Is Natural Gas Odorless?

Natural gas is odorless and colorless in its natural state. As a safety precaution, chemicals (odorants) are intentionally added when the gas is pumped into the local distribution network of pipelines to give it a distinctive, pungent smell, similar to rotten eggs.

Does natural gas have a smell?

Natural gas has no odor. Gas companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to give it its distinctive “rotten egg” smell. All natural gas and propane pipeline gas in Connecticut is odorized. If you smell gas near an appliance, it may be just a pilot light that has gone out or a burner valve that is open slightly.

Is it normal to smell a little natural gas?

The meter outside you houses a regulator on it which helps control the flow of gas into your home or business. There are times it will normally bleed-off or "burp" small amounts of gas to keep the pressure from building too high in your home. This is normal. So if you are near a meter you might smell it.