Gas Safety

If you smell gas, or suspect there is a gas leak, you must call the national gas service emergency freephone number on 0800 111 999.

  • Turn your gas off at the meter
  • Open your doors and windows
  • Do not switch anything electric on or off as this could create sparks
  • Do not smoke or light a match
  • Evacuate the property – wait near, but not in, the property.

Gas Safety Inspections

Part of our responsibility as a social housing organisation is to carry out annual gas safety inspections on each of the homes we manage. Gas safety inspections are a vital part of living in social housing. They are essential for your safety, legal compliance, and the overall wellbeing of your home. This is in line with Section 15 of your terms and conditions of your Tenancy.

It's in your best interest to cooperate with engineers during these annual checks to ensure the gas appliances in your home are safe and efficient. It’s not just about following the rules; it's about protecting your loved ones and securing your peace of mind.

If we cannot service your appliance because there is no gas or electric available, we will have to cap the gas meter temporarily for your own safety.

During a gas service our contractor, Sureserve Compliance Central (formerly known as Aaron Services), will inspect your:

Boiler

  • Inspect your boiler controls and ensure they're working properly 
  • Check your boiler for corrosion and leaks 
  • Take off your boiler's casing to inspect the main components 
  • Check the gas pressure 
  • Test the flue to ensure no unsafe fumes are being emitted 
  • Clean all parts, as required 
  • Pop the casing back on and check the seals 
  • Leave you with a checklist and report on your boiler's safety 

Gas Meter

  • Visual Check for any faults
  • Check for gas leaks 
  • Cap meter – this is only done if the tenant has no gas to do checks or if there is a fault and must call South Essex Homes Repairs to uncap. 

Smoke Alarm

  • Test Alarm
  • Replace if necessary – If replacement is not possible Sureserve Compliance Central will raise a job to replace the alarm.

Gas Appliances

  • Test all gas appliances – if they are unsafe then Sureserve Compliance Central will disconnect them from the mains 

Carbon Monoxide Detector

  • Test old detector
  • Replace if necessary

Rearranging a Gas Service Appointment

You need to contact us as soon as possible if you wish to rearrange your gas service appointment. You can call us on 0800 833 160 or email jamiekelly@seh.southend.gov.uk to re-arrange your appointment.

If you have any general enquiries about your gas or gas service appointment you can call Sureserve Compliance Central on 01702 415890.

If it is an emergency involving your gas you should contact the National Grid emergency number on 0800 111999.

For all other aspects involving gas, including service appointments and heating breakdowns, report a repair on our website: Report a Repair | South Essex Homes. If it is an emergency (but you don't smell gas) please call us on 0800 833160 and choose option 2, then option 2 again.  Our lines are open 24/7 for all emergency repairs.

What can you do?

In between services you can take these steps to keep your home safe:

  • Grant us access - visit our First Time Access page to find out more about the importance of granting us access to carry out these checks, what could happen if you refuse access, and how you could win £100!
  • Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out any gas works, including installing a new gas cooker.
  • Be aware of the signs that a gas appliance isn’t working properly, e.g., lazy or yellow flames, soot marks around an appliance of flue.
  • Have an audible Carbon Monoxide detector in any room with a gas appliance. These are provided by Aaron Services during the Gas Safety Inspection.
  • Follow Sureserve Compliance Central's boiler troubleshooting advice if your central heating or hot water system isn’t working, if this solves the issue you will not have to wait for an engineer and you will have full heating and hot water immediately: Boiler Troubleshooting | South Essex Homes
  • Contact us on 0800 833 160 if you have any concerns or questions.