Gas Leak or Not?

Gas is one of the safest and most reliable energy sources for Australian homes — but like anything, it requires respect. Most people will never experience a gas leak in their lifetime. But if you ever do, knowing how to react quickly and calmly is what keeps it from becoming a serious incident.

Signs You Might Have a Gas Leak

The smell of rotten eggs or sulphur

Natural gas is odourless by itself, so gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan — a deliberately unpleasant smell, similar to rotten eggs or sulphur. If you notice this smell anywhere in or around your home, even faintly, take it seriously.

A hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance

A hissing or soft whistling sound near your gas meter, a gas pipe, your stove, heater, or hot water system can indicate gas escaping under pressure. Even a faint hiss in an otherwise quiet room is worth investigating.

Dead or yellowing plants near underground gas lines

If a patch of garden near an underground gas line is dying without obvious reason, gas escaping from the soil may be depriving the roots of oxygen. A telltale sign of a slow underground leak.

Bubbling in wet ground or standing water

Gas bubbling up through puddles or wet soil near your gas meter is a serious warning sign. Report this to your gas distributor immediately.

Physical symptoms in people or pets

Exposure to leaking gas can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and eye or throat irritation. If symptoms ease once you go outside, gas could be the cause. Pets may also seem lethargic or disoriented.

What to Do Immediately — 8 Steps

1. Don't touch any electrical switches — not even to turn lights off. Electrical sparks can ignite gas.
2. Don't use your phone inside the building — wait until you are safely outside.
3. Open doors and windows as you leave — this helps disperse the gas.
4. Get everyone — including pets — out of the building — don't stop to grab belongings.
5. Turn off the gas at the mains if safe — the shutoff valve is usually beside your gas meter. Turn the handle 90 degrees across the pipe.
6. Move well away from the building — at least 10 metres, or further if you can.
7. Call your gas distributor's emergency line or 000 — from outside, away from the building.
8. Do not re-enter the building — until a licensed gas fitter or emergency services have declared it safe.

What NOT to Do During a Gas Leak

• Don't switch any lights or appliances on or off — this includes ceiling fans and heaters
• Don't use your mobile phone inside — step outside first, then call
• Don't light matches, candles, or a cigarette
• Don't try to find the source of the leak yourself — this is a job for a licensed gas fitter
• Don't use the garage door opener — the motor can generate a spark
• Don't assume the smell will go away on its own — even a slow leak is a serious risk

Common Causes of Gas Leaks at Home

Corroded or damaged gas pipes

Older homes often have gas pipes that have corroded over time, particularly underground or in damp areas. Corrosion creates tiny pinholes or cracks that allow gas to escape slowly — often without any obvious smell.

Ageing or loose appliance connections

Gas cooktops, heaters, and hot water systems connect to the gas supply via flexible hoses or fittings. These can loosen, crack, or perish over time — especially if an appliance has been moved or hasn’t been serviced in years.

Unlicensed gas work

In Australia, all gas fitting must be done by a licensed gas fitter. Unlicensed gas work is illegal and dangerous — poorly fitted connections are a common cause of leaks.

Ground movement or external damage

Significant ground movement — or accidental damage from digging in the garden — can stress gas pipes at their joints. If you’ve had earthworks near your property, have your gas infrastructure checked.

The Importance of Regular Gas Safety Checks

The best way to avoid a gas emergency is regular professional maintenance. A licensed gas fitter will:

• Inspect all accessible gas pipes for corrosion or damage
• Test all gas appliance connections for tightness and integrity
• Check for gas pressure irregularities that could indicate a leak
• Identify potential hazards before they become dangerous

Most gas safety professionals recommend a check every two years, or annually for older properties.

Frequently Asked Questions