Any noticeable gas smell near your stove should be treated as a real gas leak until proven otherwise — this is not a symptom to research or wait out. This guide from Vancity Appliance covers exactly what to do right now, and what to do afterward once it’s safe.
What Should I Do Right Now If I Smell Gas?
- Do not turn any switches, lights, or appliances on or off — including the stove — and don’t light a match, lighter, or anything else. A spark can ignite a gas leak.
- Do not use your phone inside the home. Leave first, then call for help from outside.
- Open doors on your way out if it’s quick and doesn’t delay your exit, to help ventilate the space.
- Leave the house immediately and get everyone, including pets, a safe distance away.
- From outside, call FortisBC’s emergency line at 604-779-8060 (Vancouver’s gas utility) or 911 if you smell gas strongly or hear hissing. Both are available 24/7.
- Do not go back inside until the gas utility or fire department confirms it’s safe to do so.
Is a Faint Gas Smell Different From a Strong One?
A very brief, faint gas smell right when lighting a burner is normal on some gas stoves, since a small amount of unburned gas releases before ignition catches. A smell that lingers, gets stronger, or occurs when the stove isn’t in use is not normal and should be treated with the same urgency as any other gas smell — don’t try to judge severity by how strong it seems, since a slow leak can be just as dangerous as a strong one.
What Causes a Gas Leak Near a Stove?
Common causes include a loose or damaged gas line connection, a faulty valve, worn burner components, or a cracked hose — but identifying the exact cause is not something to investigate yourself. This is intentionally not a troubleshooting guide: diagnosing and repairing gas leaks requires licensed professionals with the right detection equipment, and attempting it yourself risks igniting the leak or missing a hazard that isn’t obvious by smell alone.
What Happens After the Gas Utility Confirms It’s Safe?
Once FortisBC or the fire department has resolved the immediate danger, the underlying cause — a faulty valve, connection, or component — often still needs to be repaired or replaced before the stove is safe to use again. This is where gas oven repair in Vancouver comes in: a licensed technician can identify and fix the specific fault so it doesn’t happen again. If your stove is electric rather than gas, this scenario doesn’t apply, though Vancity Appliance also provides full electric stove repair in Vancouver for other issues.
Book a Post-Leak Inspection or Repair — Vancouver Gas Stove Service
Once the emergency has passed and it’s confirmed safe, Vancity Appliance is regarded as one of the best gas stove repair service companies for exactly this kind of work — certified, insured technicians trained specifically in gas appliance safety, with transparent pricing and no guesswork. We also handle dishwasher repair service and washing machine repair across our service areas. If your issue is a burner that won’t ignite rather than an active gas smell, see our guide on gas burners that won’t light.
📞 Contact us once it’s safe to book a gas stove inspection or repair — for an active gas smell right now, call 604-779-8060.