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What to do if…
a gas appliance keeps going out and you suspect a leak or unsafe ventilation

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

If you smell gas, hear hissing, a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or anyone feels suddenly unwell, leave immediately without using switches or controls and call 911 from a safe location. Otherwise, stop using the appliance and arrange a qualified inspection before using it again.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t keep relighting the pilot or repeatedly resetting the appliance.
  • If you suspect a gas leak, don’t touch appliance controls, thermostats, light switches, plugs, phones, garage door openers, or anything else that could create a spark while you are inside.
  • Don’t use matches, lighters, candles, cigarettes, or any other open flame in or near the area.
  • Don’t search for the source of a suspected leak.
  • Don’t start a vehicle near the suspected leak area.
  • Don’t block vents or combustion-air openings.
  • Don’t try to repair gas components, adjust regulators, modify venting, operate a gas meter valve, or restore gas service yourself.
  • Don’t re-enter after leaving for a suspected gas leak or carbon monoxide issue until emergency responders or the gas utility say it is safe.

What to do now

  1. From where you are, check for immediate danger signals without searching for the source: a rotten-egg smell, hissing near a gas line or appliance, a carbon monoxide alarm, or sudden symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, or confusion.
  2. If any danger signal is present, tell nearby people to leave if you can do so without delay. Leave the building immediately, avoid switches and controls, and call 911 from a safe location. Tell the dispatcher that there may be a gas leak or carbon monoxide issue and mention any symptoms.
  3. From the safe location, call your local gas utility’s emergency number and follow the instructions you are given. Do not go back inside until emergency responders or the gas utility say it is safe.
  4. If there is no gas smell, hissing, carbon monoxide alarm, or sudden illness, stop using the appliance with its normal control only if it is safe to do so. Do not relight, reset, or use it again until a qualified service technician says it is safe.
  5. Contact your local gas utility to ask whether a suspected supply issue needs an emergency response. Arrange for a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance, venting, and flue before you use it again.
  6. If gas service has been shut off for safety, do not restore it yourself. Ask the gas utility what inspection and restoration process applies.
  7. If you rent or live in shared housing, notify the landlord or property manager after the immediate safety calls. Once you are safe, send a written note saying that the appliance has been taken out of use pending a qualified inspection.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to diagnose whether the cause is a flame sensor, thermocouple, blocked vent, gas-supply issue, or control fault right now.
  • You don’t need to decide on repair or replacement today.
  • You don’t need to settle blame, costs, or tenancy questions while you are still checking that everyone is safe.
  • Written follow-up can wait until after evacuation and emergency contact if danger signals are present.

Important reassurance

A gas appliance repeatedly going out is enough reason to pause use and ask for an inspection. You do not need to identify the cause before taking safe first steps.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions may need help from your gas utility, a qualified service technician, your landlord or property manager, or another locally appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or professional advice. If you suspect a gas leak or carbon monoxide exposure, leave and contact emergency services from a safe location.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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