The BBCAlmost 3,000 homes and businesses in north London are without gas after water “flooded” in gas pipes.
Cadent, which manages Britain’s National Gas Emergency Service, said a water burst in the Muswell Hill area on Sunday flooded the gas network.
The company said the “massive amount of water” meant shutting off the supply to every affected property.
“We must remove every drop from outside gas mains, as well as the pipes leading into each property, gas meters, boilers and appliances,” a spokesman said.
“We need to first shut off the supply to every affected property, then drain all the flood water, and only then can we safely reintroduce gas into the network,” he added. “
Cadant said the task could take days.
Areas affected include Muswell Hill, Colney Hatch and Hornsey.
Cadant said a customer support team had been set up at the Freehold Community Center and people could use the Finchley Lido Leisure Center for bathing.
Lal Hardy, who runs a tattoo shop in Muswell Hill, told BBC London: “It’s unprecedented for something like this to happen here.
“I’ve got an industrial heater at the shop, but if it looks like it’s going to be long-term, we’ll have to cancel all our customers.
“Community always gets through everything in the end, and we will get through it.”
Affinity Water said repairs to the burst water main began Sunday afternoon.
“We have replaced the water again, restored pressure to the area and you should see your water return to normal soon,” it said on its website.
He added that discolored or cloudy water is normal, but consumers can help by running a cold faucet until the water clears.