My gas boiler is no longer working after work was carried out on the gas network. What should I do?

If your distribution network operator (such as Sibelga in Brussels) carries out work on the gas network, air may enter your gas installation.

• If you are present during the work, the technicians will remove the air. They will also test the tightness of your installation to check that there are no gas leaks.
• If you are not present, the technicians will only test the tightness of your installation.

In both cases, the technicians will leave a document in your letterbox and you will also receive a letter explaining that you must purge your gas pipes before reopening the meter tap.

What happens when there is air in your gas pipes?

The air in the gas pipes forms a bubble. When this bubble reaches your appliances, several reactions can occur:

Gas boiler or water heater

The appliance automatically switches to safety mode. You will then have no heating or hot water.

Gas cooker

The burner flame goes out when the air bubble rises to the surface. The latest models automatically cut off the gas supply. However, older appliances do not have this mandatory safety mechanism and allow gas to escape, which can be dangerous.

How do you bleed air from the pipes?

If you have a gas cooker, you can easily bleed the air yourself. Follow these steps:

1. Check that the tap on your gas meter is closed.
2. Close all the gas supply taps on your appliances (boiler, water heater, gas cooker, etc.).
3. Open the tap on your gas meter.
4. Light one of the burners on your gas cooker.
5. If the flame does not light or goes out immediately, continue to light it until you get a steady flame.
6. Leave it burning long enough to remove all the air from the system. Always stay close to the appliance until the purge is complete. The duration of this operation varies from one installation to another. It usually only takes a few minutes..

Do you have a gas boiler or water heater? Call in a certified gas installer. Some technical work will be necessary to purge your installation.

My gas meter is sealed. What should I do?

If you notice that the network operator has sealed your gas meter, this means that a gas leak was detected in your installation during the leak test.

You must then call in a certified installer to repair your installation. Then ask your network operator to reopen the meter.

Under no circumstances should you break the seal! This is prohibited and could result in a hefty fine.