What to Do If You Smell Gas in Your Home

🚨 What to Do If You Smell Gas in Your Home

Stay Safe with These Essential Steps

Smelling gas in your home is serious — and it’s not something you should ever ignore. A gas leak can pose serious health risks and even lead to explosions if not handled quickly and correctly.

If you ever notice the distinctive rotten egg smell of gas, here’s exactly what you need to do to protect yourself, your home, and your loved ones.

⚠️ First — Don’t Panic, But Act Immediately

Natural gas is highly flammable. Although suppliers add an artificial odour (mercaptan) to help detect leaks, the gas itself is invisible and dangerous. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, follow these steps right away:

✅ Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Smell Gas

1. 🔇 Do NOT use switches or flames

  • Don’t turn lights or electrical appliances on/off
  • Don’t light matches, candles, or smoke
  • Avoid using mobile phones inside the house

Any small spark can ignite the gas.

2. 🌬️ Open windows and doors

Ventilate the area by opening all windows and doors. This helps disperse the gas buildup and reduces the risk of ignition.

3. 🔧 Turn off the gas supply

If it’s safe to do so, turn off the gas at the meter:

  • Locate your gas emergency shut-off valve (usually near the gas meter)
  • Turn the handle to the off position (usually at 90 degrees to the pipe)

Don’t attempt to touch the boiler or any gas appliances at this stage.

4. 🏃 Evacuate the property

Get everyone out of the house, including pets. Wait outside in fresh air while you call the emergency services.

5. 📞 Call the National Gas Emergency Service

If you’re in the UK, immediately call:
📞 0800 111 999 (24/7, free of charge)

Provide:

  • Your name and contact number
  • The address where the gas is leaking
  • Any relevant details (strong smell, whether you've shut off the supply, etc.)

Important: Do not call from inside the house. Use a mobile phone outside or a neighbour’s phone.

6. 🚷 Don’t go back in until it's safe

Wait until the emergency engineer or first responder gives you the all-clear. Only a qualified professional should inspect, repair, or re-activate your gas supply.

🛠️ Common Signs of a Gas Leak (Other Than Smell)

Even if you don’t smell gas, look out for these warning signs:

  • Hissing sounds near gas appliances or pipes
  • Pilot light keeps going out
  • Yellow/orange flames instead of blue (on gas hobs or boilers)
  • Black soot or scorch marks around appliances
  • Dizziness, headaches, or nausea when indoors

💀 Health Risks of a Gas Leak

Prolonged exposure to natural gas can lead to:

  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion or fatigue
  • In severe cases: unconsciousness or asphyxiation
  • If anyone in your home experiences these symptoms and you suspect a gas leak, seek medical help after evacuating and calling the emergency number.

🔒 How to Prevent Gas Leaks in the Future

✅ Have your boiler and gas appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer

✅ Install a carbon monoxide alarm near gas appliances

✅ Don’t block boiler vents or cover pipes

✅ Ensure your gas appliances are installed correctly and professionally

✅ Stay alert to strange smells or unusual appliance behaviour

🏁 Final Thoughts

Smelling gas is always a red flag. Never try to ignore it or fix it yourself.
Evacuate, ventilate, isolate — then call 0800 111 999.

Your safety comes first. Acting fast can prevent serious accidents and save lives.

📞 Need a Gas Safety Inspection or Annual Boiler Service?

At Gas-Go Heating, our Gas Safe registered engineers provide:

  • Boiler servicing
  • Gas safety checks
  • Leak diagnostics and repair
  • Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12)

🛠️ Stay safe. Book your boiler service today. Call us on 02393 782351

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