How to Detect Gas Leak in Your Home

Do you suspect there’s a gas leak or smell a gas leak? Whether you live in a new home or an older property, understanding how to detect and respond to gas leaks is crucial for maintaining your family's safety.

Here are some tips on how to check for gas leaks and what to do if there is one.

Are gas leaks dangerous? How?

Gas leaks pose severe risks to your health and safety:

• Fire and Explosion Hazards: Natural gas is highly flammable and can ignite from the smallest spark
• Health Risks: Exposure to gas can cause dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulties
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Faulty gas appliances can produce deadly carbon monoxide
• Property Damage: Gas leaks can lead to significant structural damage if ignored

How to check for a gas leak

Steps to check for gas leaks that you can do by yourself.

Step 1: Prepare a cleaning spray

You’ll most likely find this in your kitchen. Use a household cleaning spray or make a simple soap-water solution as this can help you find the gas leak.

Step 2: Locate your gas metre

In most Australian homes, gas meters are located outside the property, typically in the front or side garden areas. Before beginning any testing, thoroughly inspect the area around your gas meter. Remove any flammable materials, including dried leaves, paper, or stored chemicals.

Step 3: Spray the fittings

Spray generously throughout the gas metre's fittings and then wait for a few minutes. There’s a gas leak if you find big bubbles coming through the fittings.

Step 4: Call a gas fitter

There’s no better way to handle a gas leak than to call a licensed gas fitter or a plumber who can address it. Never risk a DIY solution as it can be dangerous. Gas fitters have the skills to repair leaks in the safest way.

Remember, not every gas fitter is a licensed plumber. Why not choose Dr Leak, who possesses both? We have the qualifications and extensive training to work on and maintain gas appliances. Our gas fitters also offer emergency gas leak repair and gas leak detection.

Early signs of gas leak to look out for

1. Rotten egg odour

Detecting a gas leak early can mean the difference between a minor repair and a catastrophic event. The most obvious sign is the distinctive smell – gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give natural gas its characteristic "rotten egg" odour, making leaks easier to detect. However, not all signs are this obvious, and it's crucial to be aware of various indicators that might signal a gas leak in your home.

2. Feeling unwell

If you or your family members experience unexplained headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or nausea that improves when leaving the house, this could indicate the presence of a gas leak. Pay particular attention if multiple household members experience similar symptoms simultaneously.

3. Dying plants

Visual clues in and around your property can also indicate a gas leak. Dead or dying plants near gas lines might suggest underground leakage, as gas can prevent roots from absorbing necessary oxygen. Inside your home, look for unusual dust clouds or debris being blown around near gas appliances, which might indicate gas escaping from pipes or connections.

4. Hissing or whistling sounds

Unusual sounds near gas appliances or pipes should never be ignored. A hissing or whistling noise could indicate gas escaping under pressure. Even subtle sounds that seem out of place deserve investigation, especially if they're coming from areas where gas lines are present.

What to do if you have a suspected gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak and there’s no immediate danger, do the following:

• Turn off all gas appliances and utilities
• Open all doors and windows to ventilate the space
• Evacuate your area and switch the gas metre off
• Exit quickly and move to a safe distance, ideally at least 100 meters from the building
• Contact a licensed plumber to get it resolved as soon as possible

In conclusion

Don’t risk your family’s safety. If you suspect there’s a gas leak, call a licensed plumber right away. At Dr Leak Plumbing, our experienced gas fitters in Sydney provide 24 hours emergency response and same-day services. Contact us today or book a plumber online.