Yes, but only after you have evacuated the premises. A licensed plumber or certified gas fitter is the correct professional to hire to find and repair residential gas line leaks, but you must immediately report the leak to your utility company first.
What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak. If you smell gas, experience dizziness or nausea, or notice any other warning signs, evacuate immediately and call a licensed emergency gas line plumber, your utility provider, or 911 from a safe distance.
The first signs of a gas leak usually involve a distinct rotten egg or sulfur smell (due to an added odorant), a persistent hissing or whistling sound near gas lines, or physical symptoms like sudden dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999 or via textphone (minicom) on 0800 371 787.
Home gas line leaks are a common issue for homeowners. Typically, these can cost between $150 to $500 for minor repairs. However, more extensive repairs might exceed $1,000.
Everyone in the home should leave the building immediately and regroup at a pre-chosen safe place. This limits your exposure to the gas and puts distance between you and the home in case the gas leak ignites. Leave the doors and windows open. On your way out of the home, open all doors and windows.
Reporting a gas leak and getting it checked out is free, but repairs are your responsibility. Buildings insurance may cover damage from gas explosions but standard home insurance policies won't cover leaks from poorly maintained appliances.
Who to phone if you smell gas. 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.
A small gas leak can go unnoticed for weeks, months, or even years. Tiny leaks in well-ventilated or rarely used areas (like basements or behind walls) often escape detection because the escaping gas either dissipates harmlessly or the added sulfur-like odorant fades over time.
Smells that resemble a gas leak (rotten eggs or sulfur) but aren't include sewer gas from dry drains, bacterial growth in water heaters, old batteries, or specific household chemicals. Other causes include mold, dead rodents, or a malfunctioning furnace exhaust.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Yes, opening a window helps dissipate leaking gas by diluting the concentration in the air.
No, a standard carbon monoxide detector will not detect a gas leak. They are specifically calibrated to detect carbon monoxide, which is a byproduct of combustion, rather than explosive gases like natural gas (methane) or propane.
Plumbers find gas leaks by combining pressure testing, electronic gas sniffers, and traditional soapy water solutions to systematically isolate and pinpoint escaping gas.
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
For example, your plumber might have materials available and can administer the emergency gas leak repair within an hour. On the other hand, they might have to order new materials, which may take one or two days for delivery. Many line repair services take between four and 24 hours to finish.
No, you should never sleep in a house with a known or suspected gas leak. Sleeping in these conditions poses severe and life-threatening risks due to suffocation, fire, and explosion.
The smell of "gas" usually refers to either the rotten-egg odor added to natural gas and propane, or the sharp, pungent chemical scent of vehicle fuel.
How long does it take to get carbon monoxide poisoning? In high concentrations of carbon monoxide, it can take fewer than five minutes to get carbon monoxide poisoning. Under lower concentrations, it can take an hour to two hours to cause poisoning.
No, a faint smell of gas is never considered completely normal or safe.
If you smell a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor, you could have a gas leak. STOP what you're doing, LEAVE the area immediately and CALL 911 and us. We'll send someone to check on the source of the odor at no cost to you, whether there is a leak or not.
Yes, even a small gas leak can make you sick. Natural gas reduces the amount of oxygen in the air, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. For safety, leave the area immediately without turning on lights or switches, and call your gas provider or 911 from outside.
Current natural gas leak detection methods
Natural gas is frequently detected using catalytic (Pellistor) or infrared (NDIR) sensors.
Yes, a gas leak can absolutely make you tired, often due to depleted oxygen levels or gas inhalation. Symptoms of gas exposure frequently mimic the flu and include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
Even if the gas leak gets past your senses, it will always show up on your gas bill. A gas leak will cause your monthly gas bill to spike up rapidly. The meters in your house every ounce of gas used in your home, so it's impossible for it to miss a gas leak (unless it's malfunctioned).