I smell gas near my fireplace but the pilot light is on — what should I do before calling someone?

Stop using the fireplace immediately and open windows to ventilate the house. A gas smell near an operating fireplace is a serious safety concern that requires professional attention right now — do not attempt troubleshooting beyond what I'm about to describe, and do not ignore it.

Here is what to do immediately:

Turn off the gas supply to the fireplace at the manual shutoff valve, which is typically located on the gas line leading to the unit (it will have a red or black handle that you turn perpendicular to the pipe direction). Do not attempt to relight the pilot or operate the fireplace again until a licensed technician has inspected the system. Open all windows and doors to create air circulation throughout your home. Turn on exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to help clear any gas from the house.

Gas smell near a fireplace with an active pilot light suggests one of several potential problems: a small gas leak at a connection point (the most common cause), a cracked or misaligned burner orifice, a deteriorated or improperly seated gas valve seal, or a problem with the pilot assembly itself. Some of these are minor fixes — a leaking connection nut might just need tightening by a licensed technician — but others indicate components that need replacement. The critical point is that natural gas is colorless, so utility companies add mercaptan (the rotten-egg smell) specifically so you can detect leaks. If you smell it, gas is escaping, and even a small leak is a hazard.

This is a situation where you absolutely need a TSSA-licensed gas fitter, not a general handyman or even a plumber. TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) is the regulatory body that oversees all gas work in Ontario, and only a licensed G2 or G3 gas fitter is legally allowed to diagnose and repair gas fireplace issues. Carbon monoxide from a gas leak or incomplete combustion can kill you silently while you sleep — Ontario law exists because people have died from exactly this scenario. A TSSA technician will test the system with proper equipment, identify the source of the leak, and either repair or replace the faulty component.

In the meantime, do not light any other flames (stove burners, candles, matches) in the house, as these could ignite leaked gas. Do not use electrical switches, doorbells, or garage door openers if you smell gas very strongly — static electricity can theoretically ignite gas in a confined space, though this is rare. If the smell is overwhelming or you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous, leave the house immediately and call 911 or Enbridge Gas (1-866-763-5427) from outside. These are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or a significant gas leak.

Once you have secured the house and turned off the gas, call a TSSA-licensed gas fitter in the Ottawa area. Most reputable fireplace contractors keep same-day or next-day slots open for gas leak calls because they understand the urgency. A service call to diagnose and repair a gas leak typically runs $150 to $300 for diagnosis and minor repairs (tightening a connection or replacing a valve seal), or $400 to $700 if the burner assembly, gas valve, or pilot assembly needs replacement. You can browse fireplace contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory to find a licensed technician in your area — look for someone with TSSA credentials explicitly listed.

Do not attempt to tighten any gas connections yourself, even if you think you can see where the leak is coming from. One wrong turn can crack a fitting, making the problem worse. Licensed gas fitters have the proper wrenches, leak detection equipment, and knowledge of safe isolation procedures.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 613Bins
• JC Carpentry
• Humble Homes - property maintenance
• Somar Contracting Inc.
• ARTEXPRO Tile & Finishes