Gas smell or gas shut off in NYC: what to do, and how service gets restored
A gas smell is the one home problem where you should never troubleshoot. Leave first, call from outside. If the utility then shuts off your gas, getting it back on in New York City follows a specific process. Here's what that looks like, so you know what to expect.
Get matched with a licensed pro Free for you. Pros pay Five Boro Fix a referral fee. Matching service, not a contractor.
Emergency? Gas smell, CO alarm, fire, sparking or flooding: get to safety and call 911 first.
If you smell gas
- Get out, and get others out.
- Don't light anything, flip light switches, use appliances or start a car nearby. Con Edison and National Grid both warn that phones and even flashlights can spark, so wait until you're outside.
- Call 911, or your utility: Con Edison 1-800-752-6633 or National Grid 718-643-4050 (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island). Both take emergency calls 24/7.
- If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, HPD's advice is to open nearby windows, go outside and call 911.
Why the utility shut off your gas
If the leak is in your privately owned piping or appliances, the utility makes it safe and turns off the gas until a plumber makes the necessary repairs. That's standard. The utility won't repair your house piping; that's the owner's job.
How gas gets turned back on in NYC
- Hire a DOB Licensed Master Plumber (LMP). In NYC only an LMP can repair fuel gas piping.
- The LMP files an Emergency Work Notification (EWN) in DOB NOW, which lets them start repairs before a permit. The EWN expires after two full business days, and a Limited Alteration Application (LAA) must follow.
- The LMP makes the repairs.
- The LMP gets the required DOB inspection and sign-off and submits the gas restoration authorization request in DOB NOW.
- The utility inspects and tests before turning gas back on. In multi-unit buildings, it may need access to every apartment.
Timing depends on what's wrong and how quickly inspections happen, so ask your plumber for a realistic schedule up front.
For building owners
Restoring gas for cooking, heat and hot water counts as emergency work under DOB's rules, so a good LMP can start quickly. Keep the job number from the EWN, make sure the LAA gets filed on time, and confirm the final DOB sign-off before the utility visit, because that's where restorations most often stall.
Questions
Who do I call if I smell gas in NYC?
Leave first, then call 911 or your utility from outside: Con Edison at 1-800-752-6633 or National Grid at 718-643-4050 for Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.
Can Con Edison fix the leak inside my house?
No. If the leak is in privately owned piping or appliances, the utility turns off the gas, and the owner must hire a Licensed Master Plumber to make repairs.
Who can turn my gas back on after a shutoff?
A DOB Licensed Master Plumber does the repairs and DOB filings and gets sign-off. Then the utility inspects and tests before restoring service.
Sources
Rules and phone numbers can change. Check the official source before relying on them.
Related guides
Get matched with one licensed pro, free
Owners, co-op/condo owners and landlords: tell us the job and we'll introduce you to one vetted, licensed local business, usually within 24 hours. Free for you. Pros pay Five Boro Fix a referral fee. Matching service, not a contractor.