How to Tell If You Have a Gas Leak in Your Home

Gas leaks are serious and should never be ignored. While modern gas appliances are designed with safety in mind, faults can still occur, particularly in older properties and converted homes commonly found across West London and surrounding areas. Knowing the warning signs can help you act quickly and protect your household.

Common signs of a gas leak

The most recognisable sign of a gas leak is the smell. In the UK, mains gas has a strong sulphur or rotten egg smell added so leaks are easier to detect. Even a faint smell should be taken seriously.

You may also hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance, meter, or exposed pipework. This can indicate gas escaping under pressure and should be treated as urgent.

Changes to appliance flames are another warning sign. Gas flames should burn blue. Yellow or orange flames, excessive soot, or black marks around boilers or gas fires can indicate incomplete combustion or ventilation issues, which are more common in older West London properties.

Physical symptoms to watch for

Gas exposure or related carbon monoxide issues can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or unusual tiredness. If more than one person in the household feels unwell at the same time, treat this as urgent and leave the property.

What to do if you suspect a gas leak

Do not use electrical switches, light matches, or smoke. Open doors and windows to ventilate the property if it is safe to do so. Turn off the gas supply at the meter if you can and leave the property.

In the UK, contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately. This service is free and available 24 hours a day.

Once the situation is made safe, a Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect and repair the issue before any gas appliances are used again.

Preventing gas leaks in West London homes

Annual boiler servicing and gas safety checks significantly reduce the risk of leaks. This is especially important in flats, rental properties, and older homes across West London where systems may have been altered over time.

West Gas Service carries out gas safety inspections and emergency call outs across West London and surrounding areas, providing clear advice and compliant repairs.

If you need help, call 07866 567112, email ralphwestgas@gmail.com, or submit a form and a qualified Gas Safe engineer will be in touch.