If you smell gas or suspect a gas escape, turn off the gas at the emergency control valve if safe to do so, ventilate the property, avoid using electrical switches or naked flames, leave the property if necessary and call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.

Natural gas is odourless, but an odourant is added so leaks are easier to detect. It is commonly described as a strong sulphur or rotten-egg smell. Carbon monoxide is different: it has no smell, colour or taste, so a working carbon monoxide alarm is important around fuel-burning appliances.

If you suspect an active gas escape, contact the National Gas Emergency Service first on 0800 111 999 and follow their instructions. Once the immediate situation has been made safe, a Gas Safe registered engineer can inspect or repair an affected gas appliance where further work is required. MP Heating Services can help with suitable gas-appliance work within our registered scope.