One of the most problematic situations that can arise when dealing with your boiler or any gas pipes is when you can smell stale gas. Often people tend to panic and make the wrong decisions when this problem occurs which escalates the situation but the best advice we can give is to stay calm and keep your composure.
If you smell gas coming from anywhere in your house, you must first call 0800 111 999 which is the number for the National Gas Emergency Service. This service is provided 24 hours a day and seven days a week and will cost you nothing to call. After calling this hotline, you will be put through to a trained operator who will take your details and help you in dealing with your situation. One crucial point is that if you do smell gas, you should never create any type of flame or operate any electrical switches which could cause a spark. This spark could trigger and explosion and cause serious damage to your property and the surrounding area.
When you call the National Gas Emergency Service, one of their expert agents will ask you various questions to establish the seriousness of the threat and the proper procedures which need to take place. Some of the questions which you need to answer are; the address and area of the suspected gas leak and where the smell originated from and how prominent it is around the property. These questions are asked so you can find out how and why the gas leak has occurred. For example, if the problem has started direct from the boiler, this can be very serious as carbon monoxide could spread around the entire property and can cause health problems.