Why a Small Gas Leak Could Be Costing You Big on Your Bills

You know that sinking feeling when your energy bill drops through the letterbox and it’s a whole lot higher than you expected? It’s not just frustrating — it’s downright baffling. A PM247 customer, Olivia King, recently found herself in exactly that situation. Her gas bill had shot up for no obvious reason. No extra heating, no wild weather. Just… higher. Turns out, a tiny little gas leak was the culprit.

Now, when people hear “gas leak,” they often think of dramatic, dangerous situations. But the truth is, a slow trickle from a valve, like Olivia had, can quietly rack up your costs without you even realising – as our team of gas engineers found out. It’s like having a tiny hole in your wallet, slowly but surely draining your hard-earned cash.

Need an emergency certified gas safe engineer? Call us straight away on 08082 504 203

How Do Small Gas Leaks Happen?

Gas systems, just like anything mechanical, aren’t invincible. Over time, seals wear out, valves can loosen, and joints might start to give way. Even a pinprick-sized leak can let out enough gas to mess with your heating system’s efficiency and, worse still, your monthly bills.

Sometimes it’s due to age, sometimes poor installation, and sometimes it’s just plain bad luck. But whatever the cause, these minor leaks often go unnoticed because they don’t trigger alarms or produce that tell-tale gas smell right away.

The Real-World Cost of a “Minor” Leak

Olivia’s case was a perfect example. She hadn’t changed her heating habits. No new appliances. No frosty snap. Yet her bill kept climbing. After a thorough inspection, our team found a small valve on her heating system was bleeding gas at a constant, slow rate. Nothing obvious to the naked eye. But over the course of a month or two? It added up to a hefty bill.

When we fixed the leak and explained what had been happening, Olivia was stunned. Like most people, she didn’t realise how much even a tiny leak could cost — not to mention the safety risks if left unchecked.

Estimating the Cost of a Small Gas Leak

Assuming a minor leak results in a continuous loss of gas, we can estimate the financial impact using the current average gas price in the UK.

• Average Gas Price: 6.99 pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh) ​Source: You Switch

Here’s a table estimating the cost of a continuous gas leak over various timeframes:

Note: These estimates are based on continuous leaks at the specified rates. Actual costs may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the leak.

Signs You Might Have a Hidden Gas Leak

It’s not always clear, but there are a few tell-tale signs that something’s amiss:

• Unexplained high gas bills (obviously!).
• Low pressure on your boiler or heating system.
• Pilot lights going out regularly.
• Hissing sounds near pipes or connections.
• Unusual smells — though small leaks might not always smell strong.
• Symptoms like headaches or dizziness when at home (which could suggest very low-level gas exposure).

If you spot any of these, it’s well worth calling in the professionals.

Real-World Implications

Even a small, undetected gas leak can lead to significant financial losses over time. For instance, a leak of just 0.5 kWh per hour could add over £300 to your annual gas bill. Beyond the financial aspect, gas leaks pose serious safety risks, including the potential for fires or explosions.

What You Can Do

• Regular Inspections: Schedule routine checks of your gas appliances and pipelines to detect any leaks early.
• Monitor Your Bills: Keep an eye on your gas bills. Unexpected increases could indicate a leak.
• Install Detectors: Consider installing gas detectors that can alert you to the presence of gas in your home.
• Professional Help: If you suspect a leak, contact a qualified gas engineer immediately to inspect and repair the issue.

Why Getting It Sorted Quickly Matters

Ignoring a small leak is a bit like ignoring a slow puncture on your car tyre. It might not seem urgent right now, but it’s only going to get worse. More gas leaking means more money wasted. Plus, over time, that little leak could become a bigger one, and that’s when safety really starts to become a serious issue.

Even beyond the cost and the safety concerns, gas is a precious resource. Wasting it unnecessarily isn’t just bad for your wallet — it’s not great for the planet either.

What We Did for Olivia — and What We Can Do for You

When Olivia called us at PM247, we sent out one of our experienced engineers to give her heating system a full once-over. We don’t just look for obvious faults — we dig deeper, checking valves, joints, and all the little spots where tiny leaks can hide.

After spotting the trickle bleed from her valve, we carried out a quick, neat repair, tightening and replacing parts where needed. But we didn’t just stop there. We believe in empowering our customers, so we also walked Olivia through a usage breakdown, showing her where the problem had been and how much it might have been costing her.

It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about helping you understand your system better so you can spot any future issues early. Here’s what Olivia said about our team:

Prevention Is Better (and Cheaper) Than Cure

You don’t have to wait until your bill doubles to do something about it. Regular servicing and system checks can catch tiny problems before they turn into wallet-draining headaches. A professional inspection once a year can give you peace of mind — and might even save you hundreds of pounds over time.

At PM247, we’re big believers in a proactive approach. We offer routine inspections that not only check for safety risks but also hunt down those sneaky little issues that chip away at your bank balance.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Leak?

First things first, don’t panic. Small leaks are usually safe if caught early. But you should:

• Turn off the gas supply if you know how to do it safely.
• Avoid using open flames or electrical switches.
• Call a Gas Safe registered engineer (like us!).

You should always get a gas plumber on-site rather than trying a DIY fix — gas isn’t something to muck about with.

Final Thought: Small Leak, Big Problem

Olivia’s experience is something we’re seeing more and more often. Modern homes are full of complex systems, and it’s easy for a small fault to go unnoticed. But left unchecked, that tiny leak can quietly hammer your finances — and potentially your health.

So, if you’ve noticed your bills creeping up, or if you just fancy a bit of peace of mind, give us a shout. Our team at PM247 are here whenever you need us. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

If you suspect a gas leak – turn off your gas and call us immediately. Click the link to arrange a PM247 engineer or call us on 08082 504 203 to get in touch with our team today for a consultation and quote. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much can a small gas leak really increase my bill?
Even a small, slow leak can add hundreds of pounds to your annual gas bill. For example, a leak losing just 0.5 kWh of gas per hour could cost you over £300 a year based on current UK gas prices.

2. How can I tell if I have a small gas leak?
Some signs include higher-than-normal gas bills, the smell of gas, low boiler pressure, or odd noises near gas appliances. Sometimes, there are no obvious signs, which is why regular checks are so important.

3. Is a small gas leak dangerous?
Yes, any gas leak is potentially dangerous. Even small leaks can build up over time in enclosed spaces, increasing the risk of fire or explosion. Plus, breathing in gas can cause health problems.

4. What should I do if I suspect a gas leak?
Turn off your gas supply if it’s safe to do so, avoid using any electrical switches or flames, open windows for ventilation, and call a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately.

5. How often should I have my gas appliances inspected?
It\u2019s recommended to have a Gas Safe registered engineer service your boiler and gas appliances once a year. Regular inspections can catch small leaks before they become serious (and expensive) problems.

6. Can I check for a gas leak myself?
While you might spot obvious signs like a smell or a hissing noise, gas leaks should always be confirmed and repaired by a qualified Gas Safe professional. DIY fixes can be extremely dangerous.

7. How much does it cost to fix a small gas leak?
The cost depends on where the leak is and how difficult it is to access. However, catching and fixing a small leak early is almost always far cheaper than paying inflated gas bills over months or risking major damage.

Need a gas safe engineer? Call us on 08082 504 203 or fill in the form here to get a gas leak fixed by a certified PM247 gas safe engineer.