I think I have a gas leak – who to call?
If you can smell gas or you suspect you have a gas leak, you should treat it as an emergency. A gas leak can be incredibly dangerous. However, knowing how to react if it happens will ensure you can keep your house and everybody in it safe and sound.
Who do I phone if I have a gas leak?
If you can smell gas or you think you have a gas leak, you should call the Gas Emergency Service number straight away.
The number to call is 0800 111 999 if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales. Alternatively, call 0800 002 001 if you’re in Northern Ireland. The Gas Emergency Service number is free to call and available 24 hours a day.
They’ll be able to send a gas engineer to your home to make it safe.
Just bear in mind that they won’t be able to repair appliances or pipework – so, once your home is safe, you’ll likely need to find a Gas Safe registered engineer to complete any necessary repair work. Just enter your postcode below to see a list of top gas engineers near you on Checkatrade.
What do I do if I can smell gas?
If you can smell gas, you must act quickly to keep everyone safe. You should:
- Ventilate your home by opening doors and windows
- Turn off the gas emergency shut-off valve at the meter (unless it’s in a cellar or basement, in which case, don’t go in there)
- Extinguish any naked flames
- Leave the house
- Call the Gas Emergency Service number above
- Let any close neighbours know you have a gas leak
Meanwhile, you should be wary of doing anything that might make the problem worse or compromise your safety:
- DON’T smoke or light any kind of flame in the property
- DON’T turn any electrical switches on or off
- DON’T use your mobile phone, doorbell, or any other item that could cause a spark in the house
- DON’T go back into your property until the emergency services say it’s safe to do so
- DON’T turn your gas supply back on until it’s been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer
If you notice that you’re not feeling well, go straight to your GP or hospital and let them know you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide.
Once a gas engineer has made your house safe, be sure to follow their advice about what’s safe to use in the house. They might advise you to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make any fixes or check your appliances are safe.
Remember, the Gas Emergency Service will send somebody to make your home safe, but you’ll need to organise most repairs yourself once they’ve left.
Simply enter your postcode below to view a selection of trusted Gas Safe registered engineers near you on Checkatrade.
Should I be concerned if I smell gas?
Yes. If you smell gas inside your property, you should treat it as an emergency and follow the steps we’ve outlined above.
Even if you’re not sure whether you can smell gas, it’s still best to take the problem seriously. After all, it’s much better to be safe rather than sorry.
How do I know if I’m smelling a gas leak?
One of the first signs of a gas leak is a distinctive smell that’s similar to the smell of rotten eggs.
Other signs of a gas leak include:
- Air bubbles in still water
- The sound of hissing
- High gas usage on your smart meter
- House plants dying
You may even notice that you feel unwell. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and trouble breathing are all signs that there could be a gas leak in your home.
If you think there may be a gas leak, you should leave the house and ring the Gas Emergency Service number immediately – even if all you notice is a smell.
Will my carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?
No! It’s important not to rely on your carbon monoxide detector to alert you to a gas leak.
Natural gas and smoke carbon monoxide aren’t the same thing. If a gas leak goes on for long enough and your appliances start burning natural gas, this can lead to carbon monoxide production – at which point, your carbon monoxide alarm may sound.
However, you should try to catch a gas leak before it gets to this point. This is because, even before enough carbon monoxide is produced to set off an alarm, a spark could ignite the leaked natural gas to cause an explosion.
Being able to spot the signs of a natural gas leak early can save lives. So, never wait for your carbon monoxide detector to go off if you suspect a gas leak.
Do you get charged for a gas leak call out?
No. The Gas Emergency Service number is completely free to call and you won’t be charged if they send a gas engineer to your property.
However, the gas engineer they send will only do what’s necessary to make your property safe. Any further repairs that are needed will have to be carried out by a qualified gas engineer that you find yourself.
The average gas engineer hourly rate is around £65 + repairs & parts. However, if it’s an emergency callout, they may charge you more.
Find a trusted Gas Safe registered engineer in your area
All Checkatrade-approved members have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed by homeowners. So, you know you’re hiring someone you can trust.
Plus, when you book a trade through Checkatrade, their work is guaranteed for up to 12 months (exclusions and T&Cs apply). Simply enter your postcode below to start your search.
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