Smell gas leak in the kitchen? Here is what you need to do immediately

It starts as an ordinary evening in most homes. The rice is on the stove, the dal is simmering, and someone reaches out for a lighter. But sometimes, all it takes is a faint smell or a soft hiss near the cylinder to turn routine cooking into panic. LPG leaks are rare but dangerous. One careless spark can cause serious fire or injury. Most of us know to turn off the stove when we smell gas, but few know what exactly to do next, or what not to do. Here’s how to stay calm and act fast when a leak happens, and how to keep your kitchen safe every single day.

How to tell if there’s a leak
Trust your senses first. Leaks are usually noticeable before they become severe.

Smell: If you catch the strong, pungent odour of gas near the stove, cylinder or pipe, take it seriously. LPG has an artificial smell added precisely to warn you of leaks.

Sound: A faint hissing or whistling near the regulator, hose or burner could indicate escaping gas.

Sight: If the flame on your burner turns yellow or orange instead of steady blue, incomplete combustion or leakage might be the reason.

Persistence: If the smell of gas lingers even after the knobs are turned off, it’s likely a leak from the connection or regulator.

How to test for a gas leak without using fire
Never try to test leaks with a matchstick or lighter. To confirm a minor leak, mix soap and water in a bowl and apply it to the suspected area. If bubbles form, there’s a leak. Turn off the supply immediately and call for help.

What to do if you suspect a leak

1. Turn off everything
Switch off all burners and close the regulator valve right away. Don’t attempt to tighten any fitting or remove the hose yourself. Once the main supply is cut off, wait for a trained technician to inspect and repair it.

2. Move everyone to safety
Ensure everyone in the house, including pets, leaves the kitchen area and moves outdoors. Maintain at least 50 feet of distance from the kitchen or cylinder storage space until it’s declared safe.

3. Eliminate all sources of ignition
Do not strike a match, light a candle or use incense sticks. Even static electricity from clothing can cause a spark. Avoid switching electricals on or off, and don’t use your phone inside until the gas smell has cleared.

4. Ventilate the space
Open all doors and windows to let the gas escape. Never switch on an exhaust fan. Iit could create a spark. Allow the air to flow freely until you can no longer smell gas.

5. Handle small leaks safely
If the leak is minor and under control, gently move the cylinder outdoors to an open, shaded area. Keep it upright, close the valve tightly and cover it with a damp cloth. Do not store the leaking cylinder inside, even temporarily.

6. Call for professional help
Whether small or large, every leak must be attended by authorised service personnel. Once you’re outside, contact your LPG supplier’s emergency helpline. Wait until technicians confirm the issue is fixed before using any appliances again.

How to prevent gas leaks
Prevention takes only a few minutes but can save your home from disaster.

• Check connections often: Inspect the rubber hose that connects the cylinder and stove every few weeks. Replace it if there are cracks, hardening or visible damage.
• Ensure a proper fit: When changing cylinders, make sure the regulator clicks securely into place and the seal is tight.
• Right place for storage: Always keep the cylinder upright, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like ovens. Never store it inside closed cabinets or near electrical points.
• Keep the area clean: Remove flammable materials such as paper, plastic, kerosene or cloth near the stove. Oil splatter and residue can also catch fire easily.
• Maintain airflow: While cooking, keep a window or door slightly open for ventilation. Proper airflow prevents gas from accumulating unnoticed.

Install a gas leak detector: An alarm can detect even small leaks early, providing peace of mind, especially in modern enclosed kitchens.

After an incident: what to check
Once the situation is safe and the technician has cleared the area, take a few extra steps:

1. Clean up any residue or soot with mild detergent and water.
2. Test burners to ensure flames are blue and steady.
3. Ask the technician to check all connections, regulators and valves for wear and tear.
4. Note down the emergency helpline number of your gas provider and keep it visible in the kitchen.

What to do if your gas cylinder is on fire
A cylinder fire is rare, but when it happens, seconds matter. The key is to stay calm and act fast — without taking risks that make things worse.

• Do not panic or run towards it with water. Pouring water can spread the flames or cause a pressure burst.
• Turn off the regulator if it’s safe to approach. Only do this if flames are small and you can reach the valve without stepping into the fire.
• Use a wet cloth or towel to protect your hands and face if you need to reach near the cylinder.
• If the fire is large or spreading, evacuate immediately. Move everyone, including pets, out of the house and alert neighbours if needed.
• Call the fire service and your gas supplier’s emergency number. Give them clear directions to reach your home quickly.
• Keep the area clear for firefighters. Do not return inside to collect belongings or switch off electricals.
• If possible, use a dry powder fire extinguisher rated for gas or electrical fires (Class B or C). Aim at the base of the flame, not at the cylinder body.
• Never move a burning cylinder or roll it outdoors yourself. It can explode from pressure buildup.
• Once the fire is out and the authorities declare it safe, have the cylinder, hose and regulator replaced. Do not reuse damaged parts even if they look fine.

Can you use a wet blanket on a gas cylinder fire?
Yes, but only if the flames are small and confined to the hose or the top of the cylinder — not when the whole cylinder is engulfed. A wet blanket can cut off oxygen and help you approach just close enough to shut off the regulator.

How to do it safely:

1. Soak a thick towel or blanket in water.
2. Cover your hands and face as protection from the heat.
3. Approach the cylinder from the side, not directly in front.
4. Wrap or throw the wet cloth over the burning part to smother the flames and then close the valve if it’s reachable.
5. Step back immediately once the valve is shut.

Never try this if the fire is large, if the flame has spread to nearby items, or if you feel intense heat even from a distance. In such cases, get everyone out and call the fire service right away.