Quick answer
If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service free on 0800 111 999 straight away. Open doors and windows, turn off the gas at the meter if you can safely reach it, and do not use naked flames, light switches or electrical plugs. If you feel unwell, get outside into fresh air and seek medical help.
Gas emergency: call 0800 111 999 (National Gas Emergency Service, free and always open). If you use LPG, call the emergency number on your tank or supplier's paperwork. If anyone has symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or the smell is very strong, leave the building first and call from outside.
Step by step: if you smell gas
- Call 0800 111 999 immediately. If the smell is strong, make the call from outside or from a neighbour's house rather than near the leak.
- Open doors and windows to let the gas disperse.
- Turn off the gas supply at the meter if you can reach it safely. On most meters the lever is turned so that it sits at a right angle (across) to the pipe. Do not go into a cellar or enclosed space to reach it if the smell is strong there.
- Do not create sparks or flames. Do not smoke, use matches or lighters, and do not switch electrical switches or plugs on or off, including doorbells.
- Do not use mobile phones near the suspected leak; go outside to call.
- Get everyone out if the smell is strong or anyone feels unwell, and wait outside for the emergency engineer.
- Seek medical help if anyone has symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness or collapse.
What happens when the emergency engineer arrives
The gas emergency service (the gas network, not your supplier) attends to make the situation safe. Their job is to stop the escape. That may mean capping the supply or isolating a faulty appliance. They usually do not carry out repairs to your pipework or appliances; they will leave a warning notice and tell you to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not turn the gas or the appliance back on until it has been repaired and tested.
After the leak: getting the gas back on safely
A Gas Safe registered engineer will trace the leak, repair it, then carry out a tightness test on the installation to prove it is sound before relighting appliances. Domestic installations are generally tested to BS 6891 and gas industry procedures; larger commercial installations follow IGEM standards (see gas tightness testing).
Carbon monoxide: the danger you cannot smell
Natural gas has an added smell so leaks can be detected. Carbon monoxide (CO), produced when gas appliances burn incorrectly, has no smell, colour or taste. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness, and they often ease when you leave the building. Warning signs on appliances include lazy yellow or orange flames, soot or staining, and excess condensation.
If you suspect carbon monoxide: turn off the appliance if you can, open doors and windows, get out into fresh air, call 0800 111 999, and seek medical advice. An audible CO alarm that meets BS EN 50291 is a sensible precaution in any room with a fuel-burning appliance.
How to reduce the risk
- Have gas appliances serviced every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Only let Gas Safe registered engineers work on gas; check their ID card.
- Keep vents and flues clear, and never block air bricks.
- Know where your gas meter and emergency control valve are before you need them.
CombiCert in Telford
CombiCert Ltd is a Gas Safe registered (621146) gas and heating company based at The Old School House, Park Lane, Telford TF3 4TG, working across Telford and Shropshire for homes and businesses. We are open Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 19:45 (closed Sunday).
Once the emergency service has made the supply safe, a gas pipe check is £80 + VAT; repairs from £90 + VAT.
See Gas pipe check Telford for details, or call or WhatsApp 07393 220694, or email hello@combicert.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas emergency number in the UK?
The National Gas Emergency Service number is 0800 111 999. It is free and always open for anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide in England, Scotland and Wales. If you use LPG from a tank or bottles, call the emergency number given by your LPG supplier.
How do I turn off the gas at the meter?
Find the emergency control valve next to your gas meter. On most meters the handle is in line with the pipe when the gas is on. Turn the handle a quarter turn so it sits at a right angle to the pipe. Only do this if you can reach it safely.
Should I call a gas engineer or 0800 111 999 first?
Call 0800 111 999 first. The emergency service makes the leak safe, often by isolating the supply. After that, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to find and repair the fault, test the installation for tightness and safely restore your gas. Never attempt to repair a gas leak yourself.
Is it safe to stay in the house if I smell gas?
If the smell is faint, ventilate, turn off the meter if safe and call 0800 111 999. If the smell is strong, or anyone feels unwell, leave the building immediately, avoid operating any switches on the way, and call from outside. Follow the emergency operator's advice until the engineer arrives.
Can you smell carbon monoxide?
No. Carbon monoxide has no smell, colour or taste, which is why a working audible CO alarm is important. Watch for headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness and collapse, especially if symptoms ease outdoors. If suspected, turn appliances off, ventilate, get outside, call 0800 111 999 and seek medical help.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site assessment by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you smell gas, call 0800 111 999.