The majority of UK homes are heated by natural gas. It allows for instant heating from a reliable supply, keeping millions of Britons warm all year round. However, a gas leak is a very serious fault, and you should act immediately if you detect one at your home.
Do I have a gas leak?
There are a few simple and safe ways to check if you have a gas leak:
Sulphur smell
Natural gas is odourless but has an additive that smells like rotten eggs. If you can smell this in your home and it will not dissipate, there is a good chance you have a gas leak.
Hissing sound
If you can hear a hissing sound, then this may be the sound of gas escaping. Try and pinpoint and see if it is coming from your boiler or gas line.
Physical symptoms
Nausea, breathing problems, tiredness, headaches, and dizzy spells are all symptoms of gas exposure. Also check to see if plant life in and around your house is dying unexpectedly.
What should I do if I have a gas leak
If you’ve detected a gas leak, there are some key safety measures to take. First, alert everyone in the building to the problem and ensure they aren’t experiencing any symptoms of gas exposure.
Call the Natural Gas Emergency service number
If you suspect that you have a gas leak the first thing you should do is call the Natural Gas Emergency service number 0800 111 999. This is a completely free helpline that operates 24 hours a day and can give you further advice on your situation.
Do not create any sparks or flames
Extinguish all naked flames like candles and refrain from smoking. Avoid using any appliances or electrics. Don’t turn any lights on or off, don’t light the hob, and don’t use any other devices in your home. Even a tiny spark could ignite the gas.
Ventilate the space
Ensure there is plenty of fresh air and that your home is as well ventilated as possible. Open all doors and areas around where you’ve detected the gas leak to dissipate it. Even if this reduces the smell of gas, remember to still contact a professional to assess the problem.
Turn off the supply
Many homes have a gas emergency shut off valve at the gas meter. If advised by the Gas Emergency line, you can turn off this valve to halt your gas supply. This will prevent further gas from leaking into your home before an engineer arrives.
Seek medical attention
If you are feeling any symptoms of gas exposure including headaches and breathing difficulties, contact your GP or visit a hospital. Inform them that you have been exposed to gas.
Ensure that your gas supply is safe with a gas safety certificate. At Gas Tech Heating our experienced engineers are fully qualified to deliver a full inspection of your system. They can investigate your appliances and ensure that they are operating safely. Don’t wait until a fault develops, have your home’s gas system assessed by the professionals today by calling 01442 832202 or emailing info@gastechheatingtld.co.uk.
