A gas leak is one of the few home problems that demands immediate action, not a wait-and-see approach. Knowing what to look for, and what to do in the first few minutes, can make a significant difference.

 

What does a gas leak smell like?

Natural gas is odourless on its own. Gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan, which gives it a distinctive rotten egg or sulphur smell. If you notice that smell near your appliances, at your meter or anywhere inside your home without an obvious explanation, treat it as a gas leak until you know otherwise.

 

Other signs worth knowing

The smell is the most recognisable warning sign, but not the only one.

• A hissing or blowing sound near a gas appliance, valve or pipe connection
• Dead or yellowing plants in a localised area, particularly near outdoor gas lines
• An unexplained increase in your gas bill with no change in usage or occupancy
• Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or nausea that ease when you leave the house
• Bubbling or gurgling in puddles and standing water near underground gas lines

 

Any one of these might have a different explanation on its own. But if you notice more than one, or you can smell gas, act straight away.

 

What to do if you suspect a gas leak

Do not stop to investigate. Do not try to find the source.

1. Do not touch any electrical switches, including lights, fans or appliances.
2. Do not use your phone inside the building.
3. Do not use matches, lighters or candles.
4. Open windows and doors as you leave to allow ventilation, but only if you can do this quickly on your way out.
5. Leave the property and move well clear of the building.
6. Turn off the gas at the meter if it is safe and accessible on your way out.
7. Contact the gas emergency line for your area. In Victoria, call Multinet Gas on 132 771 or APA Group on 1800 427 532, depending on your network.

 

Do not go back inside until the gas network have confirmed it is safe.

 

After the emergency is resolved

Once the immediate situation has been dealt with, a licensed gas fitter should inspect your appliances and connections before you restore your gas supply. This step matters. It confirms the source of the issue and makes sure nothing is left in an unsafe condition.

Gas fitting work in Victoria must be completed by a licensed gas fitter. If an appliance, fitting or pipe connection was involved, it needs to be properly assessed and repaired before you use the system again.

 

When should I get a gas inspection done?

A licensed gas fitter can check your appliances, connections and pipework, identify faults, carry out repairs and give you an honest assessment of where things stand. If you have had a gas-related incident, or you are simply unsure how old or well-maintained your current setup is, a proper inspection gives you a clear picture.

Older homes across Melbourne’s northern suburbs often have gas appliances and connections that have not been checked in years. That is not automatically a problem, but knowing what you have and what condition it is in makes a practical difference.

Evans Plumbing carries out gas inspections and repairs for homeowners across Melbourne. If you need a straight answer about the condition of your gas system, the team can take a look and advise you on what needs to be done.

If you have had a gas-related incident, or you want a licensed gas fitter to check your appliances or connections, Evans Plumbing can take a look and give you a straight answer. Call us at 0418 365 509 or get in touch online.