What to Do if You Smell Gas in Your Home

Gas leaks can be very dangerous - not only can they lead to poisoning, but they can sometimes be fatal. If you are unaware of how to identify a leak, you may not pick up on the signs at all.

There are several ways to reduce the chance of a dangerous situation in your household, and Rightio offers many services to keep you safe.

Rightio is here to advise you on the signs of a gas leak, as well as the steps to take if you suspect this in your home.

What does gas smell like?

Gas itself has no smell, so a harmless chemical called Mercaptan is added to ensure that a leak is detectable. Mercaptan has the distinctive scent of rotten cabbage.

What to do if you smell gas

• If you smell gas in your home, it's essential to ventilate the area by opening all windows and doors. Your gas emergency control valve at the meter should immediately be turned off, but if this is located in the basement or cellar, you mustn't enter.
• Exit your home quickly and notify any occupants attached to the premises as gas can seep through walls and floors, so they could also be at risk.
• Stay outdoors until you have called the national gas emergency service and wait until a gas engineer arrives. Follow their instructions and advice if an issue is reported with an appliance - an emergency boiler repair may be necessary.
• It's essential to seek medical help if anyone is feeling unwell or showing symptoms of gas inhalation, such as a headache, nausea, dizziness, or eye and throat irritation.

How to check for a gas leak in your house

To check for a gas leak in your house, there are several signs to look out for.

• A rotten cabbage smell will linger in the air.
• A whistling sound near a gas line.
• Bubbles, a white cloud, or dust in standing water.
• Plants dying unexpectedly.
• A clear damaged connection to a gas line.

What causes a gas leak?

A faulty appliance typically causes a gas leak. The gas flowing inside the appliance leaks into the air rather than staying contained in the appliance. So it's important to be careful with old or second-hand appliances, as this could be a risk.

It's vital to ensure that you book an annual boiler service for your safety. Doing so will outline any issues that could become severe in the long term, as well as potentially identifying or preventing a leaking boiler. Not only could it reduce the likelihood of many boiler repairs in the future, but you will also receive a boiler service certificate to give you peace of mind. But overall, understanding the actions to take if you suspect a gas leak is crucial.