Life Hack: What to do — and what not to do — if you smell gas in your home
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Each winter our gas usage tends to increase: from cooking comforting meals to heating our homes, those of us with gas-based systems should be aware of the risks of gas leaks and what to do if one occurs.
Natural gas in its original form is odourless so a substance called mercaptan is added to it giving it an unpleasant odour often associated with rotten eggs or sulphur. This helps to identify a leak in a quick and efficient manner.
Regardless of your gas supplier, call Gas Networks Ireland’s 24-hour emergency line on 1800 20 5050. If you cannot get through, ring 999 or 112.
When you contact the emergency number, try to give clear information about the associated customer name, address and contact number, where the smell of gas is most noticeable, when it was first noticed, if the gas has been turned off, if the smell of gas outside your home or just inside, and how to access the premises.
Turn off any gas sources in your home, checking if any had been turned on and left unlit, causing the release of gas.
Open your windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.
If you cannot safely do so, turn off the gas at your meter if the smell persists by turning the valve to the ‘off’ position.
If you smell gas, never smoke, vape, or use an open flame as gas is a byproduct of carbon monoxide and therefore highly flammable..
Don’t unplug or switch anything on or off, for example, your lights, as this action creates a tiny spark that could cause a fire.
Similarly, don’t use your phone to call for help in the vicinity of the leak. Instead, phone from outside at a distance or from a neighbour’s home.
A key cause of leaks is an incorrectly installed gas appliance, as well as those that are poorly serviced or maintained and used incorrectly. You should never use a gas-powered appliance if you think it may be faulty.
Faulty gas appliances may produce carbon monoxide, a by-product of natural gas, so it is sensible to install a carbon monoxide detector as this is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas.
You should get your gas appliances serviced regularly by a registered gas engineer — ideally once a year.
Allow air to flow freely for air vents and outside flues and make sure they are never blocked. Become familiar with your gas meter, where it is located and where to find the main valve.