Smell Gas in Your Home? The Exact Steps to Take Immediately
A gas leak is a severe emergency. Learn exactly what to do (and what NOT to do) if you smell gas in your property.
Smelling gas in your home is alarming, and for good reason. Natural gas is highly combustible, and even a small spark can trigger an explosion. Knowing exactly what to do in the first 60 seconds is critical.
What's Causing the Issue?
Gas leaks usually occur due to degraded pipework under floorboards, faulty connections on gas cookers or hobs, or a failing gas valve inside your boiler. Gas has a distinctive "rotten egg" smell added to it specifically so you can detect these leaks early.
What You MUST Do Right Now
Immediate Actions
- 1. Turn off the gas: Go to your gas meter and turn the emergency control valve 90 degrees so it crosses the pipe.
- 2. Ventilate: Open all doors and windows to let the gas disperse.
- 3. NO sparks: Do NOT turn light switches on or off. Do NOT use plug sockets. Do NOT smoke or strike matches.
- 4. Call the emergency line: Step outside the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
When to Call an Engineer
The National Gas Emergency Service will attend to make the property safe (usually by capping off your gas supply). However, they will NOT fix the appliance or pipework. Once the property is deemed safe but capped, you need to call a local Gas Safe registered engineer to find the leak, repair it, and safely reconnect your supply.
Gas Safe Engineers in Cardiff
Our Cardiff-based Gas Safe engineers specialise in trace-and-repair for gas leaks. If your supply has been capped, we can find the fault using advanced gas sniffers, repair the pipework, and get your heating and hot water back on safely. Learn about our gas services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any plumber fix a gas leak?
No. It is illegal for anyone who is not on the Gas Safe Register to work on gas pipework or appliances. Always check the engineer's ID card.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas produced by faulty burning. Unlike natural gas, it has no smell or taste. You must have a working CO alarm in rooms with gas appliances.