Gas leaks are possible all year round as many households opt for gas cookers and hobs as well as gas powered showers and other appliances. But, while Brits are still turning on the heating to battle the cold weather, there’s even more opportunity for your gas to start leaking.
To help Brits identify and deal with a gas leak quickly and safely, gas engineer software provider, BigChange has teamed up with Matthew Powell, founder and gas expert at boiler supplier, WarmZilla, to share their handy tips.
How to spot a gas leak
Look out for an increase in energy bills
Matthew comments: “If you’re noticing an unexpected increase in your gas bill, that’s an indication that you have a leak somewhere. If this is the case, contact a gas-safe engineer to check your pipework as soon as possible. Don’t postpone this as it can cause serious harm or damage if left alone.”
There’s a smell of rotten eggs, sewage or sulphur
Matthew comments: “Generally speaking, if you can smell the gas, the leak is likely quite far along and action needs to be taken right away. For safety reasons, utility companies add mercaptan to their supply, which gives colourless and odourless gases a smell that you’re sure not to miss.
“For most, this smell is described as rotten eggs, sewage or sulphur. If you smell any of these smells, follow our next steps below immediately.”
What to do if you have/think you can smell a gas leak
Matthew advises: “If you think you have a gas leak, you should leave your property immediately, and call the emergency services, or your gas undertaker – the number for which you will find on the front of your gas metre.
“If you can and feel safe doing so, you should turn your gas main off before exiting the property and calling for help. Do not use switches, your hob, cooker or anything that could cause an ignition in the home.”
How to prevent a gas leak
Matthew comments: “The best way to avoid a gas leak is to take some preventative steps and care for your boiler appropriately. Gas leaks can be undetectable until it’s too late, so getting your boiler serviced annually is key.
“It’s pivotal that you use a Gas Safe registered engineer, who will check for any leaks within or outside of your gas appliances. All appliances can have gas leaks so they must be checked on an annual basis to avoid leaks or issues.
“We’re seeing an increase in leaks due to the cost of these checks being further down the list of financial priorities amidst the cost of living crisis, which is incredibly dangerous. People shouldn’t be expected to choose between eating, heating and being safe.
“A potentially more cost effective way to do this may be opting for a service plan from your boiler provider, which sees a small monthly fee in exchange for giving you peace of mind all year round. Alternatively, you can pay for this as a one off payment if you prefer, but be expected to pay up to £150 per service if choosing this option.”
