If you smell gas in or around your home, go outside at once and contact emergency services or a licensed gas fitter. Gas leaks pose immediate risks, including fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning, making swift action critical for protecting your family and property.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Australian homeowners need to know about detecting, responding to, and preventing gas leaks.
What Is a Gas Leak and Why Is It Dangerous?
Natural gas is actually odourless. The distinctive rotten egg smell you associate with gas comes from mercaptan, a harmless chemical that gas companies deliberately add to help you detect leaks quickly. This smell is your first and most important warning system. Natural gas leaks can be identified by their distinctive odour and pose hazards similar to those of LPG leaks.
A gas leak can pose three serious risks: fire and explosion from the flammable gas itself, carbon monoxide poisoning from incomplete combustion, and asphyxiation as the gas displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces. Australian homes use both natural gas from mains connections and LPG (LPG) from cylinders, and both pose similar hazards.
Even slow leaks that don’t create immediate danger compromise your safety over time. Higher gas concentrations build up gradually, while carbon monoxide accumulates without warning signs until you’re experiencing symptoms.
8 Warning Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home
The Rotten Egg Smell
That sulphur (rotten eggs) odour is the most recognisable sign of a gas leak. Trust this smell immediately, even if it’s faint. If you smell gas near your gas meter or the street, call your gas distributor’s emergency number straight away – the leak might not originate from your property, but it still requires urgent attention.
Hissing or Whistling Sounds
A persistent hissing or whistling sound near gas lines often indicates high-pressure gas escaping from pipes, connections, or appliances. These sounds may be especially noticeable in quiet moments when background noise is minimal. Listen carefully around your gas meter, appliances, and along visible pipe runs.
Physical Symptoms You Can’t Ignore
Exposure to gas leaks can cause unexplained headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Pay particular attention if these symptoms improve when you leave home and return when you’re inside – this pattern strongly suggests a gas or carbon monoxide issue. Natural gas displaces oxygen in rooms, while incomplete combustion produces deadly carbon monoxide, which you can’t see or smell.
Dead or Dying Plants
Dead or dying plants can indicate a natural gas leak if proper care has been provided. Underground leaks affect vegetation near gas lines, causing plants to wilt or die without explanation. Air bubbles in standing water near gas lines also signal escaping gas.
Unusual Flame Colours
A healthy gas flame should be blue. A red flame is also a warning sign of incomplete combustion and should prompt you to contact a professional. Yellow or orange flames indicate incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide production. If you notice discoloured flames on your stove, heater, or hot water system, turn off the appliance and contact a licensed gas fitter immediately. Black soot around gas appliances is another warning sign of combustion issues.
White Mist or Dust Clouds
Low-hanging white mist near ground level, or dust clouds in still air, can indicate gas escaping from ruptured underground pipes. These visible vapour clouds require immediate evacuation and a call to 000.
Unusually High Gas Bills
Higher-than-normal gas meter readings may suggest a gas leak. If you’re leaking gas, you’re still paying for it – your provider will reflect the loss in your bill. Appliances also use more gas to compensate for combustion problems caused by leaks, driving costs even higher.
Faulty Pilot Lights
Gas heaters or appliances that won’t stay lit, keep switching off, or won’t turn on properly may indicate a problem with gas pressure in your lines. Don’t repeatedly attempt to relight faulty pilot lights – this is a job for qualified professionals.
What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak (Emergency Protocol)
Step 1 – Evacuate Immediately
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and evacuate everyone to a safe outdoor area. In 2026, prioritise immediate evacuation, move to a secure location, and avoid anything that could cause a spark during a gas leak. Evacuate immediately and move to a safe distance from the suspected gas leak. Move at least 10-15 meters away from the property. This isn’t the time to investigate or confirm – better to overreact than to hesitate during a genuine emergency.
Step 2 – Do NOT Create Ignition Sources
Do not use or operate electrical equipment near the suspected gas leak. Do not turn any electrical appliances on or off during a suspected gas leak to avoid creating ignition sources. Even switching lights or appliances OFF can produce sparks that ignite gas. Leave lights on if they’re already on when you discover the leak. Don’t start vehicles parked near the suspected leak area.
Step 3 – Turn Off Gas Supply (If Safe to Do So)
Switch the valve to the OFF position to turn off the gas supply at the main meter or cylinder valve if it is safe to do so during a suspected gas leak. To turn off most gas meters, rotate the valve 90 degrees until it is perpendicular to the pipe. For LPG cylinders, turn off the valve at the top of the bottle. Only do this if the meter is easily accessible without entering a gas-filled area or holding your breath for extended periods.
Step 4 – Ventilate (Only If Safe)
Open doors and windows to ventilate only if it is safe to do so when evacuating from a suspected gas leak. Don’t delay your evacuation to ventilate. If you can open windows on your way out without stopping, do so, but your priority is getting everyone outside.
Step 5 – Call for Help From Outside
Call emergency services at 000 from outside if you suspect a gas leak. In Australia, dial 000 for immediate assistance if there is a strong smell, a hissing sound, or an active fire related to a gas leak. In an emergency, call the Gas Leaks and Emergency services on 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532). If you smell gas inside your home or business, go outside at once and contact a licensed gas fitter.
Once safely away from the property, call the emergency services or your local gas distributor’s emergency line. You can find your local gas distributor’s emergency line on your latest gas bill or by checking your region.
Step 6 – Stay Outside Until Cleared
Stay outside until a licensed professional or emergency responder confirms it is safe to return after a gas leak. Even if the smell dissipates, dangerous gas concentrations may remain. Professionals use specialised detection equipment to verify safety levels before allowing re-entry.
Finding Your Gas Meter in 30 Seconds
The main gas supply tap is usually located near the gas meter, which is typically housed in a meter box. Your gas meter is generally in a metal box at the front of your property, often opposite your driveway or near the street boundary. Apartment dwellers should check the ground-floor utility area or external meter bank.
To turn off your meter, rotate the valve 90 degrees until it is horizontal, perpendicular to the pipe. For LPG supply, turn off the cylinder valve at the top of the bottle. Familiarising yourself with your meter location now – before an emergency – can save critical seconds when every moment counts.
How to Prevent Gas Leaks in Your Home
A qualified gasfitter should service your gas heater every two years to ensure safety and efficiency. All gas work, including installation, servicing, and repairs, should be performed by licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance. Always use a qualified gas fitter to service your gas appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. You should conduct regular inspections of gas appliances to ensure they are working properly.
Installing a gas leak detector can provide early warning of a leak—place detectors near gas appliances and in sleeping areas for maximum protection. Keep the area around the gas meter free of obstructions and combustible materials.
Dust or lint buildup can cause issues with your water and space heaters. Clean these areas regularly to ensure proper combustion. Always use your gas appliances for their intended purpose to ensure safety – never improvise or modify gas equipment.
If you lose access to your gas supply during a storm, turn off any gas appliances to prevent unintended gas flow when service is restored. Before digging in your garden for any project, visit byda.com.au (Before You Dig Australia) to check for underground gas lines. Accidentally striking a gas line while gardening can cause many preventable leaks.
What Happens After You Report a Gas Leak
When emergency responders or a licensed gas fitter arrive, they will take immediate steps to restore gas safety to your home. They’ll conduct a thorough assessment using specialised equipment to detect the presence and concentration of the gas.
Emergency services or your network operator will identify the source of the leak and take measures to prevent further gas from escaping. These include shutting off the natural gas supply and gas appliances if no one has already done so. Professionals use electronic gas detectors, pressure-testing equipment, and specialised tools to locate leaks accurately.
Once the leak is identified, qualified technicians promptly repair it to ensure your gas system is safe and functional. You’ll receive clearance confirmation before it’s safe to re-enter your home. Some repairs fall under your gas distributor’s responsibility (meter and infrastructure issues), while internal pipe and appliance problems are typically the homeowner’s responsibility.
Gas Leak Safety for Renters
Gas safety is your landlord’s legal responsibility, but your immediate safety is YOUR priority. If you smell gas, evacuate first and call 000 or 1800 GAS LEAK – don’t wait for landlord approval or permission to call emergency services.
Property managers who say “don’t worry about it” when you report gas smells are putting you at risk. Gas leaks are never normal and should never be dismissed. You have the legal right to call emergency services and licensed gas fitters for genuine safety concerns.
It is now mandatory for rental providers to send qualified technicians every 2 years to check gas appliances for safety. However, these inspections should be performed by properly qualified professionals; sloppy work during safety checks has caused leaks in some cases. Document all communications with your landlord about gas issues, and follow up emergency calls in writing with your property manager.
Professional Gas Leak Detection and Repair
Only a licensed and registered gas fitter can legally handle gas leaks in Australia. Professional plumbers use specialised electronic gas leakage detectors, pressure-testing equipment, and leak-detection solutions to pinpoint gas leaks with high accuracy.
Licensed gas fitters have the necessary training, tools, and insurance to identify leak sources safely, take appropriate action to fix them, and ensure your home remains safe. Don’t attempt DIY gas repairs – even “temporary” fixes are dangerous, illegal, and void your insurance coverage.
Prevention through regular servicing is significantly cheaper than emergency callouts and gives you peace of mind that your gas systems are operating safely and efficiently.
Your Gas Leak Action Plan
Gas leaks demand immediate, decisive action. If a gas leak occurs, evacuate the area immediately and call for help from a safe distance. Trust your senses – that rotten egg smell exists specifically to warn you. Remember, a gas leak can lead to fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone now: 000 for immediate danger, 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532) for gas emergencies, and your gas distributor’s emergency line found on your bill.
Prevention is your best protection. Schedule the two-year service for your gas heater, install gas detectors near appliances and sleeping areas, and familiarise everyone in your household with the location of your gas meter. Regular maintenance isn’t just about compliance – it’s about ensuring your family’s safety and your home’s security.
If you need assistance with gas appliance servicing, gas leak detection, or emergency gas fitter services, contact a licensed professional immediately. Your safety is too important to delay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Leaks
What should I do first if I smell gas in my home?
Evacuate immediately and get everyone outside to a safe distance. Don’t stop to investigate, use your phone indoors, or flip any switches. Once outside, call 000 if there’s immediate danger, or 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532) for gas emergency services.
Can I use my mobile phone if I suspect a gas leak?
No – do not use phones inside your property if you suspect a gas leak. Electronic devices can create sparks that ignite gas. Wait until you’re outside and a safe distance away before making calls.
How do I turn off my gas meter?
Locate your gas meter (usually in a metal box at the front of your property) and rotate the valve 90 degrees until it’s horizontal and perpendicular to the pipe. Only do this if it’s safe to access without entering gas-filled areas. For LPG cylinders, turn off the valve at the top of the bottle.
Who pays for gas leak repairs – me or my gas company?
It depends on the location of the leak. Gas distributors are typically responsible for leaks in the meter, infrastructure, and supply lines up to your property boundary. Homeowners are responsible for leaks in internal pipes and appliances beyond the meter. Your gas distributor can clarify responsibility during their assessment of the leak.
How often should I service my gas appliances?
A qualified gas fitter should service your gas heater every two years to ensure safety and efficiency. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all gas appliances. Regular servicing catches problems early and ensures efficient operation, saving on gas bills.
Can a gas leak make you sick?
Yes – exposure to gas leaks can cause unexplained headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Gas displaces oxygen and can create dangerous carbon monoxide levels. If you experience these symptoms that improve when you leave home, evacuate immediately and call for help.
What does a gas leak smell like?
Gas companies add mercaptan to natural gas, giving it a distinctive rotten-egg or sulphur odour. This unmistakable odour is deliberately added because natural gas is odourless. Trust this smell immediately – it’s designed to trigger your alarm response.
Should I open windows if I smell gas?
Only if you can do so safely while evacuating. Open windows and doors on your way out without stopping or delaying your exit. Ventilation helps disperse gas, but evacuation is always your priority. Never re-enter to ventilate.
What should I do if there is a gas fire?
If you encounter a gas fire, do not attempt to extinguish the flame yourself. Leave the area immediately and contact 000 for emergency assistance. It is important to keep fire breaks clear and follow all safety measures. Always call emergency services and do not attempt to extinguish a gas fire on your own.
Need Emergency Gas Services? Don’t wait – gas leaks require immediate professional attention. Contact a licensed gas fitter from our team for emergency detection and repair services to keep your home and family safe.
This guide provides general safety information for Australian homeowners. Always follow emergency services instructions and consult licensed gas fitters for specific situations. Gas safety regulations may vary by state – check with your local authority for region-specific requirements.
