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Quick answer
If you drill into or nail through a gas pipe, leave the drill or nail in place if it is plugging the hole, turn off the gas at the emergency control valve by the meter, put out any naked flames, do not operate electrical switches, open doors and windows, get everyone out if the smell is strong, and call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999. The emergency service will make the situation safe. You will then need a Gas Safe registered engineer to repair the pipe and carry out a tightness test before the supply is used again.
Key takeaways
- Leave the drill bit, screw or nail in the pipe; removing it can make the leak worse.
- Turn off the gas at the meter’s emergency control valve.
- Avoid sparks: no light switches, no doorbells, no mobile phones near the leak.
- Call 0800 111 999 from outside or away from the smell.
- A Gas Safe engineer must repair the pipe and tightness test the installation.
Step by step
- Stop and leave it. Leave the bit or fixing where it is.
- Turn off the gas. Find the emergency control valve next to the meter and turn the handle so it is at 90 degrees to the pipe. See emergency gas shut-off valve.
- No sources of ignition. Put out cigarettes and flames. Do not switch lights or appliances on or off.
- Ventilate. Open doors and windows.
- Get out if needed. If the smell is strong, leave the property.
- Call 0800 111 999. Do this from outside or away from the area.
What happens next
The gas emergency service will attend, confirm the supply is safe and may cap it. They do not usually carry out permanent repairs to internal pipework. You will need a Gas Safe engineer to replace the damaged section, carry out a tightness test and reinstate the supply. See gas tightness testing explained.
Nail through a pipe with no smell?
A nail or screw can pierce a pipe and seal it temporarily, so there may be no immediate smell. It can later corrode or move and start leaking. If you think you have hit a gas pipe, treat it seriously and have it checked.
Avoiding hidden pipes
- Pipes often run vertically and horizontally from the meter, boiler, hob and fire.
- Under floorboards, pipes often run through notches in the joists.
- Use a pipe and cable detector before drilling, but do not rely on it alone.
- Look for the route between the meter and appliances before fixing into walls or floors.
Kitchen and renovation work
If you are replacing a kitchen or lifting floors, plan the gas pipe route before work starts. See moving a gas pipe during a kitchen renovation.
Book with Gasmaster
Damaged a gas pipe during DIY? Once it is safe, Gasmaster Plumbing & Heating, Gas Safe registered (220932), can repair and test pipework across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Biddulph. See our Gas Safe engineers.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pull the nail out of the gas pipe?
No. Leave it in place, turn off the gas and call 0800 111 999.
Will the gas emergency service fix the pipe?
They will make it safe. A Gas Safe engineer will usually carry out the permanent repair.
Does home insurance cover accidental damage to a gas pipe?
It depends on your policy. Check whether accidental damage is included.
Sources
- National Gas Emergency Service, 0800 111 999
- Gas Safe Register, gas leak advice (gassaferegister.co.uk)
- Health and Safety Executive, gas safety (hse.gov.uk)
Related services
Abdul runs Gasmaster Plumbing & Heating and has worked on boilers, heating and gas appliances across Stoke-on-Trent since 2005. He is Gas Safe registered (reg. 220932), and these articles come from his day to day work in homes and businesses across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.
