What should you do if you smell gas?

Step-by-step: what to do about a gas leak at home

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) lists six actions to take in case of a gas leak, in this order. EMA treats a suspected gas leak as a gas incident too, so act even if you are not sure.

1. Shut the gas meter control valve. Turn off the gas at the control valve on your meter.
2. Open all windows and doors. Open them wide to let fresh air through the home.
3. Put out cigarettes and flames. Extinguish any lit cigarette, candle, incense or other open flame.
4. Leave switches and appliances alone. Do not turn any switch or appliance on or off. This covers lights, fans, the cooker hood and the aircon, whether they are on or off now.
5. Never use a flame to find the leak. Do not use a naked flame, such as a lighter or a match, to detect a gas leak. Do not try to trace it any other way either.
6. Call the gas emergency hotline. Move to a safe distance, then call City Energy's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1800 752 1800 immediately. This is the number EMA gives for gas leaks.

After the call, follow the gas company's advice before you use any gas appliance again.

If there is a fire

EMA lists a gas fire or an explosion among the gas incidents that call for City Energy's 24-hour emergency hotline, together with a gas leak or a suspected leak. When gas is already burning, though, the first priority is getting everyone out.

Our home emergencies FAQ has short answers to common home emergency questions, and it is worth sharing with everyone in your household.

Who may repair gas pipes and appliances?

EMA says that in homes, gas installation works can only be carried out by City Energy or a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW). Turning piped town gas on or off can only be done by City Energy or its appointed agents. EMA does not advise on individual installations, so ask an LGSW about your own set-up.

The same applies in HDB flats. HDB says gas service works need a Licensed Gas Service Worker, and all gas pipe alteration works must be done by City Energy or an LGSW. Gas riser pipes must not be tampered with.

So if a town gas leak turns out to come from a pipe, a joint or a gas appliance, the repair is gas work, not general plumbing. A licensed plumber is the right person for water pipes, but a plumber's licence does not cover gas.

Preventing a gas leak

Most of EMA's gas safety tips are small daily habits:

• Keep flammable and combustible materials away from gas appliances.
• Make sure there is no smell of gas before you light a gas appliance.
• Open windows when you cook.
• Do not leave the cooker unattended.
• Buy a gas cooker that carries a SAFETY Mark label.

If you smell gas in your HDB flat or condo just before cooking, do not light the hob. Go back to the steps above instead.

For enhanced gas safety, EMA also advises having your gas pipes and kitchen appliances checked by an LGSW once every five years. When you arrange a check, ask whether it covers both the pipes and each gas appliance in the kitchen.

Renovation and gas pipes

Renovation works must not damage exposed or concealed gas pipework, EMA says. Before works begin, it advises arranging a temporary termination of gas supply with City Energy. In a condo, get a layout plan from the estate management before anyone drills or hacks walls.

In an HDB flat, HDB says the gas works on its plumbing and gas works page do not need an HDB permit, but they must follow its technical terms and conditions. Gas pipes must not be embedded in common partition walls, and spaces with gas pipes may not be converted to bedrooms. A gas pipe termination or gas appliance is not allowed in a bedroom or sleeping area; a full-height wall with a door must separate them.

For other works, check whether you need an HDB renovation permit, and read the HDB drilling rules before anyone drills near pipes.

Gas water heaters

A gas water heater involves two trades. Connecting it to the gas supply is gas installation work, which EMA says only City Energy or an LGSW may carry out in homes. The water side is plumbing, handled by a licensed plumber.

In HDB flats, installing a gas water heater or gas oven means complying with City Energy's requirements and engaging an LGSW, HDB says. Installing one outdoors is subject to HDB's approval.

If you are still choosing a heater, see gas vs electric water heater for how the two types compare, and our page on water heaters. Price depends on the job.

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