Are you worried about a potential gas leak in your home? Natural gas poses a risk of fire or even an explosion.
Here’s how to detect a gas leak and what to do if you suspect there’s gas in the air in your home.
What is a gas leak?
Many homes in the UK use natural gas for heating and cooking. A gas leak refers to a problem causing this gas to be released into the air, rather than staying safely contained inside your pipes.
Natural gas is highly flammable – that’s why it’s used in stoves. Large amounts of gas in the air create a risk of fire, and can even explode if exposed to a naked flame.
How can I tell if there’s a gas leak?
Mains gas in the UK is chemically treated with Mercaptan to give it a distinctive smell. The easiest way to spot a gas leak is to be aware of your environment and learn to recognise the smell of gas.
If you have no sense of smell (Anosmia), install a natural gas detector. This will beep when gas is detected, much like a fire alarm. You should also have your gas fittings regularly inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
What does gas smell like?
Natural gas is odourless, so the harmless chemical Mercaptan is added to make it easier to detect.
This means the gas in your home will smell similar to sulphur or rotten eggs. If you smell rotten eggs in your home, it indicates a natural gas leak.
What should I do if I smell gas?
If you smell gas at home, or if your gas detector goes off, do the following.
- Find your emergency gas control valve. It is normally outside in the gas meter box. If it’s not there, it might be under the stairs, beneath the kitchen sink, in the garage or the cellar.
- If your gas leak is in a basement or cellar, do not go into the space. Instead, call the emergency gas service immediately and leave your home.
- Turn your gas off at the mains by turning the handle so the lever is at 90 degrees to the upright gas pipe.
- Open the doors and windows in your home to clear out any remaining gas.
- Do not turn any lights off or on, light any flame or use any electrical device that might spark.
- Call the emergency gas service on 0800 111 999. This is a free, 24-hour helpline. They will arrange for an engineer to visit your property and repair the fault.
Is a gas leak an emergency?
Yes, a gas leak in your home is an emergency. It poses a serious risk of fire to your home and others around it.
A high volume of gas in the air also reduces the availability of oxygen, posing health risks.
If you suspect there is a gas leak in your home, call 0800 111 999 immediately. They will send out an engineer immediately at any time of the day or night.
