Emergency content
If you can already smell gas and/or think there could be a leak, you should call us immediately on 0800 111 999* at any time of the day or night.
The smell of gas within your home can be alarming and should be treated seriously. There are several important things that you need to do if you smell gas;
Knowing how to react to a gas emergency could save your property and, more importantly, the lives of those within it. Here are some tips to help you if you smell gas either inside or outside your property.
Do's:
If you suspect you have a gas leak or you smell gas, it is important that you don’t do any of the following as these could place you in further danger:
Don'ts:
Calling the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999* is an important step when you suspect a gas leak. The number operates 24/7 and is free to call. The helpline will advise you what steps to take next. They will also send out an emergency gas engineer from your local distribution network who will ensure steps are taken to make the situation safe. The engineer will require entry to the property in order to make it safe for you. All of engineers carry ID on them.
They may also advise that extra work needs to be done on appliances such as ovens, boilers and fires. You'll require a Gas Safe Registered Engineer to do this for you.
Always wait until the gas engineer has given you the all-clear before returning inside your property.
Gas safety is something that should be constantly kept in mind in every property. Whilst natural gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) don’t cause an immediate threat of poisoning, they do pose a big risk of a fire or explosion. This means that it’s incredibly important to help keep you safe by remaining aware of the risks and how to detect a gas leak.
If you think you've already detected a gas leak either inside or outside the home, contact the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999* at any time of the day or night.
At Cadent, we want to help protect you and your family and friends from the dangers of a gas leak and early detection is a key factor. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you detect a gas leak and get it repaired.
External gas leaks can be from underground pipes that are used to transport gas to buildings. If you're outside a property and can smell gas, then it's likely that there's a leak and you should contact the National Gas Emergency Service number.
A gas leak in the home is often caused by a faulty or poorly fitted appliance. The leak tends to come from the pipe that leads into your appliance. If you've checked that the appliance is switched off, for instance all the knobs on your hob are in the off position, then a fault in the hose is likely the reason for your gas leak.
To help minimise the risk of a gas leak caused by a faulty appliance, it's vitally important that any appliances you have fitted are done so by an accredited Gas Safe registered engineer and are given a gas safety check or service regularly. Before work commences, make sure you check on the Gas Safe Register website to see if they're accredited.
Gas leaks can often be detected by smell thanks to the addition of mercaptan. Gas is a naturally odourless substance, but the completely harmless artificial smell is added to make it more detectable. The substance injected is called mercaptan and gives off a strong sulphur-like smell, that some people say reminds them of rotten eggs. This gas smell is instantly recognisable to most people and provides potentially the most obvious and tell-tale early warning of any sort of gas leak. If you do smell this gas odour in your home and you can’t immediately pinpoint the source, there is a good chance you have a gas leak.
The first thing to do if you think you’ve already detected a gas leak either inside or outside the home is to contact the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999*.
We appreciate that a gas leak can be a stressful time, so preparing yourself for the possibility in advance should help you ensure you know exactly what to do. Read our guide on What to Do if You Smell Gas to find out the important steps you should take once you’ve detected a gas leak.
When it comes to repairing faulty appliances, work must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer. As gas leaks can be potentially fatal, these repairs should be carried out as soon as you identify a problem and before the main gas supply to the property is switched back on.
*All calls to the National Gas Emergency Service and National Enquiry lines may be recorded and monitored
Gas Supply Emergencies are extremely rare. But if one does happen, you’ll be asked to stop using gas so that we can keep homes and families safe.
There are things you must do now, and things you need to know if there is an emergency:
It’s vital you know what’s needed and take action when you need to. If we contact you because there is a Gas Supply Emergency, you’re legally required to take the action we ask you to take.
Like other gas networks, we sometimes perform Gas Supply Emergency test exercises. This is a chance for us to make sure your contact details are right, and to test how quickly and safely your contact can arrange to stop using gas.
We then report the results to your Health & Safety Executive.
We will clearly state that it’s an exercise and that you’re not actually required to stop using gas.
If you're a user of British Sign Language (BSL) you can call the National Gas Emergency number using the SignLive service. This service gives you access to an online interpreter enabling, you to communicate with us using sign language
CO is poisonous gas that you can't see, hear, smell or taste, but breathing in even a small amount could be deadly. Know the common symptoms to look out for:
Seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms
There are several signs to look out for that could mean CO is present including:
If you spot any of these signs it doesn’t mean that there is CO present, but it might be best to get your gas appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
You can find one at www.gassaferegister.co.uk or by calling 0800 408 5500.
If you suspect a leak, call us immediately on 0800 111 999*.
Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide by getting your gas appliances (boilers, stoves and fireplaces) services annually by a Gas Safe registered professional and get a carbon monoxide alarm that alerts you to its presence?
Do:
Dont:
A CO alarm is the best way to alert you that CO is present. Make sure your CO alarm complies with British Standards BS EN50291-1. Look for the BSI Kitemark logo and purchase your alarms from a reputable retailer Always check and follow manufacturer’s instructions when placing and testing the alarm. But here are a few points to keep in mind:
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