Spotting a huge spider or a menacing-looking rat is scary, but so too is a sudden blackout or a light fitting crashing to the floor in the dead of night. But do you know what’s even scarier when you’re at home? The whiff of gas. If your home is experiencing a gas leak, do you know what to do?
This guide explains how to spot the warning signs of a gas leak, the immediate steps to take to keep everyone safe, who to call, and also covers the causes, health risks, prevention tips, costs, and legal responsibilities every Australian household should know. It is essential to be aware of the following precautions for Australian gas emergencies, including contacting local Australian gas emergency services and using the correct emergency contact numbers.
What Causes a Gas Leak?
A gas leak occurs when gas unintentionally escapes from pipes, appliances, or cylinders due to damage, corrosion, poor installation, or external factors.
- Old, rusted or damaged pipes.
- Gas appliances with worn seals, loose fittings or faults.
- Poor or unlicensed installation work.
- Underground movement from roots, soil shifting or construction. Before any excavation work, always contact ‘Before You Dig Australia’ to prevent damaging underground gas lines and ensure safety compliance.
A potential gas leak should always be taken seriously and investigated immediately.
Even small leaks are extremely dangerous, which is why prevention and fast action matter.
How to Spot a Gas Leak
To detect gas leaks, always be alert for the strong, distinctive odour added to natural gas and LPG, which is designed to help you quickly identify a potential leak and prevent accidents.
Do you smell rotten eggs? That could be the additive called mercaptan which is deliberately added to LPG and natural gas to alert you. If you smell gas inside your home, treat it as a serious safety concern—take immediate action and avoid using electrical switches or open flames.
Do you hear hissing or whistling, or see hazy air? Those are signs of gas escaping from an appliance, pipe or connection.
Has part of your garden suddenly died off? That could be an underground gas line leak causing dead patches in your lawn and plants.
Do you feel unwell? A slow gas leak can be invisible but still dangerous – common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing or worse.
Health Risks of a Gas Leak
Leaking gas doesn’t just smell bad – it’s bad for your health. Common short term symptoms include:
- Headaches, nausea, dizziness.
- Fatigue and confusion.
- Irritated eyes, throat or chest.
Prolonged exposure can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which is odourless, dangerous and even fatal. If you ever feel ill indoors but better outside, that’s a major warning sign.
Types of Gas Leaks: Natural Gas vs LPG
- Natural Gas is lighter than air, so it rises and disperses outdoors but can still trap and explode in enclosed areas. In emergencies such as bushfires or gas leaks, it is important to turn off your natural gas supply to prevent leaks and explosions.
- LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) (also known as LP gas) is heavier than air, collecting in basements, cupboards or low-lying areas — making it very dangerous indoors. In the event of a leak or fire emergency involving LP gas, ensure proper ventilation and shut off the LP gas supply system safely.
You can often identify which type you use by checking your gas bill or cylinder. A sudden spike in your gas bill may indicate a leak or inefficiency in your gas system.
A healthy gas appliance should have a blue flame; a yellow or red flame may signal incomplete combustion or a possible gas leak.
Knowing which type you use (you’ll see it on your bill or cylinder) will help you report and describe issues clearly to emergency services, and know how to turn off your gas supply in an emergency.
Outdoor Signs of a Gas Leak
Gas leaks aren’t confined to your kitchen or living room. Warning signs outdoors include:
- Dead or discoloured grass over buried pipelines.
- Bubbling puddles or damp areas.
- Gas smells around your meter. Check your meter box for the main gas shut-off valve, which is usually located inside or near the meter box.
- Hissing or whistling from external pipes, cylinders or fittings.
If you notice any of these signs outside your home, contact your gas distributor immediately, as they are responsible for managing the natural gas infrastructure and can address safety concerns. Never ignore these – buried leaks are just as hazardous as indoor ones.
Gas Appliances and Maintenance: Keeping Your Home Safe
Keeping your home safe starts with looking after your gas appliances. Schedule a licensed gas fitter to service your gas heater and other gas appliances every two years, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Clean your gas cooktops and ovens regularly to prevent the buildup of fat and burnt food, which can increase the risk of gas fires and leaks. Always check your gas meter and the area around it for any unusual smells—if you notice the smell of rotten eggs or hear a hissing sound, you could have a gas leak. In these situations, never operate electrical equipment close to the suspected leak, as even a small spark can ignite the gas. If you suspect a problem, don’t try to fix it yourself—call a licensed gas fitter immediately to ensure your gas safety and protect your home from potential leaks.
Gas Leak in House – What To Do (10 Steps)
If you even suspect a leak, don’t panic – but act quickly and decisively.
- Act quickly & calmly – Stay level-headed and move with purpose.
- Evacuate – Get all people and pets out immediately. Open windows and doors if time allows, but don’t delay.
- No flames or sparks – Don’t switch anything on or off. No stoves, no lights, no phones indoors. Even a spark could ignite gas. If a gas fire is present, do not attempt to extinguish it yourself—move to safety immediately and let emergency services handle it.
- Turn off the power – If safe to do so, switch off mains power. If not, move to a safe location. If you are in a bushfire or fire emergency, and it is safe, create fire breaks to help prevent the spread of fire.
- Call emergency services – If you need police, fire or medical assistance right now, there’s no number to call except 000.
- Non-emergency assistance – If you still think the police need to know about your situation but no one’s life is in immediate peril, the number to call is 131 444.
- Call 1800 GAS LEAK – You should also report a gas leak, especially if you can still smell it in the street or beyond your own home, by calling 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532). Don’t worry, you can call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Call your gas provider – There are multiple gas providers in and around Sydney, so whip out a gas bill and call the one that is relevant to your property. If they have a customer service or emergency contact number, that’s the one to call.
- Call local authorities – If you’re at a loss or need help from your local authorities or government agencies to report a gas problem, try the New South Wales Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment – or the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW.
- Call your neighbours – Warn those nearby in case they are also at risk.
Note: Do not attempt to relight a pilot light or operate any gas appliance until the area has been declared safe by emergency services or your Australian gas provider.
Preventing Gas Fires in Your Home
Gas fires can start quickly if you’re not careful with ignition sources like lighters, matches, or electrical appliances. Never leave cooking oil or fat unattended on the stove, as it can catch fire and turn a small fire into a major emergency. Keep a small fire extinguisher and a fire blanket in your kitchen, and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use them. Always use your gas appliances for their intended use—don’t use a gas oven or cooker to heat your home, for example. If you suspect a gas leak, open doors and windows to ventilate the area, and avoid using electrical switches or naked flames. Never attempt to repair a gas leak yourself; instead, call a licensed gas fitter to handle the situation safely. Following these precautions will help prevent gas fires and keep your home secure.
How to Prevent Gas Leaks
Some simple maintenance now can prevent emergencies later:
- Service all gas appliances every two years by a licensed fitter.
- Install gas detectors or carbon monoxide alarms.
- Keep ventilation areas around stoves, heaters and hot water systems clear.
Never do it yourself – it’s illegal and dangerous. All gas work must be performed by a licensed professional. Never use gas appliances in a confined space, as gas accumulation can lead to hazardous conditions.
Understanding Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Threat
Carbon monoxide is a silent and deadly threat that every natural gas user should take seriously. This colorless, odorless gas is produced when gas appliances don’t burn fuel completely, often due to poor installation or lack of maintenance. In confined spaces, carbon monoxide can build up quickly, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning—a serious risk for anyone using a gas heater or other gas appliances. To protect your household, always have your gas appliances installed and serviced by a licensed gas fitter, and never use them in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is a smart move, as these devices can alert you to the presence of dangerous gases before symptoms appear. Stay vigilant and make carbon monoxide safety a priority in your home.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning starts with proper care and use of your gas appliances. Never use gas appliances in confined spaces without adequate ventilation—always keep doors and windows open to allow fresh air to circulate. Make sure vents and chimneys are clear and unblocked, and never operate electrical equipment close to a suspected gas leak or in an affected area. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call emergency services for help. Don’t try to fix the problem yourself; instead, rely on a licensed gas fitter to inspect and repair your appliances. Regular servicing, good ventilation, and prompt action if you suspect a leak are the best ways to protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide. If you or anyone in your home experiences symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, seek medical attention right away.
Gas Leaks and Your Obligations
In Australia, your obligations vary:
- Landlords/Property Managers – Provide safe, serviced and compliant gas appliances.
- Tenants – Report suspected leaks and don’t touch appliances.
- Homeowners – Fully responsible for maintenance, servicing and safe use of gas systems.
Not meeting these obligations can result in fines, insurance issues or tenancy breaches.
Gas Detectors & Alarms
For extra peace of mind you can install:
- Gas detectors – detect leaks and sound an alarm.
- Carbon monoxide alarms – detect invisible, odourless gases.
These are relatively cheap but could save lives.
Gas Leak Costs in Australia
Not all leaks come with a big bill but it’s good to know what to expect:
- Emergency plumber/gas fitter call-out: $150–$250 after hours.
- Minor repairs (valve, seal, connector): $150–$300.
- Major jobs (pipe replacement, appliance repairs): $500+.
Your insurance may cover sudden leaks or damage but won’t cover long term neglect or DIY mistakes.
Why You Need a Licensed Gas Fitter
Licensed gas fitters are the only people who can:
- Install or service gas systems.
- Test, repair and sign off appliances.
- Provide compliance certificates for insurers.
Using anyone else is illegal and dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Leaks
Will a small gas leak fix itself?
No – leaks get worse.
How long before a leak explodes?
It depends on gas concentration. Even a small spark can ignite it at any time.
Who pays if I rent?
Usually the landlord unless tenant caused the leak.
Can I check for leaks myself?
Yes but safely – use soapy water on connections (never a flame). If you suspect a leak, do not attempt to operate any gas appliance or relight pilot lights. Always follow safety guidelines and contact a qualified professional.
What Happens After You Report a Gas Leak
Once you’ve reported the leak here’s what happens next:
- Supply is turned off by emergency services or your provider.
- A licensed gas fitter inspects pipes, appliances and connections.
- Pressure testing is done to find hidden leaks.
- Faults are fixed or appliances replaced.
- 5. A compliance certificate is issued.
Gas Leak What To Do – Call Rapid Service Plumbing
Gas emergency all sorted? Remember, Rapid Service Plumbing also offer 24 hour Sydney emergency plumbers & gas fitting services – so if you detect that familiar and foul whiff of gas, give our friendly, licensed and attentive team a call and we’ll know exactly what to do instantly. Once any emergency is sorted, we’ll professionally inspect your entire gas system and all appliances to get to the bottom of what’s wrong and put it right or replace it.
Need a Sydney gas fitter? For 24/7 services, advice, obligation-free quotes and fully-guaranteed workmanship for life, Rapid Service Plumbing will know what to do if you have a gas leak. Never hesitate to give us a shout.
