Yes. A suspected gas leak needs assessment by a Gas Safe registered gas engineer, but immediate safety steps come first. Gas can ignite, and incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide, so do not try to locate the leak, repair pipework or relight an appliance yourself.
If you smell gas, hear hissing from gas pipework or an appliance, or notice a gas appliance behaving unusually:
- Extinguish naked flames and do not smoke.
- Do not operate light switches, electrical sockets, doorbells, telephones or other equipment that could create a spark inside the property.
- If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas at the emergency control valve, usually located near the gas meter.
- Open doors and windows to improve ventilation, provided this can be done without operating electrical controls or putting yourself at risk.
- Leave the property and keep other people away from the suspected source.
- Once outside, contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. If anyone is unwell, move them into fresh air and seek medical assistance.
A gas engineer is needed after the immediate danger has been addressed. The engineer can use appropriate testing equipment to establish whether gas is escaping from the meter connection, supply pipe, appliance connection, boiler, cooker, fire or another part of the installation. They can also distinguish a gas leak from other odours, such as sewer gas or fumes from a faulty appliance.
During an investigation, a Gas Safe registered engineer may inspect visible pipework and appliance connections, carry out a tightness test, check appliance operation and examine ventilation and flue arrangements. The exact checks depend on where the suspected leak is located and whether the gas supply has already been isolated.
If a fault is found, the engineer will explain whether the appliance or pipework can be repaired safely, requires replacement or must remain disconnected until corrective work is completed. An unsafe appliance should not be used simply because it appears to be working. The engineer may attach an appropriate warning notice or record the safety issue where required, and should explain any restrictions on using the installation.
Do not reconnect an appliance, remove a warning label, alter gas pipework or turn the supply back on unless this has been confirmed safe by a suitably qualified professional. Gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and the engineer's registration should cover the type of gas work being undertaken.
A suspected carbon monoxide problem is different from a smell of gas because carbon monoxide has no smell. Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness or unusual tiredness can indicate exposure, particularly when they improve after leaving the property. Turn off fuel-burning appliances if this can be done safely, leave the property and seek medical help. A carbon monoxide alarm is useful protection, but it does not replace professional inspection and appliance servicing.
For Birmingham homeowners, landlords and tenants, Ideal Plumbing Services provides gas engineer support for investigating suspected leaks and carrying out suitable gas-related repairs. The priority is to make the installation safe, identify the source of the problem and give clear advice on the next appropriate step.
