Smell Gas? Act Fast & Stay Safe

By The FixDelivered Team · Updated 2026-08-05 · 4 min read

Hearing or smelling gas in your home is one of the most serious emergencies you can face. Natural gas and LPG are highly flammable and can be extremely dangerous, leading to explosions, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Knowing exactly what to do, and more importantly, what not to do, can save lives and prevent significant damage. This guide provides clear, actionable steps for a gas leak emergency in the UK.

Your Immediate Steps if You Smell Gas

Time is critical. Follow these steps without delay:

Don't Panic: Stay calm to think clearly and act decisively.
Open Windows and Doors IMMEDIATELY: Maximise ventilation to disperse the gas. This is your first and most crucial action.
Turn Off the Gas Supply: If safe to do so and you know where it is, turn off your main gas emergency control valve. This is typically a yellow or red lever near your gas meter. Turn the lever so it's at a right angle to the pipe.
Extinguish All Naked Flames: Put out any candles, cigarettes, or open fires. Do not use lighters or matches.
Do NOT Touch Electrical Switches: Even a small spark from turning a light on or off, unplugging an appliance, or using a phone indoors can ignite gas. Avoid using doorbells, phones, or anything electrical inside the property.
Evacuate the Property: Get everyone out of the house immediately. Go to a safe distance, well away from the building.
Call the National Gas Emergency Service: Once you are outside and safe, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111999. Do this from a mobile phone or a neighbour's phone, not from inside your property. This service is free, 24/7, and they will respond urgently.

What NOT to Do in a Gas Leak Emergency

Do NOT ignore the smell: Even a faint smell warrants immediate action.
Do NOT use electrical appliances or switches: This includes lights, fans, doorbells, landlines, or mobile phones inside the property.
Do NOT use naked flames: No lighters, matches, candles, or cigarettes.
Do NOT try to find the leak yourself: Leave this to the professionals.
Do NOT re-enter the property: Wait for the emergency services to confirm it's safe.

Recognising a Gas Leak

While the distinct 'rotten egg' or 'sulphur' smell (an odourant added to natural gas) is the most common indicator, other signs can include:

Sound: A hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance or pipe.
Visual: Bubbles in standing water if the leak is underground, or dying vegetation in an area where an underground pipe runs.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or confusion can indicate carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be related to incomplete combustion of gas, and also warrants immediate evacuation and professional attention.

Who to Call for Help

For any suspected gas leak, the first and most critical call is to the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111999. They are responsible for responding to all gas emergencies, making the situation safe, and repairing any issues up to your gas meter.

If the leak is found to be on your side of the meter (e.g., within your internal pipework or an appliance), the National Gas Emergency Service will make it safe but you will be responsible for the repair. In such cases, you will need to contact a Gas Safe registered plumber to carry out the necessary repairs. FixDelivered can help you find a qualified local emergency plumber quickly and efficiently once the initial danger has been neutralised.

Cost Implications of a Gas Leak Repair

As a rough guide for 2026, the National Gas Emergency Service will attend your property and make the situation safe free of charge. If the leak is on the gas network's side of the meter, they will also carry out the repair at no cost to you.

However, if the leak is found to be on your property's internal pipework or an appliance, you will be responsible for the repair costs. A Gas Safe registered plumber typically charges a call-out fee ranging from £80 to £150, with hourly rates between £60 and £100, depending on your location and the complexity of the repair. Major repairs could, of course, cost significantly more. Ensure you get a clear quote before any work begins. For urgent repairs, you can tell us your emergency and get connected with a local Gas Safe engineer.

Prevention is Key

While emergencies happen, you can reduce the risk of gas leaks by:

Getting your gas boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered plumber.
Ensuring all gas appliances are installed and maintained by qualified professionals.
Knowing where your gas meter and emergency control valve are located.
Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

If you find yourself needing a Gas Safe registered engineer for a repair after a gas emergency, or for routine servicing, FixDelivered can connect you with qualified local professionals. Learn more about how FixDelivered works and get a plumber now.

Frequently asked questions

What does a gas leak smell like?

Natural gas has an odourant added to it, giving it a distinctive 'rotten egg' or 'sulphur' smell. This is the most common indicator of a leak.

Can I turn off the gas supply myself?

Yes, if it's safe to do so and you know where your emergency control valve is (usually near your gas meter). Turn the lever so it's at a right angle to the pipe. However, your absolute priority is to evacuate and call 0800 111999.

Who pays for a gas leak repair in the UK?

The National Gas Emergency Service will attend and make the situation safe for free. If the leak is on their side of the meter (e.g., external pipes, the meter itself), they cover the repair cost. If the leak is on your internal pipework or an appliance, you are responsible for hiring a Gas Safe registered plumber for the repair.

How quickly will someone respond to a gas leak?

The National Gas Emergency Service (0800 111999) aims to respond to emergency calls within an hour, often much sooner, as gas leaks are treated with the highest priority.

Is it safe to stay in my house if I smell gas?

No, if you suspect a gas leak, you must evacuate the property immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Service from a safe distance outside.

Need a plumber now? Tell us your emergency and FixDelivered will find and confirm an available local plumber near you, usually within the hour.

Written by the FixDelivered Team. Reviewed by Rupert Lowe, Editor. Last updated 2026-08-05.