Stop
A gas or rotten-egg smell is a potential gas leak: leave the area immediately, do not operate switches or appliances, and call your gas utility or 911 from outside before doing anything else.
Symptoms
- Rotten-egg or sulfur smell near the kitchen
- Smell seems to come from near the dishwasher but also near the stove or oven
- Hissing sound near a gas line or appliance
- Smell present even when the dishwasher isn't running
Likely causes
- CommonGas leak from a nearby stove, oven, or gas lineGas odor is often strongest near appliances but the actual source can be a nearby line or connection, not the dishwasher.
- PossibleSewer gas smell from a dry drain trapIf the dishwasher or a nearby sink hasn't been used in a while, the trap can dry out and let sewer gas smell through.
- PossibleChemical smell mistaken for gasSome cleaning products or new appliance smells can be mistaken for a gas odor.
What to do
- If you smell gas or rotten eggs, do not operate any appliance, switches, or your phone in the room; leave the area immediately.
- Go outside and call your gas utility's emergency line or 911 from a safe distance before doing anything else.
- Do not attempt to find or fix a gas leak yourself under any circumstances.
- Once the gas company or fire department has cleared the area as safe, mention any nearby appliances (including the dishwasher) so they can check all lines.
- If it turns out to be a dry drain trap rather than gas, run water in the affected sink or drain periodically to keep the trap filled.
- Do not use the dishwasher again until you've confirmed there's no gas leak in the area.
Tools and parts
- None
When to call a pro
This requires the gas utility, fire department, or a licensed professional immediately; do not attempt to investigate a suspected gas leak yourself.
Safety
Stop
A gas or rotten-egg smell is a potential gas leak: leave the area immediately, do not operate switches or appliances, and call your gas utility or 911 from outside before doing anything else.