TL;DR: If you smell gas in your Christchurch home, act immediately. If safe, turn off the gas supply, avoid using electrical switches, ventilate the area, leave the building, and arrange for the issue to be checked as soon as possible.

Treat any gas smell seriously.

If you can smell gas, it usually means there is a leak somewhere in the system.

This could be from a gas appliance, pipework, or a connection to a gas bottle or mains supply.

Gas leaks can be dangerous, so quick action is important.

First steps to take immediately

If you notice a gas smell:

• Turn off the gas supply if you can do so safely
• Open windows and doors to ventilate the area
• Leave the building if the smell is strong or widespread

Getting fresh air into the space helps reduce the gas concentration.

What not to do

Certain actions can increase risk when gas is present.

• Avoid turning electrical switches on or off
• Avoid using open flames or lighting matches
• Avoid using appliances until the issue is resolved

Even small sparks can ignite gas in confined spaces.

Check the source if it is safe.

If the smell is mild and localised, and you feel safe doing so, you may be able to identify the source.

This might include:

• A loose connection on a gas bottle
• A recently used appliance
• A valve that has not been fully closed

If the source is not obvious, it is best not to investigate further.

Gas bottles and mains supply

In Christchurch, gas may come from a bottled supply or a piped mains connection.

Both systems can develop leaks, although the source and location may differ.

Bottled systems may involve connections outside the property, while mains systems are often connected directly to internal pipework.