Skip to main content

Utilities Kingston website

Smell rotten eggs? You could have a natural gas leak.

How to detect a natural gas leak

  • Smell – Before natural gas is delivered to your home, mercaptan is added to it, which gives the gas a sulphur or “rotten egg” smell to help detect leaks. If you don’t have a sense of smell, install a natural gas alarm in your home, in accordance with manufacturer directions.

  • Sight – Natural gas is colourless, so you can’t see it. Visually a gas leak may be indicated by bubbles in wet or flooded areas, distinct patches of dead vegetation, dust blowing from a hole in the ground, or flames if the leak has ignited.

  • Sound – A hissing or roaring noise along the right-of-way of a pipeline could also indicate a natural gas leak.

Report a natural gas emergency

Utilities Kingston is available 24 hours a day to respond to natural gas emergencies in the municipal natural gas distribution area. Report utility issues 24/7 at 613-546-1181. Enbridge Gas customers in City East and West can call 1-866-763-5427. 

If you suspect a gas leak…

Inside

  • Evacuate your premises.
  • If you can do so safely, open all doors and windows.
  • Don’t use anything that could create static or a spark, such as electrical switches.
  • Call Utilities Kingston immediately from outside your home or building at 613-546-1181, extension 2151.
  • Don’t use lighters or matches, and don’t smoke.

Outside

  • Call Utilities Kingston immediately at 613-546-1181 , extension 2151.
  • Keep clear of the area.
  • Don’t start any motors or motor vehicles near the area of the suspected gas leak.
  • Don’t use lighters or matches and do not smoke.

How Utilities Kingston will respond

In the event of a natural gas leak, Utilities Kingston will respond immediately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Crews will:

  • Respond to the incident site.
  • Identify the source of the problem and ensure the emergency site has been cleared of anyone whose safety may be at risk.
  • Make the situation safe.
  • Advise the customer of their options with respect to the piping system or gas-fired equipment repair.

Related information

You may also find the following gas safety related pages useful: