Leaks - Gas
If You Smell Gas
Open the doors and windows to get rid of the gas.
Check to see if the gas has been left on unlit (like accidently knocking the cooker on) or if a pilot light has gone out.
If so turn the appliance off.
Wait to see if gas clears before relighting any appliance.
If you can still smell gas there is probably a gas escape.
Turn the gas supply off at the meter and phone the TRANSCO Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999
Don't turn any electrical switches on or off (this includes doorbells).
Don't smoke or use any naked flames.
If The Smell Doesn't Go Away
If you smell or suspect a gas leak then you must take action. But remember to stay calm, keep a clear head and follow the advice on this page. Remember you can get used to smells so it may be a good idea to walk out and then come back in to see if you can still smell it.
You May Be Asked The Following Information;
The address/location of the suspected gas escape or gas emergency
How many people are at the property where the smell is most noticeable?
How long the smell has been noticeable?
Are any neighbours affected?
Your name and phone number
Any special circumstances or access information
Advice You May Be Given;
Opening doors and windows
Turning the gas off at the meter
Avoiding the use of any naked flames or electrical switches
When will they come and what will they do?
National Grid aims to attend all uncontrolled escapes within one hour, and all controlled escapes within two hours. Once there, their engineer will make sure the property is safe and will advise you if further action is required. If its an internal problem i.e a leak on internal pipiework or an appliance they will not get involved. They will inform you that you will have to get a CORGI registered gas installer to fix the problem.
What do they use to find the leak?
An gas engineer looking for a gas escape will use a manometer to see how much gas is escaping over a period of time. They will also use either a gas "sniffer" (electrical item for detecting gas leaks) or leak detection fluid to find the location of the leak. The sniffer offers an audio indicator(some have a visual indicators) that gets louder the more gas it detects. While the leak detection fluid forms bubble over the escaping gas. Should these produce no results (like instances where they can't be used) then a method of isolating appliance(s) and pipework - by capping off sections and testing with the manometer is used. Or a combination of any of the above.
