How do I know if my home has a gas leak?

The most obvious sign is the smell of rotten eggs or sulfur, since gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to natural gas to make it detectable. You might also hear a hissing or whistling sound near gas lines or appliances. Other signs include dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise healthy area of your yard, bubbling in standing water near your home, or a white mist or fog around your property. If you suspect a leak, leave the house immediately without turning any lights or switches on or off, avoid using your phone inside, and call your gas company or 911 from outside. Never try to locate or fix a gas leak yourself.