Signs you may have a gas leak

More and more Australian households are using natural gas as their energy source. Natural gas, after all, is the world's cleanest fossil fuel, it produces carbon dioxide, water vapour and small amounts of nitrogen oxide when burned.

This source of energy is used to supply power to a wide range of household products, such as heaters, fireplaces, cooktops, and ovens.

However, even though natural gas is a great energy source it can also be dangerous if improperly handled. As natural gas is extremely flammable, a leak inside or outside your home can potentially lead to a fire. When inhaled natural gas can also cause gas poisoning, so it's very important that any exposure to natural gas must be handled with care.

Sometimes a gas leak can be rather minor and easily fixed

If you suspect you have a gas leak, the first thing to do is turn off the main valve near the gas meter or on the gas cylinder (LPG) immediately.

It's imperative to know how to identify the signs of a gas leak, and how to address it quickly and safely.

In the event you are unable to identify where the leak is located, you will need to evacuate the area and call a licensed gas fitter to find and repair the gas leak.

This action alone could save your life.

Key points if you suspect you have a gas leak:

• Never use a gas appliance if you suspect it is leaking.
• Never use a match or lighter to test for a gas leak.
• Shut off all gas appliances, including pilot lights and gas hot water systems.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate rooms well if a leak is discovered indoors.
• Do not use electrical equipment, don’t switch power points on or off, or unplug appliances and avoid using a phone near a suspected leak.

Signs of a natural gas leak

Is smelling gas the only way to know you have a gas leak? No there is a range of things to look out for which indicate you have leaking gas in or around your home.

• Rotten egg smell

Natural gas is odourless and has no colour. Gas producers add chemicals to create a natural gas smell similar to sulphur or rotten eggs. This is so any leaks will be easier to detect.

• Hissing sound

If you can hear hissing noises, this can be an indicator of larger gas leaks, you may hear the hissing even if the appliance is turned off. It's best practice to check pipes and appliances regularly, to identify any noises and have them checked by a professional gas fitter.

• Air bubbles

Natural gas leaks can also occur in gas pipes below the ground outside your home. Bubbles in standing water or even puddles and wet mud can be a sign of gas leaking up through the soil and into the surrounding air.

• Dying plants

If you take good care of your plants (either indoor or outdoor plants) but have noticed that they are dying, or not looking healthy, this can be a sign of a gas leak. The presence of natural gas prevents a plant's roots from absorbing oxygen and can lead to the plant wilting and dying.&

• Unexplained high gas bill

Should you notice an unexplained increase in the amount of natural gas your household is using, this is often a good indication of a natural gas leak.

• Physical symptoms of natural gas poisoning

High levels of natural gas exposure can cause gas poisoning, which is characterised by fatigue, severe headaches, memory problems, loss of concentration and nausea. With the added possibility of a loss of consciousness and suffocation.

If you believe you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a gas leak contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Know how to shut off the natural gas in your home

Every house that uses natural gas has a gas shut-off valve, which is usually outside your house. Cutting off the supply of gas will prevent additional gas from escaping, therefore preventing exposure to natural gas.

NOTE: even with the valve turned off, DO NOT go back in the house if there is a gas leak. Call a licensed gas fitter and wait outside for help to arrive.

If you suspect there is a threat to life or property, call 000 immediately

Emergency gas detection and repairs in Sydney

It is essential that any gas leaks or damage to pipes, appliances and fittings be repaired by a licensed gas fitter immediately. Our emergency gas plumber team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all your urgent gas repair requirements throughout Sydney.

Contact our on-call emergency gas fitter now - 0488 801 003