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What to do if…
a gas appliance keeps going out and you suspect a leak or unsafe ventilation

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Turn the appliance off and stop trying to relight or reset it. Get fresh air, and if you smell gas, a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or anyone feels unwell, leave the property and call the relevant gas emergency number from outside.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t keep relighting the pilot light or repeatedly resetting a boiler, heater, cooker, or gas fire to see if it holds.
  • Don’t block vents, air bricks, grilles, chimneys, or flues to stop draughts.
  • Don’t run the appliance with a window open as a workaround if it keeps going out.
  • Don’t smoke, use naked flames, or use a flame to test for gas.
  • Don’t operate electrical switches, including light switches, if you suspect a gas leak.
  • Don’t delay leaving so you can find the cause.
  • Don’t enter a cellar or basement to reach a gas meter if you smell gas or feel unsafe.
  • Don’t use the appliance again until it has been checked by a suitably qualified Gas Safe-registered engineer.
  • Don’t ignore headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness, especially if symptoms improve outside.

What to do now

  1. Turn the affected gas appliance off if you can do it calmly and without delaying leaving. If it is a boiler, stop repeated reset attempts.
  2. Get fresh air immediately. Open doors or windows as you move away from the appliance. If anyone feels unwell, move everyone outside.
  3. If you smell gas, suspect a gas leak, or are worried fumes or carbon monoxide may be escaping, leave the property or affected area.
  4. Call the relevant gas emergency number from outside:
    • For mains natural gas in England, Scotland or Wales, call 0800 111 999.
    • For mains natural gas in Northern Ireland, call 0800 002 001.
    • For LPG, use the emergency number shown on the bulk storage vessel or meter if you can find it safely. If you cannot, stay outside and call 999 if there is immediate danger.
  5. Only if it is quickly accessible and you can do it without delaying leaving, turn off the gas at the emergency control valve at the meter. Do not go into a cellar or basement to do this.
  6. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, treat it as real. Go outside, stay outside, and do not go back in until you have been told it is safe.
  7. Get urgent medical advice if carbon monoxide exposure is possible. Call NHS 111 where available if you think you may have symptoms. Call 999 if anyone is finding it hard to breathe, has suddenly become confused, has lost consciousness, feels weak, or has chest or muscle pain.
  8. Arrange for the appliance, ventilation and flue to be checked before it is used again. Use a Gas Safe-registered engineer and check they are qualified for that type of appliance.
  9. If you rent, report the safety concern to your landlord or agent in writing. Say the appliance has been turned off because it keeps going out or you are worried about ventilation, supply, fumes, or carbon monoxide.
  10. While you wait, keep vents and air bricks clear, stay out of any affected area, and do not use other gas appliances that smell unusual, leave soot marks, have yellow lazy flames, or make anyone feel unwell.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out whether the cause is the appliance, flue, ventilation, gas pressure, or another fault right now.
  • You do not need to decide who is responsible for repair costs before the immediate safety risk is handled.
  • You do not need to gather detailed proof while you are stressed; a simple note of the time, symptoms, alarm, smell, flame colour, or soot marks can wait until you are safe.

Important reassurance

It is reasonable to treat a gas appliance that keeps going out as a safety warning. Turning it off, getting fresh air, leaving if there may be gas or carbon monoxide, and getting qualified help is a cautious and normal response.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce immediate risk and get the right help involved. Decisions about repairs, landlord responsibilities, appliance faults, ventilation, flues, or replacement may need specialist help after the immediate situation is safe.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal, medical, engineering, financial, or professional advice. If you think there may be a gas leak, carbon monoxide, fire, explosion risk, or serious illness, leave the area and contact the relevant emergency service.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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