Signs There is a Gas Leak in Your Home
To detect gas leaks in your home, be aware of these indicators:
- A distinctive "rotten egg" odour - Because natural gas is odourless, gas companies add a rotten egg-like smell for easier leak detection, relevant for natural gas or LP gas users. If you detect a gas odour in your home, be alert to the potential danger it signifies.
- Hissing or whistling sounds - Stay alert to the source of any hissing or whistling sounds from your gas appliances or pipes, which could indicate a leak.
- Dead plants or bubbles near underground pipes - If you smell gas outside, immediately look for signs like dead vegetation near gas lines or bubbles in standing water, which can signal an underground leak. This signifies gas is escaping underground.
- Unexpectedly high gas bills - A sudden spike in your gas bill may signal a leak, possibly signalled by an accompanying rotten sulphur smell.
- Dirt blowing from a pipe - A small amount of dirt blowing from an outdoor gas line or metre indicates gas is escaping with enough force to displace soil.
- Pilot lights frequently going out - Frequent pilot light outages in hot water systems or appliances could suggest a gas leak interfering with the flame.
Recognising these signs should prompt immediate measures for safety. If you smell gas, suspecting a leak, quickly exit your home, avoid ignition sources, close the main gas valve, air out the space, and seek assistance from the gas company or emergency services.
Immediate Steps if You Detect a Gas Leak
If you discover signs of a potential gas leak, remain calm and take immediate protective steps. Below are essential steps to take if you must halt your gas supply due to a suspected leak:
- Quickly turn off the main gas valve and contact your gas distributor, as leaks may rapidly become hazardous. Find the switch near the gas meter outside your home to shut off your gas supply, and inform your local gas authority to secure and halt the gas flow.
- Carefully avoid all potential ignition sources, especially electrical appliances, to prevent worsening the situation. Avoid using matches, electrical devices, appliances, garage door openers, and mobile phones. Open flames can easily ignite a gas leak in your home.
- Switch off all appliances and open all doors and windows to aid gas dispersion. Expel the gas quickly to prevent accumulation and ensure any odour of gas inside your home can clear in a safe do manner.
- Evacuate the house. Evacuate everyone, pets included, to a safe distance from the affected area.
- Call emergency services. Dial 000 for fire brigade and ambulance assistance, which can respond promptly to gas emergencies. A licensed gas professional should inspect to find and fix the leak source, following any suspicions of a gas leak.
An unchecked leak can precipitate major natural gas safety hazards, encompassing asphyxiation to carbon monoxide poisoning, or heighten the danger of combustion and explosions. Taking considered yet brisk action is pivotal to shield the welfare of your family and household until a licenced gas expert addresses the situation.
Evacuating Your Home and Contacting Emergency Services
Evacuate your home immediately if a gas leak is suspected. Move clear of retracing steps into any structure or handling anything that could act as an ignition source if you can smell gas.
Move at least 100 metres away from any signs of gas near your property or to an assigned public evacuation point.
From a secure location, Phone the gas leak 1800 427 hotline at 1800 427 1800 if you suspect a leak, to rapidly inform emergency services, providing your location and contact details. Explain the gas leak situation so they can despatch appropriate responders promptly.
Connect promptly with your gas supplier by calling from outside on 131 909 to report the leak and request assistance. Providing specifics, including where gas leak issues are suspected, enables them to address such concerns, advise on next actions, and potentially shut off gas remotely while aid is en route.
Seeking assistance from qualified local gas technicians promptly helps minimise dangers from accumulation or ignition. Make sure to Refrain from compromising your safety by fiddling with your gas appliance unaided.
Your local gas professionals employ specialised tools so they can find out the precise location of leaks and repair them to restore safe operation. Evacuating and contacting emergency services or your gas company remains the right response until inspection declares the premises safe from gas hazards again.
Having a Professional Inspect and Repair Gas Leaks
It is critical for keeping your home gas safe and for your peace of mind to ensure that only a licensed gas professional can inspect potential gas leaks and perform the necessary repairs. Attempting DIY repairs on gas pipes or appliances risks leaks going undetected or posing further hazards, violating Australian gas installation standards.
Professionals use sophisticated equipment to detect and repair leaks, ensuring safe operation in line with OEM standards. They can also advise on next steps regarding usage and access to gas appliances.
Routine maintenance with certified technicians, such as gas meter checks, helps prevent leaks. Annual checks of appliances and gas infrastructure can reveal and rectify small defects before they escalate. Trained and accredited gas technicians meticulously address details homeowners might miss.
Avoid DIY repairs on gas systems as they carry significant risks. Legally, only accredited professionals should perform gasfitting and repairs. Ensuring repairs meet strict industry standards protects the safety of your home and family.
Tips to Prevent Gas Leaks in Your Home
There are several proactive measures you can take to help prevent dangerous gas leaks within your home:
- If you detect a gas odour, arrange for a licensed professional’s annual inspection of all appliances. Skilled technicians can detect early signs of problems to prevent gas leaks from escalating into dangers.
- Consider installing a gas detector alarm for continuous leak monitoring. Models with remote smartphone alerts offer around-the-clock monitoring.
- Have a licensed gas fitter install, repair or replace any gas appliances or pipes. Leaks can develop from improper DIY work, posing significant safety risks.
- Perform visual monthly checks along gas lines for abnormalities like dirt/debris blows, dead vegetation or bubbling water indicating underground escapes.
- Ensure the area around your gas meter remains clear of impediments for swift access to the main valve in case of gas leak emergencies.
Engaging with skilled plumbers like North Ryde Plumbing offers essential gas safety advice and support. Our licenced technicians perform reliable installation and maintenance to strict safety codes, helping prevent risky gas leaks in your home over time.
For further tips or to call your local plumbing experts about our services, email us or call 1300 349 338.
