If there is a leak in the gas central heating system, would this lead to increased gas bills?

Question

And what are the likely causes of a leak in the first place?

I mean a water leak from the pipework!

Answer 1

Do you mean a water leak from the pipework, or a gas leak in the supply to the boiler?? Either way it will cost more in gas consumption.

ADDED> If it's hot water leaking out (in volume) you will be heating water which is then leaking away, which apart from the wasted heat and expense will possibly cause water damage.

Possible causes of leaks apart from poor connections, loose fittings, - bare copper pipes set in concrete floor/cement screed eaten through by acids in mix, causing leakage. I have come across this recently where gas and water pipes have been eaten through, over a 20 year period!

Answer 2

I would say the huge increases in gas prices is what you are experiencing instead of an increase in actual cubic footage of gas use. The stuff is like GOLD today.

You can tune a furnace all you want and it wont yeild much gas savings. So purchase of a 90% efficiency furnace is what you might consider doing. Those use less cubic feet of gas.

Gas Leaks plain STINK. There is a stinky additive in gas so if it ever leaks you smell it. Even outside a very small like stinks badly. In a house its intolerable it stinks that badly.

A likely cause of gas leaks are seals on a gas shut off valve. You shut off an old gas valve and it suddenly developes a leak around the stem. Or you might jar a pipe and it leaks around the thread.
Or you might pull out your stove and that flexible line might develope a slight crack and leak. Either way, leaks stink badly.

Answer 3

your question is not very clear.
do you mean a gas leak on your supply pipe or do you mean a water leak on your central heating pipes ?
to both i would say no
you would definately smell a significant leak on your gas pipe unless you had no sense of smell.also it would have to be on the outgoing side of the gas meter to be registering on your meter and effecting your bills.
please phone the emergency number on your gas meter if this is the case .
if you had a leak on your heating system it would depend on what kind of system you have installed e.g combi boiler \ conventional boiler with tanks in the loft etc. either way this would not effect your gas bills.
the likely reason is that you have an old boiler of low efficiency with no form of control eg room stat and thermostatic radiator valves and that it probably needs a service .
i would reccomend you do two things
1. have your gas supplier check your meter and pipework for leaks. also have them check that your meter is READING correctly.
2. have your heating boiler serviced and if needed have the system upgraded to make it more efficient.
hope all this waffle makes sense, cheers !!

Answer 4

If you suspect you have a gas leak you cancall a free phone number and they will check it for free. it's only a 10 minute test.They fit a pressure gauge to the gas meter, and if the water level on the gauge drops, you have a leak. By the way, the gas escapes, and the water leaks. That is the correct terms.

Answer 5

You'd probably notice a gas leak. Its more likely a bad burning flame in the heater (is it blue? Yellow and moving means there is a waste) and have you purged your radiators? air gets in the system so radiators are half empty therefore pointless. Get a key and twist the top side hole with a square in it to purge. Make sure you got a bowl and towel as the water inside can be dirty.

Answer 6

You pay for the total gas used, except of course if the leak comes before the meter. But the increased gas bills will the least of your worries. When you are winging your way to your heavenly home after the explosion your won't have to worry about the bills.

Answer 7

The likely causes for a leak is some one could have knocked a pipe or its an old system.Get it checked out or you could have a water leak and it be a lot more expence for you.??

Answer 8

well i would say yes to cost more in your bills, only if ther leak is on you side of the metre! i mean if i was outside your house then no! btu if there is a leak call 0800 999 111 because their could be a massive explosion and your worth more than that

Answer 9

i would call a certified tech to check into your problem.a small leak over time will cause increased problems later- get it checked out and come up with a solution with the tech.

Answer 10

Can you smell gas, is the heat exchanger cracked, is the filter clean, is the thermostat set way up, need more info