Gas Meter Making Noise — What’s Normal and What’s Not

If your gas meter is making a noise you haven’t noticed before, it’s natural to feel concerned. Most gas meter noises are completely harmless — but some do need attention. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Normal gas meter noises

Clicking

A quiet, regular clicking sound is completely normal. It’s the sound of the meter’s internal mechanism counting your gas usage — similar to the ticking of a clock. You’re most likely to hear it when gas appliances are actively running.

Ticking

Like clicking, a gentle ticking sound is the meter working as it should. If the ticking is quiet and rhythmic, there’s nothing to worry about.

Quiet humming

Smart meters contain electronic components that can produce a very faint hum. This is normal and not a sign of any fault. It should be barely audible from more than a few inches away.

Occasional clicks when appliances switch on or off

When a gas appliance starts or stops, you may hear a single click from the meter as gas flow changes. This is the internal valve responding normally to demand changes on the system.

Noises that need attention

Loud or persistent buzzing

A loud buzzing sound — especially if it’s continuous or getting louder — can indicate an electrical fault with the meter’s electronic components. Contact your supplier and report it. Don’t attempt to investigate the meter yourself.

Hissing

A hissing sound from or near your meter is a potential gas leak warning. Do not ignore it.

If you hear hissing near your gas meter:

Don’t operate any electrical switches
Don’t use any naked flames
Open windows and doors if safe to do so
Leave the property immediately
Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 — free, 24 hours a day

Banging or knocking

A banging or knocking sound from the meter or nearby pipework can indicate water hammer — a pressure surge in the pipes — or a loose pipe fitting. This should be investigated by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Grinding

A grinding sound suggests a mechanical fault inside the meter. Contact your supplier immediately — a grinding meter may be recording your usage inaccurately as well as indicating a physical fault.

Rattling

Rattling can indicate a loose component inside the meter casing or a pipe fitting that has worked loose. Report it to your supplier — do not attempt to tighten or adjust anything yourself.

What to do if you’re concerned about a noise

Note when the noise happens — constantly, or only when appliances are running?
Note what the noise sounds like — clicking, buzzing, hissing, banging?
Check whether the noise is coming from the meter itself or from nearby pipework
If in any doubt — contact your supplier and describe exactly what you’re hearing

Your supplier can often diagnose the likely cause from a description and advise whether an engineer visit is needed.

When is a gas meter noise an emergency?

Treat any noise as an emergency if it is accompanied by:

A smell of gas
A hissing sound specifically
Discolouration or damage to the meter casing
A display that has suddenly gone blank

In any of these cases — leave the property and call 0800 111 999 immediately.

Supplier not taking your concern seriously?

If you’ve reported a noise to your supplier and they’re not responding appropriately, you have the right to escalate formally.

How to dispute a gas bill →

Generate a formal complaint letter →

Not sure if what you’re hearing is normal?

Run a free Health Check and we’ll help you work out whether you need to take action.

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All advice on SmartMeterHelp is independent. We’re not affiliated with any energy supplier.