I Can Smell Gas in My House — What Should I Do?
Check the steps below first — if you're not confident, get it fixed safely today.
Post a job — we'll find you an engineer →Do not use light switches, phones, or anything electrical inside the property until the gas is off and the property has been ventilated. Do not search for the source with a naked flame.
A gas smell in your home is never something to ignore — it's your property's early warning system at work. Gas leaks can happen for all sorts of reasons: a worn cooker seal, a loose fitting on your boiler, corroded pipework, or even a faulty appliance. Whether you're renting, own your home, or manage a property, this situation demands immediate action, but it's important to stay calm and follow the right steps in the right order. Most gas smells are caught and resolved quickly when you act decisively, though occasionally they point to something that needs professional attention straightaway. This guide walks you through exactly what to do — and crucially, what not to do — to keep everyone safe whilst you wait for help to arrive.
Not sure if this matches your problem?
Use our interactive tool — answer a few questions and get a personalised diagnosis.
Most likely cause & what to check
Stop what you are doing immediately. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off — this includes lights, sockets, and appliances.
Do not smoke, use a lighter or match, or operate any open flame.
Open all windows and doors to ventilate the property as quickly as possible.
Turn off the gas at the emergency control valve (ECV). This is usually a lever handle near your gas meter — turn it so it sits across the pipe (90° to the pipe = off).
Get everyone (including pets) out of the building and move away from the property.
Once outside, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 — this is free and available 24/7.
Do not go back inside until a Gas Safe registered engineer or emergency services have confirmed it is safe.
Do not use the gas supply again until a Gas Safe engineer has inspected the appliances and confirmed everything is safe.
This job needs a qualified engineer — post it now
Post the job and we'll match you with vetted local engineers. Free, no obligation.
Was this guide helpful?
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it's actually a gas leak or just a cooking smell?
Real gas (which is odourless naturally) has a distinctive rotten egg or sulphur-like smell added to it by the supplier for safety reasons. If the smell is strong, lingering in multiple rooms, or coming from your boiler or pipework rather than the cooker, treat it as a potential leak. When in doubt, it's always better to call the emergency line — they'd rather check a false alarm than miss a genuine problem.
What if I can't find the emergency control valve on my meter?
The ECV is a lever handle (usually red or yellow) located on the gas pipe near your meter. If you can't locate it quickly, don't waste time searching — get everyone out of the building immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Service from outside on 0800 111 999. The engineers can shut it off safely when they arrive.
Can I use my mobile phone to call for help if I smell gas?
Yes, you can use a mobile phone from outside the property once everyone has evacuated — mobile signals are extremely unlikely to ignite gas. Never use a landline phone inside the building, as the spark from picking up the receiver could theoretically ignite the gas in a high-concentration area.
How much does it cost to have a Gas Safe engineer check my boiler after a gas smell?
Emergency call-out costs vary, but a safety inspection typically ranges from £150 to £300 depending on your location and the time of day. Some landlords' buildings insurance or boiler cover policies include free emergency call-outs, so check your paperwork before calling — it could save you money.
Is it safe to stay in my house whilst waiting for the engineer to arrive?
No — once you've turned off the gas and ventilated the property, everyone (including pets) should leave the building and remain outside until a Gas Safe engineer or emergency services confirm it's safe. Even with windows open, an undiagnosed leak could become dangerous, especially overnight or in still conditions.
What if the smell goes away after I open the windows — do I still need to call an engineer?
Yes, absolutely — you must still call the National Gas Emergency Service even if the smell fades. A temporary improvement doesn't mean the leak has stopped; it may just be dispersing, and the underlying fault could worsen suddenly. Only a Gas Safe engineer can confirm the system is safe to use again.