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Although there’s a shift away from gas in Australia, millions of us still rely on it every day. Unfortunately, unlike run-of-the-mill blocked drains or dripping taps, a gas leak is far more serious. If you can smell gas in or around your property, it’s an emergency situation that requires your full attention.
The “rotten egg” smell of gas isn’t something to second guess, neither is it a wait and see kind of situation. Unless it’s something as small as accidentally leaving the stove on, it’s a warning sign of a potential leak, and the safest way to respond is to act quickly and contact a licensed gas plumber.
Below, we’ll cover the signs to watch out for, and why a qualified gas plumber should always be your first call.
Natural gas is both colourless and odourless in its natural state. In order to help people detect leaks, gas suppliers add a substance called mercaptan, which has a distinctive sulphur or “rotten egg” odour. This smell is essentially an early warning system that alerts you to a potential problem before it escalates into something far more dangerous.
The reason gas suppliers do this is simple: gas leaks can be life-threatening if unnoticed. A faint smell of gas indoors, outdoors, or even around appliances should never be ignored. This time, it’s not simply a nuisance, but a sign that your household could be at serious risk.
A gas leak poses two serious threats: health risks and fire hazards. Inhaling gas can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of asphyxiation, particularly in enclosed areas where gas builds up.
Even more concerning is the flammability of gas. A small spark, whether from a match, cigarette lighter, or even flicking a light switch, could ignite leaking gas. The result could be a fire or explosion, putting lives and property at immediate risk.
This is why gas leaks must be taken so seriously. Unlike a leaking tap, the consequences of ignoring the smell of gas are potentially catastrophic. So, if you need help with leaks or another related issue, we’re ready to handle all gas installations and repairs. Call now to connect with a local PlumbCall team!
Gas leaks don’t occur without a good reason, and knowing the most common causes can really help you stay alert to the various different risks. Here’s what you should be keeping an eye out for!
Faulty appliances: Household items such as gas stoves, ovens, heaters, and hot water systems are common sources of leaks. Over time, seals can weaken, fittings may come loose, or internal components may deteriorate, allowing gas to escape.
Damaged or old pipes: Just like water pipes, gas lines can deteriorate over time. Corrosion, wear and tear, or accidental damage during renovations can cause small cracks or holes where gas escapes.
Poor installation: DIY work or unlicensed installations are another leading cause. Incorrectly fitted connections may not be sealed properly, creating slow but persistent leaks.
External factors: Outdoor leaks often occur in underground lines. Signs may include patches of dead grass above buried pipes, bubbling water in the garden, or an ongoing gas odour near your meter box.
The smell of rotten eggs is the most obvious and common indicator of a gas leak. But it’s not the only sign to watch for. Make sure to stay vigilant of all these as well:
Sounds: Don’t ignore any hissing or whistling noises near a pipe, meter, or appliance, as they might be a sign of gas escaping.
Vegetation changes: Outdoor leaks have the ability to kill surrounding grass or plants.
Condensation: Unexplained condensation on windows or walls sometimes show that there’s a leak (especially in poorly ventilated areas).
Health symptoms: If you’re experiencing sudden headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue (particularly when indoors), the cause may actually be exposure to gas.
Noticed any of these signs? It’s better to be safe than sorry! Treat it as an emergency and call us to connect with a trusted 24/7 gas plumber in Australia.
The right response really does make a big difference between a safe resolution and a disaster. So, if and when you detect gas, every second counts. Here are the key steps to follow:
While some plumbing issues are easily handled during a routine appointment or inspection, others are much more urgent. Gas leaks are the perfect case in point.
Licensed gas plumbers should arrive at your door with the necessary tools and equipment to handle the situation in a safe manner. Often, this will involve leak detection and pressure testing, and these techniques can be used to quickly locate the source of a leak.
Every situation varies, but as a rule, they’ll carry out repairs and subsequent compliance checks. This step confirms that your gas system is safe to use again. By calling a licensed gas plumber immediately, you’re protecting your household, your property, and potentially, your life.
At PlumbCall, we have dedicated plumbers ready to assist with all gas installations and repairs, including on the spot emergency assistance for leaks.
In Australia, gas plumbing is highly regulated to protect the safety of all parties. To start, plumbers who work with gas must complete a Certificate III in Plumbing, which includes specialised training. On top of this, they are required to hold a gas fitting licence, proving they have the skills and knowledge to work safely with gas systems.
Depending on their accreditation, gas plumbers handle different types of appliances.
Type A accredited plumbers can work with household items like stoves, heaters, and hot water systems, while type B certifications allow them to work on larger, more complex systems typically found in industrial or commercial settings.
Ignoring the smell of gas can have devastating results. The immediate risks include explosions and fire, which can cause significant property damage and loss of life.
On the health side, prolonged exposure to gas may lead to serious respiratory issues or carbon monoxide poisoning. This has been well-documented in recent years with regards to old open-flue based heaters. Unlike natural gas, carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, making it impossible to detect without an alarm.
Finally, there’s the financial consequences to consider. Escaping gas increases your utility bills, and unresolved leaks will cause damage to property or appliances, leaving you to foot the bill for costly repairs down the line.
Concerned about a potential leak? We’ve got licensed gas plumbers in Torquay, Gladstone, and various other corners of the country. Give us a ring for assistance in your local area!
As they say, prevention is always the best cure, and it’s far better than dealing with an emergency. The best way to minimise risks is through regular servicing of all gas appliances by a licensed professional. During an inspection, a plumber can both detect and rectify small issues before they turn into dangerous leaks.
Additional safety tips include:
If you ever smell gas, don’t hesitate—treat it as an emergency and call PlumbCall straight away. Our licensed and experienced gas plumbers are available 24/7 across Australia, ready to respond to urgent situations.
We’ll use advanced leak detection equipment to pinpoint the issue, carry out repairs to the highest standards, and make sure your system is completely safe to use.
At PlumbCall, our motto is simple: “Do What You Do Best, We Will Handle the Rest.” With dedicated teams on call, we’re here to protect your household from the dangers of gas leaks.
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