What happens if I have a gas cut?

Interruptions to the supply of gas are fairly rare and National Grid (formerly known as Transco) usually only need to do it in an emergency.

In any case where you are worried about gas safety, you should call the National Grid emergency number 0800 111 999 immediately.

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Energy

What happens when your gas is cut off

If you have a cooker or a fire running when the gas is cut, the flame will get smaller as the gas is used up until the flame goes out. You should turn all your gas appliances off immediately. There are two problems if appliances are left 'on':

1. air will start filling the gas pipes instead of gas and could form an explosive mixture.

2. if the gas is switched back on at the mains, it will leak out of the burners and fill up your home with gas.

What happens when your gas is turned back on

Two things have to happen before the gas can be connected to your home again. Firstly, National Grid have to visit your home to make sure that everything is turned off. Then, when the gas is turned back on they have to make sure all the pipes are completely refilled with gas before anything can be lit (called 'purging'). Once this has been done, boilers and pilot lights can be re-lit.

If your street is being reconnected, this will mean two visits to each home by a National Grid engineer - once to make sure everything is turned off, and once to 'purge and relight'.

Note: National Grid are not responsible for mending gas problems in the pipes in your home (after the gas meter) or your appliances. You will need to get a CORGI registered engineer to do this work.