Natural gas and LPG have a strong added smell, often described as rotten eggs, so you can notice a leak quickly. If you smell gas in or around your home, act straight away.
What to do
- Turn off the gas supply. For natural gas, turn off the valve at the gas meter. For LPG, turn off the valve on top of each cylinder.
- Put out any naked flames, including cigarettes, candles and pilot lights.
- Open doors and windows to let the gas clear.
- Get everyone outside, including pets, and stay away from the area.
- Call for help. If there’s immediate danger, call 000. For a leak at the meter or in the street, call your gas distributor’s emergency number, which is on your gas bill. For a leak in your home’s pipes or appliances, call a licensed gasfitter.
What not to do
- Don’t switch lights or appliances on or off, as this can create a spark
- Don’t use your mobile phone inside where the smell is strong. Make the call from outside
- Don’t try to find the leak with a flame
- Don’t turn the gas back on until a licensed gasfitter has checked the system
Common causes of gas leaks
- Worn or damaged LPG regulators and hoses
- Loose or corroded fittings on cooktops, heaters or gas hot water systems
- Ageing appliance connections
- Damage to gas pipes during renovations or digging
How we fix it
Our licensed gasfitters find the leak, repair or replace the faulty part, and pressure and leak test the system before the gas goes back on. In Queensland, gasfitters must issue a gas compliance certificate to the owner for gas installation work, and we provide this on completion.
Smell gas? Get to safety first, then call The Plumbing Gang 24/7 on 1300 671 525. See our emergency plumbing service and gas fitting.