How To Detect A Gas Leak In Your Home - SafeWise

skip to main content

SafeWise is an independent review site. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

Home Security

Home Security Comparisons

Best Home Security Systems

Best No-Subscription Home Security Systems

Best Apartment Security Systems

Best Wireless Security Cameras

ADT vs Ring 

ADT vs Vivint

Ring vs Vivint

SimpliSafe vs ADT

SimpliSafe vs Ring

SimpliSafe vs Vivint

See All Home Security Articles

Home Security Reviews

Abode Home Security Review

ADT Home Security Review

Arlo Home Security Review

Cove Home Security Review

Eufy Home Security Review

Frontpoint Home Security Review

Reolink Home Security Review

Ring Alarm Security Review

SimpliSafe Home Security Review

Vivint Home Security Review

Home Safety Awards

Home Internet Security

Best Password Managers

Best VPNs to Protect Your Privacy

Guide to Two-Factor Authentication

How to Keep Your Smart Home Safe from Hacking?

How to Protect Your Cameras from Hackers?

How to Protect Your Security System from Hackers

How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi?

See All Internet Security Articles

Home Security Resources

Home Security 101: The Essential Guide

How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?

How to Choose a Security System

Professional vs DIY Home Security System Installation

10 Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home

What to Do After a Burglary

Home Security FAQ

See All Security Camera Articles

Senior Safety

Senior Safety Buyers Guides

Home Safety Awards

Best Medical Alert Systems

Best Medical Alert Systems for Fall Detection

Best Medical Alert Necklaces

Best Medical Alert Watches

Best Life Alert Alternatives

Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors

Best Devices for Aging in Place

Best Cell Phones for Seniors

See All Senior Safety Articles

Medical Alert Reviews

Bay Alarm Medical Review

Medical Guardian Review

Bay Alarm Medical vs Medical Guardian

Lifefone Medical Alert Review

Medical Alert Review

Life Alert Review

Life Alert vs Bay Alarm Medical

Life Alert vs Medical Guardian

Senior Internet Safety

10 Cybersecurity Tips for Shopping Online

AI Scams Targeting Seniors

Best Identity Theft Protection

How to Prevent Identity Theft Online

How to Keep Grandparents Safe Online

The Latest Online Scams Watch for

What to Do if Your Identity is Stolen

Internet Security FAQs

Senior Safety Resources

How a Smart Home Can Help Aging Parents

How to Choose a Medical Alert System

How to Prevent Falls

Room-by-Room Guide to Senior Safety

Ultimate Guide for Aging in Place

What is a Panic Pendant and How Does it Work?

Senior Safety FAQs

Family Safety

Baby & Toddler Safety​

Best Car Seats

Best Nanny Cams

Best Baby Cribs

Best Baby Monitors

Best Babyproof Cabinet Locks

Room-by-Room Guide to Baby Proofing

Baby Safety FAQ

See All Baby & Toddler Articles

Kid & Teen Safety

Kids Safety Awards

Best Kids GPS Trackers

Best Parental Control Software

Best Phones for Kids

Best Smartwatches for Kids​

Dangerous Apps for Kids

Kids Internet Safety Guide

Kid & Teen Safety FAQ

See All Kid & Teen Articles

Young Adult Safety

Personal Safety Awards

Best Apps for Walking Home Alone

Best Locks for Apartments

Best Pepper Sprays for Self-Defense

Complete College Safety Guide

Personal Safety Devices for Every Situation

Apartment Security Guide

Renter and College Student FAQ

See All Young Adult Articles

Pet Safety

Best Pet Cameras

Best Pet Insurance

Best GPS Collars and Pet Trackers

How to Keep Pets Safe While You're Away

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Pet Owner's Guide to Home Automation

Pet Safety FAQ

See All Pet Safety Articles

News

Recent News Articles

NHSTA-Approved Vehicle Safety Checks

5 Cities with the Best Air Quality in the US

Is Reolink Argus PT Ultra Really Worth It?

Rematch: Ring vs. SimpliSafe

Ring Unveils Outdoor Cam Plus

Home Security Subscriptions FAQ

See All News Articles

Featured Reports

Best States for LGBTQ Families

Kids Safety Tech Awards

Safest Cities in America

Safest States for Drivers

The Safest City in Every State

The State of Safety in the US

The Worst U.S. Cities for Package Theft

See All Reports

Safety Tips

Child Safety Tips

Home Safety Tips

Home Security Checklist

Pride Month Safety Tips

Road Trip Safety Tips

Essential Guide to Home Security

Kids Internet Safety Guide

Room-by-Room Guide to Senior Safety

Stats & Facts

Child Car Crash Stats

Home Burglary Stats

Safety & Security Stats

Identity Theft Stats

Deals Search for:

• On this page:

• Signs
• Check
• Detectors
• Leaks
• FAQ
• Related articles

Home | Home Safety | How to Detect a Gas Leak in Your Home

How to Detect a Gas Leak in Your Home Why you can trust SafeWise products considered250+research hours in 25+ in-home tests10k+years of combined experience176+homes and people protected10M+

For over 12 years, SafeWise has conducted independent research, hands-on testing, and expert consultations to provide trustworthy, human-written home safety advice. Read our methodology.

By Rebecca Edwards Sep 24, 2025 5 min read Reviewed ByAlina Bradford

Rebecca helps you stay safe without the stress—30+ yrs in journalism, 12+ in security. Expertise featured by NYT, PBS, Today Show, and more.

Get Holiday Deals before they're gone

🎁 Finish your Holiday shopping with Holiday deals on Amazon Amazon. You can find deals on Amazon devices, electronics, home goods, and clothes to find the perfect gift.

🔥 Plus, check out our Deals page to find discounts on our favorite safety and security tech!

Natural gas is a relatively safe, efficient, and convenient source of energy, providing more than half the homes in the United States with heat and the ability to cook food, dry clothing, and heat water. However, if your natural gas is improperly installed or maintained, it can lead to natural gas leaks that pose a health risk and a danger in your home.

There are also other potential sources of poisonous vapors in your home, including fumes from improperly ventilated gas generators, gas furnaces, and even attached garages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that as many as 100,000 Americans visit the emergency room yearly due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

In addition to the health risks, gas leaks pose an explosive threat due to the highly flammable nature of the vapors. If you have gas installed in your home or business or are currently experiencing fumes inside the house that you can’t identify, we’ve compiled this guide to help you detect and prevent natural gas leaks.

Make your home safer with one easy step.From wild weather to fire hazards, our newsletter provides tips for protecting everything (and everyone) you love. Sign up now!

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

How to detect a gas leak in your home

• Signs and symptoms of a gas leak
• How to check for gas leaks
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• How to prevent gas leaks

How to find a gas leak

Play Video

Subscribe to our Youtube channel and learn how to protect your home, loved ones, and  belongings.

Signs and symptoms of a gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak in your home, the very first thing you should do is turn off the pilot light or gas meter and alert your gas company or authorities. Because gas is odorless, suppliers add a potent smell similar to rotten eggs to alert occupants to the dangerous vapor and allow time for evacuation before symptoms become overwhelming.

In addition to an overpowering sulfur smell, there are a few other signs you might be experiencing a gas leak.

• A hissing or whistling sound
• Bubbles, dust, or a “cloud” in standing water
• Visible damage to a gas line connection
• House plants that suddenly die

One of the first early warnings of a gas leak or dangerous levels of gas in the home may be symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is because as the gas level increases, oxygen rates within the space drop. 

Pets, children, older adults, and anyone with asthma may be among the first to suffer from symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Extremely high levels may cause loss of consciousness and, without prompt medical attention, even death.

Symptoms of elevated carbon monoxide exposure

• Breathing difficulties or chest pains
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Headache
• Eye or throat irritation
• Nausea or reduced appetite
• Depression, irritability, or other mood changes
• Ringing in ears
• Frequent nosebleeds

How to check for a gas leak

In most cases, your nose will lead the way. Before carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels, you’ll typically smell the odor associated with leaking gas. If you’re unsure, it’s still smart to turn off the pilot light on your gas stove, gas furnace, or gas water heater, open the windows, and get the folks who could be in danger out of harm’s way. Alert authorities immediately and don’t try to reenter the house until a professional deems it safe.

You can confirm or debunk a potential gas leak with the following tactics:

1. Listen for a hiss or whistling noise

Stop moving for a minute and focus on what you can hear. If you know where the gas line is, try to identify if it’s emitting any sort of noise. It’s not always the case that the gas is moving through a confined space, so don’t rely on this sound exclusively to determine the presence of a leak.

2. Check the gas stove or gas range top

When you turn on the burner, gas stoves will give off a blue flame. Blue indicates there is enough oxygen in the air for the gas to combust. Orange or red flames even after the stove has been lit spell trouble.

3. Try the soapy water test

It sounds like an old wives’ tale, but mix a concentrated solution of a teaspoon of dish detergent with one cup of water. Apply it to wherever you suspect a leak, like a connection or juncture, and look for bubbles to form that indicate escaping gas.

4. Use a natural gas leak detector

Best for measuring gas levels Amprobe Gas Leak Detector View on Amazon

The surest way to find a gas leak is to use a natural gas leak detector. There are plenty of options out there, and you can read about our recommendations for the best gas leak detectors.

Don't forget about radon

Be aware that gas leaks aren’t the only potential source of gas in your home. Naturally occurring gas like radon can pose significant health risks in residential areas. Unlike carbon monoxide poisoning, exposure doesn't directly result in symptoms. Radon is, however, the number one leading cause of lung cancer in people who don't smoke (causing around 12,000 deaths per year), according to the Environmental Protection Agency's estimates.

It’s recommended you test and monitor your home with radon detectors for a build-up of this noxious gas, especially in areas of the United States where screenings routinely indicate higher than average levels of radon.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Best carbon monoxide detector Google Nest Protect Home automation integration Advanced sensors also offer smoke detection Voice notifications 🔥 Save $30 on a 3-pack View on Google Store

†Google and Google Nest Secure are trademarks of Google LLC.

Early warning of a gas leak can be vital to avoid serious consequences, so the best approach is always a proactive one. Instead of diagnosing signs of a leak, monitor your home for the elevated levels of carbon monoxide that would indicate air quality problems and alert you to danger long before you risk exposure.

Gas leaks aren’t the only source of potentially dangerous fumes in the home. Generators used with improper ventilation indoors are a leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially during peak storm season in the fall and winter months.

Carbon monoxide detectors, while not designed to detect the presence of gas specifically, can alert you to potentially hazardous levels of air quality occurring in your home. We recommend Nest Protect, a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector rolled into one that plays well with other smart devices in your home.

This carbon monoxide detector is part of the Nest family of devices. It integrates smoke detection, sends alerts to your smartphone, and even allows for remote control arming and disarming.

Check out our carbon monoxide detector buyers guide for a fuller range of product recommendations.

How to prevent gas leaks

In addition to being proactive about detecting air quality problems in your home, you can also prevent gas leaks and other potentially hazardous sources of carbon monoxide by conducting routine maintenance on furnaces, stoves, fireplaces and other equipment that uses gas. Additionally, ensure you properly ventilate spaces where gas is being used, whether it’s a furnace, a stove, or a generator. Last but not least, establish a monthly cadence for testing your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and be sure to refresh batteries annually.

Gas leaks FAQ

Expand All Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

Technically speaking, a carbon monoxide detector is not designed to detect the presence of gas. Instead, these devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air that could be the result of toxic gases or air quality issues.

Is a gas leak from my stove dangerous?

Any gas leak is potentially dangerous and should be handled by a professional. If you think you have a problem, evacuate your home and alert authorities. You should turn off the pilot light or gas meter, open windows, and avoid using electronics nearby. While it might be a relatively minor issue that’s easily resolved, it’s best to proceed cautiously.

Is the soapy water gas leak test effective?

Applying soapy water to your pipes and gas line connections and looking for bubbles to indicate the presence of a leak can be useful, but it’s also not conclusive. Even if you don’t see visible indications of a leak, you should still treat the smell or other symptoms you’re experiencing seriously.

Compare top home safety products

Product	Best for	Price	Specifications	Standout feature	Learn more	Read review
Google Nest Protect	Best smoke and CO detector	Around $200	Battery-powered and wired options	Speaks to you	View on Amazon	Read review
Amerex B402	Best fire extinguisher	Around $80	ABC fires9.5 lbs.14-sec. discharge	Firefighter recommended	View on Amazon	Read review
Complete 72 Hour Earthquake Bag	Best emergency kit	Around $200	Sustains 3 people for 3 days	Tents Hand-crank radio-flashlight-phone charger	View on Amazon	Read review
Airthings Corentium	Best radon detector	Around $145	Battery-powered Digital display	Results in 24 hours	View on Amazon	Read review
Honda EU2200iTAG	Best portable generator	Around $1,200	1,800 watts	Runs for up 8.1 hours	View on Amazon	Read review
Kidde KL-2S	Best fire escape ladder	Around $70	Holds up to 1,000 lbs	Deploys quickly	View on Amazon	Read review

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.Google and Google Nest Secure are trademarks of Google LLC.

Related articles on SafeWise

• Common Appliance Safety Hazards and How to Prevent Them
• Safety Guide for Fall
• Home Safety and Security Stats and Facts
• SafeWise 2025 Safety Guide

Sources

1. U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Natural Gas Explained: Use of Natural Gas.” 

Disclaimer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

†Google and Google Nest Secure are trademarks of Google LLC.

Share Article Written by Rebecca Edwards Rebecca is the Managing Editor and lead safety expert at SafeWise.com, where she's been researching, testing, and writing about home and personal security for over 12 years. Her safety smarts come from both real life and professional experience—as a single parent trying out safety and security gadgets to protect her family and a former college director responsible for safety plans and strategies to keep buildings, grounds, and hundreds of students and faculty safe every day. With 30 years of experience as a journalist and blogger, she's become a go-to source for trustworthy, practical advice on everything from the best home security systems and smart gadgets to keeping kids safe online, preventing package theft, and understanding crime trends nationwide. PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, NPR, Vice, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, HGTV, Marketplace, On the House, and more have featured Rebecca's expert insights and recommendations. Whether it's protecting your home, your loved ones, or your peace of mind, Rebecca makes safety simple, doable, and real.

Recent Articles

By Rebecca Edwards 12/12/2025 How to Get Smarter Home Security: AT&T’s New Google Home Solution AT&T just launched Connected Life, a new home security system using Google Nest cameras and... By John Carlsen 12/12/2025 How to Cancel an ADT Contract without Penalty in 2026 Canceling an ADT contract in 2026 is an exercise in patience and knowing what to... By Alina Bradford 12/09/2025 How Much Does Frontpoint Cost? Frontpoint is one of the least expensive security systems to get started with at just... By Rebecca Edwards 12/03/2025 Is Your Neighborhood Safe? 7 Tools to Help You Find Out Looking to cruise crime statistics before relocating or find safety initiatives nearby? All of these...

AboutContactPressNewsDeals

Home SecurityFamily SafetySenior SafetyInternet SecurityHome Safety

Smart HomeCar SafetyPet SafetyPersonal SafetyEmergency Prep

Stay Safe!

Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals!

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy | Cookies Settings

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | How We Rank and Review | Your Privacy Choices

*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

© 2025 SafeWise. All rights reserved.

Back To Top