Why does my fireplace smell like rotten eggs even when it's off?
In Canton, homes along the Pigeon River took on floodwater that damaged hearths and gas appliances — and a gas valve or connection that was submerged can corrode and leak later, even with the fireplace off. That rotten-egg smell is the warning. Don't spark anything. Get outside, then call your gas utility or propane supplier and us at (828) 545-0525.
After the flooding, gas connections need eyes on them
When floodwater reaches a gas fireplace, it can foul the valve, corrode fittings, and leave connections that pass at first but weep gas weeks or months on. Canton runs on a mix of natural gas and propane, so a rotten-egg smell with the unit off means one of those connections is failing — and it's exactly why every flood-exposed gas appliance should be inspected before it's trusted again. The mercaptan odorant is doing its job by warning you.
Valley damp keeps working on the metal
Even apart from the flooding, Canton's valley-floor morning fog and dampness rust dampers and chimney caps earlier than folks expect, and that same moisture corrodes gas fittings over time. If you smell gas, don't look for it: leave every switch and the thermostat alone, no flame, no unplugging, and walk everyone and the pets outside. From a safe distance call the utility or the supplier on your propane tank, then 911, then us.
Licensed inspection and repair
In North Carolina, testing and repairing gas lines is licensed work — critical after a home has flooded. Steady Flame is a licensed gas contractor; we pull the Haywood County permit, pressure-test the line and connections, and stand behind the repair. If your fireplace saw floodwater, don't relight it on hope — have it checked. And a rotten-egg smell with the unit off is an emergency. Call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Canton
We install and service fireplaces throughout Canton and the rest of Haywood County — just 20 minutes west from our Asheville-area showroom.
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