If you smell gas near your grill, shut the supply off and move away. Do not light the grill or any flame. Here is exactly what to do, in order.
Move children and pets well back from the grill until it has been checked. If you are unsure whether the smell is gas or something else, treat it as gas and follow the steps above before anything else.
Immediate Steps
- Turn all burner knobs to off.
- Close the valve on the propane tank, or the natural gas shutoff at the grill.
- Keep sparks and open flames away.
- Step away and let the smell clear in open air.
If the smell is strong, or you notice it indoors, move away and call your gas utility or emergency services from a safe distance.
A Soapy Water Test
After the smell has cleared, with the burners off and the gas back on, brush soapy water on the hose, regulator and fittings. Growing bubbles mark the leak. Turn the gas off again if you see them.
Who Fixes What
- A loose or cracked grill hose, a worn regulator or a damaged burner valve is a grill repair we can look at.
- A leak in the house gas line, at a shutoff valve or at a wall fitting is a licensed plumber’s job.
- Converting between natural gas and propane also goes to a licensed plumber.
What the Smell Cannot Tell Us
A short whiff at startup can come from a burner that took a moment to light, which is different from a steady leak. We cannot judge that from a description, so we test the connections.
After a Storm or a Long Break
Insects in burner tubes and shifted fittings are common causes of gas odors after a season of rest.
When the grill is safe to inspect, see our Dacor grill repair page. To get it looked at, call us or send a request through the online form.