Quick answer
If a gas dryer smells strongly of gas, do not switch anything on or off, leave the house, and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. A faint smell for a moment as the burner lights can be normal, but a smell that lingers is not. Causes include a loose or damaged flexible connector, a failing gas valve, a burner that is not lighting, or a blocked vent. After the utility clears the house, have an appliance technician repair the dryer. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
If the smell of gas is strong: leave now. Do not switch lights, the dryer or anything else on or off, do not use a phone inside, and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. Most gas utilities respond to leak calls at no cost to the customer.
Faint Smell, or Only at Start-Up
A gas dryer lights its burner several times a cycle. A brief, faint smell right at ignition can happen. A smell that hangs in the room, appears when the dryer is off, or gets stronger is not normal.
If the smell is faint:
- 1Turn the dryer off at its control.
- 2Close the shutoff valve on the gas line behind the dryer. The handle is closed when it is crosswise to the pipe.
- 3Open windows and leave the room.
- 4If the smell does not clear quickly, call the gas utility.
- 5Do not use the dryer until it has been checked.
What Causes It
| Cause | What happens |
|---|---|
| Loose or damaged flexible connector | Gas leaks at the line behind the dryer, often after the dryer was moved |
| Failing gas valve or valve coils | Gas flows but does not ignite promptly |
| Igniter not lighting | Gas released without a flame; often also no heat, see dryer not heating |
| Blocked vent | Combustion gases pushed back into the room |
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Carbon Monoxide
A gas dryer with a blocked vent can push carbon monoxide into the house. The CPSC recommends a CO alarm on every level of the home. Headaches or nausea in the laundry area are a reason to get out and call.
The Repair
After the utility has made the house safe, an appliance technician can replace the connector, test the gas valve and coils, check the igniter and flame sensor, and confirm the vent is clear. See dryer repair.
The Call
Once the gas utility has cleared the house, call for the dryer repair. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a gas dryer to smell like gas?
A faint smell for a second as the burner lights can occur. A smell that lingers in the room, or is strong, is not normal.
What should I do if my dryer smells like gas?
If the smell is strong, leave without operating switches and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. If it is faint, close the shutoff valve on the dryer's gas line, ventilate, and have it checked before using it.
What causes a gas smell from a dryer?
A loose or damaged flexible connector, a failing gas valve or coils, a burner that is not igniting, or a blocked vent pushing combustion products back into the room.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: carbon monoxide
- U.S. Fire Administration: clothes dryer fires in residential buildings
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
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