Why does my fireplace smell like rotten eggs even when it's off?
In Leicester, many of these rural, large-property homes run on a propane tank rather than a gas main — so a rotten-egg smell from a fireplace that's off means propane is leaking, and it can settle low around the house. Don't touch a switch. Get everyone outside, then call your propane supplier and us at (828) 545-0525.
Propane, wood, and rural realities
Out around Sandy Mush, Turkey Creek, and Newfound Road, Leicester leans rural — many homes on propane, wood heat popular, some remote properties with limited electrical capacity. Propane carries the same mercaptan odorant as natural gas, so a leak smells like rotten eggs; the difference is you call the supplier on your tank, not a city utility. And because propane is heavier than air, a leak from an off fireplace can pool near the floor, in a basement, or in a crawl space rather than dissipating.
Cold nights, and what to do
Leicester's rural valleys drain cold, running 5 to 8 degrees below Asheville on clear winter nights — so these fireplaces get real use. If you smell gas, don't investigate: leave switches, the thermostat, and the garage door alone, no flame, no unplugging, and get the family and pets outside. From a safe distance call your propane supplier, then 911, then us. We find the leak, pressure-test the line, and repair it.
Licensed propane work close to home
In North Carolina, propane and gas line work is licensed — Steady Flame is a licensed gas contractor about fifteen minutes west of our Asheville showroom, and we pull the Buncombe County permit and pressure-test every line we touch. Whether you heat with a gas insert or run wood and want a propane appliance done right, a rotten-egg smell with the unit off is an emergency. Call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Leicester
We install and service fireplaces throughout Leicester and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes west from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- Is it normal to smell a faint whiff of gas for a second or two when my fireplace ignites?
- Why does my gas fireplace smell like burning plastic or chemicals?
- Why does my carbon monoxide detector go off when I use my fireplace?
- Why do I smell exhaust fumes when my direct-vent fireplace is running?
- Why does my ventless fireplace give me a headache or make the air feel stuffy?