never to do
- Never try to find the leak yourself with a flame.
- Never switch the boiler or any appliance on or off from inside once you smell gas.
- Never assume a faint smell is nothing — let the professionals confirm it is clear.
After it is made safe
Once the leak is controlled, a licensed gas fitter should inspect the boiler and gas connections, repair the fault, pressure-test the line and recommission the appliance before it goes back into service.
Key takeaways
- A rotten-egg smell means leave the building immediately — people first.
- Do not operate any electrical switch or create a spark indoors.
- Call 911 and FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 from outside.
- A licensed gas fitter must inspect and recommission before the boiler is used again.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn off my boiler if I smell gas?
Get out first. Only turn the gas off at the meter if you can do it safely on your way out — do not start operating switches or the boiler control once you smell gas, because that can create a spark. Call for help from outside.
Who do I call for a gas leak in BC?
Call 911 if there is immediate danger, and FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911. Make the calls from outside the building, not from inside.
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