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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: