Most importantly, as we mentioned before, if you think you already have a gas leak you can call the National Gas Emergency Service number. Before doing so, try to open some windows in order to provide ventilation. If the smell of gas is in a cellar, leave the property. To ensure you're always prepared, our guide on What to Do if You Smell Gas will explain what steps to take in your property to help ensure you remain safe in the event of a leak.
External gas leaks can be from underground pipes that are used to transport gas to buildings. If you're outside a property and can smell gas, then it's likely that there's a leak and you should contact the National Gas Emergency Service number.
A gas leak in the home is often caused by a faulty or poorly fitted appliance. The leak tends to come from the pipe that leads into your appliance. If you've checked that the appliance is switched off, for instance all the knobs on your hob are in the off position, then a fault in the hose is likely the reason for your gas leak.
To help minimise the risk of a gas leak caused by a faulty appliance, it's vitally important that any appliances you have fitted are done so by an accredited Gas Safe registered engineer and are given a gas safety check or service regularly. Before work commences, make sure you check on the Gas Safe Register website to see if they're accredited.
Gas leaks can often be detected by smell thanks to the addition of mercaptan. Gas is a naturally odourless substance, but the completely harmless artificial smell is added to make it more detectable. The substance injected is called mercaptan and gives off a strong sulphur-like smell, that some people say reminds them of rotten eggs. This gas smell is instantly recognisable to most people and provides potentially the most obvious and tell-tale early warning of any sort of gas leak. If you do smell this gas odour in your home and you can’t immediately pinpoint the source, there is a good chance you have a gas leak.
The first thing to do if you think you’ve already detected a gas leak either inside or outside the home is to contact the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999*.
We appreciate that a gas leak can be a stressful time, so preparing yourself for the possibility in advance should help you ensure you know exactly what to do. Read our guide on What to Do if You Smell Gas to find out the important steps you should take once you’ve detected a gas leak.
When it comes to repairing faulty appliances, work must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer. As gas leaks can be potentially fatal, these repairs should be carried out as soon as you identify a problem and before the main gas supply to the property is switched back on.
*All calls to the National Gas Emergency Service and National Enquiry lines may be recorded and monitored.
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