Smell of gas in the house — what to do now
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 switch any electrical switches on or off. Do not use your mobile phone inside the property. Do not operate any naked flames.
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Most likely cause & what to check
If you smell gas (a sulphur or rotten egg smell — gas companies add this odorant deliberately), act immediately. Do not ignore it or assume it will pass.
Turn off the gas supply at the emergency control valve (ECV). This is usually a lever handle on the incoming gas pipe next to the meter — turn it 90° so it is across the pipe (perpendicular = off, parallel = on). If you cannot find it or cannot operate it, leave it.
Open all windows and external doors to ventilate the property. Do not create any spark or flame — no light switches, no cigarettes, no lighters, no electrical appliances.
Get everyone out of the property including pets. Once outside, call the National Gas Emergency number: 0800 111 999 (free, 24 hours, 365 days a year). Do not call from inside the building.
Do not re-enter until the gas emergency engineer has attended, found the leak, and confirmed it is safe. The emergency service is free and will usually attend within an hour.
Once the leak is repaired, a Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect and recommission all gas appliances before the supply is restored to them. Keep a note of the engineer's Gas Safe registration number from the call.
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