I smell gas near my water heater - should I call a plumber or the gas company?

Leave your home immediately and call the gas company first - this is a potential gas leak emergency that requires immediate attention from Enbridge Gas (1-866-763-5427) or your local gas utility.

Do not attempt to locate the source of the smell, turn lights on/off, use electrical devices, or light matches. Exit the building immediately and call the gas company from a safe location away from your home. They will dispatch emergency technicians to assess the situation and make it safe. Gas leaks can lead to explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning, so time is critical.

In Ottawa, gas emergencies are handled by the utility company first, then plumbers. Once the gas company has made the area safe and identified the source, they may determine that the issue is with your water heater connections, venting, or the appliance itself. At that point, you'll need a licensed plumber who is qualified to work on gas appliances to make the necessary repairs.

After the emergency is resolved, a qualified plumber should inspect your water heater system. Common causes of gas odors near water heaters include loose connections, faulty gas valves, improper venting, or issues with the combustion chamber. A licensed plumber can diagnose the problem and ensure your water heater is operating safely according to Ontario Building Code requirements.

Never ignore gas odors - even faint smells require immediate action. Once your system is repaired and safe, consider having annual maintenance performed on your gas water heater to prevent future issues and ensure proper ventilation and gas connections.

For water heater repairs after a gas emergency is resolved, Ottawa Pro Plumbing works with qualified gas technicians to restore safe operation of your system.

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