Find information about boiler insurance in the UK, and learn how to turn off the gas supply.

What you need

A wrench

It is good to know where your gas shut-off valve is, in the case of a gas leak or fire.

Step 1: Find it!! The valve can be found in a whole number of places depending on the sort of building you live in, so look around. Usually the valve is outside, often near the gas meter - it could be in a sealed box or on an external pipe. It will look like a nut or adjustable end in the pipe. If you live in an apartment then it could be located in a shared hallway in an enclosed box or cabinet inside, or in a utility area within your flat.

Step 2: Use the wrench to turn the valve a quarter either way : this will close the valve and turn off the gas. Easy! If you find that the valves is stuck or not moving, then try the other direction. If this doesn’t work then call in an expert as the valve may be damaged and might need replacing - not something you should do unless you’re a qualified technician.

You will also find that there will be a valve on the gas pipe going to each gas-powered appliance. This is usually a hand-adjustable valve, turn the valve a quarter clockwise. Test the appliance to see if it still has gas to ensure it is definitely off.

For more complex repairs and boiler replair work, we say - call in the professionals!