Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home (What to Do)

The main signs of a gas leak in your home are the smell of rotten eggs or sulphur, a hissing or whistling sound near gas lines or appliances, dead or discoloured vegetation near outdoor gas pipes, and physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or headaches. If you notice any of these signs, open doors and windows, leave the property immediately, and call the gas emergency line on 13 19 09 (Evoenergy in the ACT). According to Energy Safe Victoria, gas leaks are a leading cause of preventable home emergencies in Australia. Here is how to identify each warning sign and what to do next.

1. The Smell of Rotten Eggs or Sulphur

Natural gas is actually odourless, but gas suppliers add a chemical called mercaptan that gives it a distinctive rotten egg or sulphur smell. This is done deliberately so you can detect a leak. If you notice this smell anywhere in your home, particularly near your stove, gas heater, hot water system, or gas meter, take it seriously. Even a faint smell should not be ignored.

The smell is usually strongest closest to the source of the leak. Follow your nose, but do not go looking for the leak with a lighter or match. That should go without saying, but you would be surprised.

2. A Hissing or Whistling Sound

A leak in a gas pipe or connection often produces a hissing or whistling sound. You might hear this near gas appliances, along the gas line, or at the meter box outside. The sound is caused by gas escaping under pressure through a small opening. If you can hear it, the leak is usually significant enough to require immediate attention.

Check around your gas cooktop connections, the flexible hoses behind your stove, and any exposed gas piping in your home. These are common spots where connections can loosen over time.

3. Visual Signs

Gas leaks can sometimes produce visible signs, especially outdoors. Look for:

• Dead or dying vegetation: If plants or grass near a gas line suddenly die for no apparent reason, an underground gas leak could be poisoning the soil.
• Bubbling in standing water: If you see bubbling in puddles or wet soil near a gas line, gas may be escaping from an underground pipe.
• Dust blowing from the ground: A small jet of gas escaping from an underground pipe can disturb dirt or dust above it.
• White mist or fog: In some conditions, escaping gas can create a visible mist or cloud near the leak point.

4. Physical Symptoms

Exposure to a gas leak can cause physical symptoms, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Watch for:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Nausea or feeling unwell
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Difficulty breathing
• Irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat

If multiple people in your household experience these symptoms at the same time, particularly when gas appliances are running, a gas leak is a strong possibility. Symptoms that improve when you leave the house and return when you come home are a classic indicator.

What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak

If you notice any of the signs above, take these steps immediately:

1. Do not use electrical switches. Turning lights on or off, or using any electrical appliance, can create a spark that ignites the gas. This includes light switches, power points, and even your phone if you are in the affected area.
2. Open doors and windows. Ventilate the area as much as possible to let the gas disperse.
3. Turn off the gas at the meter. If you can do this safely, turn off the gas supply at the meter outside your property. The valve is usually a quarter-turn handle.
4. Leave the property. Get everyone out of the house, including pets. Move well away from the building.
5. Call the gas emergency line. In the ACT, call Evoenergy on 13 19 09. They will assess the immediate danger and make the area safe.
6. Call a licensed gas fitter. Once the immediate danger is managed, you will need a licensed gas fitter to find and repair the leak, test the system, and issue a compliance certificate before the gas can be turned back on.

When to Call a Plumber vs Gas Emergency Services

If you can smell gas strongly, hear hissing, or anyone is feeling unwell, call the gas emergency line (13 19 09) first. They handle the immediate safety response. After the area is made safe, call a licensed gas fitter to do the actual repair.

If you have a minor concern, like wanting your gas appliances checked as a precaution, or you need a gas compliance certificate for a property sale, you can call a licensed plumber and gas fitter directly. We carry gas detection equipment and can test your entire system for leaks.

Preventing Gas Leaks

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent gas leaks. Have your gas appliances serviced every two years by a licensed gas fitter. Check flexible hoses (like the ones behind your stove) for cracks or wear. If you notice your gas appliance producing a yellow or orange flame instead of a clean blue flame, have it inspected. And if your appliances are more than 10 years old, consider getting them tested for safety.