Gas Leaks in Your Home: Warning Signs and What to Do

A gas leak is one of the few household problems that can put your family in immediate danger, so it pays to know the warning signs and exactly what to do. Natural gas and LPG are safe and convenient when everything is working correctly, but a leaking appliance or pipe can lead to fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. This guide explains how to spot a gas leak, the steps to take straight away, and how homeowners across Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills and the Murraylands can stay safe.

What causes gas leaks?

Gas leaks can develop for a number of reasons, and older Adelaide homes are not immune. Common causes include:

• Ageing or corroded gas pipes, fittings and flexible connectors.
• Faulty, poorly maintained or incorrectly installed appliances such as heaters, cooktops, ovens and hot water units.
• Loose or damaged connections behind appliances that get knocked or moved.
• Poor ventilation, which can allow combustion by-products including carbon monoxide to build up indoors.

Signs of a gas leak in your home

Learning the signs of a gas leak means you can act before a small problem becomes a serious one. Watch and listen for:

• A rotten egg smell. Natural gas is odourless, so a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it a distinctive sulphur or rotten egg smell. If you notice it, treat it seriously.
• Hissing or whistling sounds. A faint hiss near a gas appliance, meter or pipe can indicate escaping gas.
• A yellow or orange flame. A healthy gas flame burns blue. A lazy yellow or orange flame can signal incomplete combustion and possible carbon monoxide.
• Physical symptoms. Unexplained headaches, dizziness, nausea or tiredness that ease when you leave the house can be a sign of carbon monoxide exposure.
• Dead or dying plants. Vegetation that wilts near a gas line for no obvious reason can point to a leak underground.

What to do if you suspect a gas leak

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, do not ignore it and do not try to find the source with a flame. Follow these steps calmly and quickly:

• Get everyone outside. Move all people and pets to fresh air and away from the building.
• Open doors and windows as you leave to let gas escape and ventilate the area.
• Extinguish naked flames and do not smoke.
• Do not touch electrical switches, power points or appliances, and do not use your phone inside. A single spark can ignite gas, so make calls only once you are outside.
• Turn off the gas supply at the meter if it is safe to reach.
• Call for help from outside. In South Australia you can report a leak to the gas emergency service on 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532), which operates 24 hours a day, and then contact a licensed gasfitter.

Do not go back inside until a licensed professional has inspected your home and told you it is safe.

Why gas work must be done by a licensed gasfitter

In South Australia, gas installation and repair work is regulated by the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR), and only a licensed gasfitter is permitted to carry it out. This is not red tape for its own sake; gas is genuinely dangerous when handled incorrectly, and a compliant installation protects your home, your family and your insurance cover. A qualified gasfitter can leak-test your system, repair or replace faulty pipework and fittings, service your appliances and issue the correct compliance documentation.

Our licensed gas plumber and fitter team handles leak detection, appliance servicing, new installations and safety checks throughout the Adelaide region, so you are never left guessing about whether your gas is safe.

Preventing gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks

Most gas emergencies can be avoided with regular maintenance. To keep your home safe:

• Have gas appliances, including heaters and hot water units, serviced regularly by a licensed gasfitter, especially before winter.
• Never block flues or vents, and make sure gas appliances have adequate ventilation.
• Replace old flexible connectors and ageing appliances rather than nursing them along.
• Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm as an extra layer of protection.

Gas hot water and heaters: a common culprit

Gas hot water systems and space heaters are among the hardest-working appliances in a South Australian home, and they are also a frequent source of gas and combustion problems as they age. Corroded burners, blocked flues and worn seals can all lead to leaks or dangerous carbon monoxide. If your gas hot water unit is more than ten years old, running inefficiently or showing signs of trouble, it is worth having it assessed. Our team can service, repair or upgrade your unit as part of our hot water system service, keeping it running safely and efficiently.

Get help fast when it matters

A suspected gas leak is an emergency, and it is always better to be cautious than sorry. Once you and your family are safely outside and the appropriate emergency line has been notified, our 24/7 emergency plumbing and gas team can attend quickly, make your home safe and carry out lasting repairs. As a family-owned business serving Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills and the Murraylands, we take gas safety seriously.

If you are worried about a gas smell, a faulty appliance or an ageing installation, call Assigned Plumbing on 0410 063 121 and talk to a licensed local team you can rely on.