Gas Leak Repair Guide: When to Act and How to Stay Safe

Gas leaks are not something that any homeowner should take lightly. Even though they are rare, a single mistake can lead to devastating results that can be dangerous for you and your neighbours. From health risks to property damage, these gas leaks are unpredictable and have the power to cause severe damage. That's why it is important to learn everything you can about gas leaks and gas leak repair.

Don't worry. We at Serviceteam and our emergency gas repair engineers are here to help you out. Continue reading to find out about gas leak signs, what to do, where to find a plumber for a gas leak and more.

What Is a Gas Leak? (Domestic Gas Leak)

As the name suggests, a domestic gas leak is the unintentional escape of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas from gas-related systems like pipelines or appliances within the household.

These gases are highly flammable, and even a small leak can pose safety risks for both you and your property.

Both natural and LP gas have no colour or odour. Since this makes it impossible to detect any gas leakage, gas suppliers add a substance called "mercaptan" to give the gasses a distinctive odour that smells like rotten eggs.

This strong odour makes it possible to detect gas leaks, allowing you to take steps towards gas leak repair.

What Causes a Gas Leak?

• Natural Wear and Tear:
  Prolonged use can degrade gas pipes, especially in older homes or properties with minimal maintenance.
• Corrosion:
  Metal pipes can corrode or develop cracks over time, leading to gas leaks.
• Ageing Properties:
  Older homes are more susceptible to gas line wear and tear due to outdated materials and lack of regular upkeep.
• Physical Damage:
  Gas lines can be compromised by construction work, renovations, or accidental impact, creating a risk of leaks.
• Poor Installation:
  Incorrectly installed gas pipes or appliances increase the risk of leaks from the system.

Regular care, maintenance, and inspections by qualified plumbers can help prevent these issues. Check out our blog on ‘gas leak prevention’ for more details.

For reliable gas leak repairs, call Serviceteam’s certified Gas Safety engineers.

Signs that You Might Have a Gas Leak

When you know how to detect a gas leak, you can prevent costly repairs and save lives. If you detect any of the symptoms below, it's important to take action immediately.

Gas smell

Natural gas has no odour. However, to help identify gas leaks easily, suppliers add a substance called mercaptan to give the gas a distinctive rotten egg smell, which helps detect leaks. If you sense such a smell, it might indicate that you need a gas leak repair.

A leaking hissing sound

Hearing a leaking sound similar to hissing from gas pipes is a good indicator of a gas leak pipe.

Unusually high gas bills

A gas leak can cause unexpectedly high gas bills, as gas can escape without being used. If you see a sudden spike in your gas bill, it might be wise to inspect for a gas leak pipe.

Health symptoms

Exposure to gas leaks can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea for the victims. If multiple people in your household start to show symptoms like these simultaneously, a gas leak repair might be in order.

Dead vegetation near gas pipes

Similar to humans, vegetation like grass or flower plants will also show a negative reaction to constant exposure to gas. Withered or dead grass or plants near gas pipes are a good indicator of a gas leak nearby.

How Soon Should You React to a Domestic Gas Leak?

Immediately!
If you suspect a gas leak in your household, take the necessary steps immediately.

Make priorities for your safety and your loved ones first. Don't know what to do? Below are some common but effective steps to take when there is a risk of a gas leak in your residence.

Steps to Take in the Case of a Gas Leak

Even though gas leak repair is best left to emergency gas repair professionals, there are a few things you should do if a gas leak pipe occurs in your household.

Turn off the gas supply immediately.

At the first sight of a gas leak, make sure to immediately locate the gas valve and turn off the gas supply. Usually, turning clockwise is the way to shut off the valve.

Ventilate the area

Open any doors or windows to provide maximum ventilation to the area with the gas leak. DO NOT USE FANS OR OTHER SIMILAR ELECTRICAL DEVICES TO HELP THE VENTILATION. The smallest spark can cause the gas to ignite, so keep away from anything that can cause a spark.

Evacuate the area

Leave the area and take everyone in the building with you. Don't waste time gathering valuables and get to a safe destination from the property.

Contact the emergency services.

Once everyone is safe outside, call the emergency services. Avoid taking phone calls inside the property and only use the mobile device for a call once outside.

The Process Of A Gas Emergency Repair With Professionals

Once the immediate danger is over, a qualified gas pipe repair engineer will arrive at the location and do a quick survey of the areas to assess the needed gas leak repairs.

The process usually goes as follows.

Identifying the leak

A trained plumber for gas leak will first assess the situation and give you a quote for the services that they will need to perform. They will use detection equipment like gas detectors, and pressure gauges to pinpoint where the gas leak pipe is located. If you agree with the given quotation, they will proceed with the gas leak repair.

Gas pipe repair

The gas emergency repair process will start by fixing leaks, replacing faulty parts, and reinstalling new gas lines if needed. If any appliance got damaged in the incident, the gas emergency repair engineer will discuss it with you and advise you on further repairs, if needed.

Pressure test

Once the gas leak repair is over, the engineer will conduct a gas pressure test to make sure that the system has no leaks or pressure issues. The engineer will apply gas pressure to the pipes and monitor for a drop in pressure to ensure that there are no gas leak pipe in the system.

Gas safety certification

If you hire a qualified gas-safe registered engineer, they can check all your gas appliances and issue a gas safety certificate.

How to Find a Gas Repair Service Near Me?

Finding a gas leak repair service is easy. However, finding a trustworthy gas pipe repair engineer registered with Gas Safety is the tricky part.

You can try online directories like Checkatrade or Trustpilot, or try Googleing "gas leak repair near me" for some gas leak repair suggestions. Sites like these can be a great place to check feedback as well as ratings given by the people who use their services.

Asking family and friends is also a great way to get some recommendations with personal experiences. Moreover, local community groups and even local DIY stores can be good sources for emergency gas leak repair near me.

Also, don't blindly pick the first service that gets recommended. Gas leaks are not a subject to take lightly, and anything below perfect can cause harm at any unexpected moment. So check the credentials, accreditations, and customer feedback to make sure that you get quality service.

Checking the gas safety register and trader rating platforms like WHICH? is also great for identifying a skilled plumber who is up for the task of handling gas leaks. Yes, this might take a bit of time, but it's a small trade for your safety, your loved ones, and your property.

Cost For A Gas Leak Repair

The cost of fixing a gas leak in London can vary widely, depending on the severity of the leak, its location, and the complexity of the repair. Typically, you can expect to pay between £100 and £500.

Minor leaks, such as loose fittings or small pipe damage, tend to be on the lower end of this range. More extensive repairs, such as replacing sections of pipe or dealing with leaks in difficult-to-access areas, can cost more. Always ensure the work is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer for safety and compliance.

If more time, parts, or materials are needed, we'll provide a fixed-price quote covering labour and parts before proceeding to ensure transparency with no hidden costs.

Why Choose Serviceteam For Gas Leak Repair?

Serviceteam, approved by Checkatrade and Trustpilot, offers fast, reliable gas leak detection and repair services in London. Our Gas Safe registered engineers prioritise safety, responding swiftly to emergencies 24/7.

FAQs

Q. How often should I do a gas safety check?

Once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It's legally required for landlords and highly recommended for homeowners. So they're sure of the safety and efficiency of gas appliances and systems.

Q. How long does it take to fix a gas leak?

Anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the severity and location of the leak. A simple emergency gas repair may be quick, but more complex issues could require additional parts and time.

Q. How do you repair a gas pipe leak?

Gas leak repairs must be left to a Gas Safe registered gas leak pipe repair engineer. The process involves detecting the leak, shutting off the gas, repairing or replacing the damaged section, and testing the system for safety before restoring the gas supply.

Don’t wait—ensure safety today!