What should I do if I smell gas in my house?

Key takeaways

• If you suspect a gas leak, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

• Don't try to find or investigate the source of a suspected gas leak yourself. Leave the property if necessary and avoid anything that could create a spark

• Reporting a gas leak and having it made safe is free, but repairs to faulty appliances or pipework are generally your responsibility

• Buildings insurance may cover damage from gas explosions but standard home insurance policies won’t cover leaks from poorly maintained appliances

What should I do if I notice a gas leak?

If you’ve detected a gas leak inside or outside your home, you should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

You should also take the following steps:

• Open windows and doors to ventilate your home

• Turn off the main gas supply, if it’s safe to do so. This is usually a physical valve that needs to be rotated 90 degrees to the upright gas pipe. If it’s stuck (as is the case with some older homes), don’t try to force it

• Extinguish any naked flames

• Avoid turning any electrical switches on or off

• Don’t use your mobile phone, or any other appliances that could cause a spark

• Don’t smoke or light matches

• Evacuate the building if you can

• Tell your neighbours (if you live in a flat, terraced or semi-detached property)

Don't try to locate the source of the leak or carry out repairs yourself.

How do I detect a gas leak?

A gas leak can often be identified by a strong smell of rotten eggs or sulphur. You may also hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas pipe or appliance.

Natural gas is given an artificial odour to make leaks easier to detect.

Other possible signs of a gas leak include:

• A hissing or whistling sound near a gas pipe

• Visible damage to gas pipes

• Problems with gas appliances

• Unusually high gas bills

However, you shouldn't rely on symptoms, damaged plants or other signs to determine whether you have a gas leak. If you smell gas, treat it as a potential leak and follow the emergency advice above.

What's the difference between a gas leak and carbon monoxide?

Natural gas and carbon monoxide (CO) are different hazards.

Natural gas is given a distinctive smell to help you detect a leak. Carbon monoxide has no smell, colour or taste, so you cannot detect it using your senses.

Carbon monoxide can be produced when gas, oil, coal or other fuels don't burn properly, particularly where an appliance is faulty, poorly maintained or incorrectly installed.

A carbon monoxide alarm is not a natural gas leak detector. It can warn you about dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, but it won't alert you to a natural gas leak.

What should I buy to detect gas or carbon monoxide?

There isn't a household alarm that should be relied on to locate a natural gas leak. If you have gas appliances, however, you should consider installing a suitable carbon monoxide alarm as an additional safety measure.

A CO alarm won't detect a gas leak, so you should still act immediately if you smell gas.

Choose an appropriate alarm that meets the relevant safety standard and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, testing and replacement.

A carbon monoxide alarm doesn't replace regular servicing of gas appliances by a qualified engineer.

What are the physical symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure?

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms including headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, confusion and difficulty breathing.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air and seek medical advice.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the property and don't use the suspected appliance again until it has been checked by a qualified engineer.

Who pays to fix a gas leak?

It's free to call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 to report a gas leak. An emergency gas engineer will attend to make the situation safe.

However, the emergency service won't normally repair faulty appliances or private pipework. If repairs are needed, you'll generally need to arrange and pay for them yourself.

Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to install, maintain or repair gas appliances and pipework.

Are gas leak repairs covered by my home insurance?

Yes, gas leak-related damage can be covered by home insurance, but only in certain situations.

If a gas explosion or resulting fire causes structural damage to your home, you may be able to claim on your buildings insurance.

Damage to your belongings may also be covered by your contents insurance, depending on your policy.

If you have home emergency cover, usually available as an optional extra to standard home insurance, you may be able to claim for certain emergency repairs. However, cover varies between providers and restrictions and exclusions may apply.

A standard home insurance policy generally won't cover the cost of repairing or replacing a poorly maintained or faulty appliance simply because it has developed a gas leak.

Your insurer may also reject a claim where damage has resulted from poor maintenance, faulty installation or an existing problem.

Keeping gas appliances properly maintained and following your policy conditions can help prevent problems if you need to claim.

How do I protect my home against gas leaks?

You can't eliminate the risk of a gas leak, but regular maintenance can help reduce the chance of problems.

• Get gas appliances serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer

• Make sure new gas appliances and pipework are installed by a qualified professional

• Never attempt to repair or modify a gas appliance yourself

• Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your appliances

• If you're a landlord, make sure you meet your legal gas safety responsibilities

Our guide on How to be Gas Safe has more tips on keeping your home safe from gas and carbon monoxide.

What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the property and get into fresh air. Don't assume the alarm is warning you about a gas leak, it is designed to detect carbon monoxide.

Don't use the suspected appliance again until it has been checked by a qualified engineer. If anyone has symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical advice.

How often should gas appliances be checked?

Gas appliances should be regularly maintained and serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you're a landlord, you have specific legal responsibilities for gas safety, including arranging an annual gas safety check.

Regular servicing can help identify faults before they become a serious safety issue and can also help you meet any conditions relating to maintenance in your home insurance policy.

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