Gas smell at a gas range or oven (normal ignition odor vs a leak)
A faint odor for a few seconds as a burner or the oven lights, and a hot-oil or plastic smell on the first uses of a new range, are normal. A strong, lasting or growing gas odor, a smell with every knob off, hissing, or a delayed ignition with a 'whoomp' is treated as a leak or gas-side fault. This guide covers only immediate safety and what can be observed without touching gas parts; all gas-side work goes to a licensed gas technician or the gas utility.
Cross-checked ~15 min easyBrands: All
Before you start
- Strong or persistent gas odor: do not operate any electrical switch, light, appliance, phone, doorbell or garage door opener inside the building; any of them can spark
- No flames, lighters, matches or smoking; do not try to relight the oven or burners
- Get everyone out; open doors on the way out only if it costs no time, and do not go back in to ventilate
- Call the gas utility emergency line or 911 from outside, at a safe distance; do not assume someone else called
- Do not re-enter until the utility or fire department says it is safe
- Never look for a leak with a flame; never loosen, tighten or adjust gas connectors, valves, the regulator or orifices. Gas-side work is for a licensed gas technician only
- Headache, dizziness or nausea together with a gas smell: get to fresh air and call 911
Diagnostic steps
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