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What Do I Do If I Smell Gas At My Property?

Do you suspect you have a gas leak in your home or want to know what to do in case of an emergency gas leak? We have written a comprehensive step-by-step guide.

One benefit many opt to use is natural gas because it is abundantly found in nature. Also, a gas plant takes half the time and resources to set up compared to coal plants. And while it takes less time to set up, the production also takes less money.

Another advantage is that it is a better option for environmental benefits. The carbon emission in low gas seems better for the long term, considering how much the climate changes every year.

When used cautiously and wisely, it can be around for a few 100 years allowing the sectors to thrive.

But if you have gas in your home as an energy source, you may be at risk of leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning or your gas appliance failing. So observe all the precautionary measures, like keeping your gas cylinders in the shade and away from direct sunlight, petrol, flammable liquids, or aerosols.

You can take several options to protect yourself and your property when you suspect a gas leak, or a minor or major gas leak. The focus is to act fast and not ignore a potentially hazardous gas plumbing issue. The number one priority is your safety.

Smell Gas

  • Immediately turn off the gas supply in your home. You can do this at the gas meter or cylinder.
  • Turn off your gas appliances and electrical appliances. Make sure to turn off the pilot lights. Remember the pilot light on the water heater and other household appliances.
  • If the gas smell is coming from a gas appliance such as your gas stove or gas heater, or from a pipe connecting your gas appliance to the gas meter, turn the control valve handle at the gas meter to the off (horizontal) position.
  • Open all doors and windows and ventilate the area with fresh air.
  • Find the number of a licensed gas fitter and make an appointment with an emergency plumbing team to come out. They should provide same day service.
  • Call 000 if you believe you or your household is in immediate danger.
  • If you can see naked flames, safely put out the fire using a fire extinguisher.
  • Make sure you leave the area, so you are not exposed to the gas fumes

What are the signs of a gas leak?

Inside

  • Strong methane smell of ’rotten egg’ odour
  • A hissing sound coming from an appliance
  • Plants dying (if you notice dead plants not because you didn’t water them, check out for leaks)
  • Household pets vomiting or acting lethargic
  • Dizziness and difficulty breathing

Outside

  • Bubbles from the gas pipe
  • Plants and trees dying
  • Strange air movement
  • The dry patch of ground where the soil is usually moist

What does gas smell like?

Natural Gas is typically odourless and colourless. It has a chemical called Mercaptan that gives off the smell of rotten eggs. It is pretty strong and is purposely added to Natural gas to alert you if there is a gas leak in your home.

Gas leaks are hard to miss, as you will know if there’s a rotten eggs scent due to the added Mercaptan. Without this chemical, there would be no way to know if toxic omissions are in the air.

Is it bad if you can smell gas in your house?

It is considered harmful if you notice the smell of gas in your house. Gas is meant to be contained in the proper piping and not out in the open air to be inhaled. It is a dangerous chemical and is highly flammable. If a flame is ignited nearby, you are at risk of an explosion. Even the slightest leak can silently and quickly fill up an entire room.

A gas leak is considered a plumbing emergency. It should be attended to immediately by your Australian gas distributor and a licensed plumber who can carry out gas works.

What does it mean if I smell gas in my house?

Smelling an odour similar to rotten eggs could indicate a gas leak. There may be a hole in a gas pipe or a gas appliance, or you can find your gas connection could be faulty. The gas supply to your meter may leak, or you may need to check the pilot lights of the gas burners.

Whatever the reason is for the hissing noise coming from your cooktop or the smell of rotten cabbage that you can’t seem to get rid of, it’s essential to get it checked sooner rather than later.

Can a gas leak make you feel ill?

Smelling something gassy is not a good thing for your life or property. It can also be hazardous to your health and particularly harmful to those with respiratory problems, young children and the elderly.

As soon as you smell gas inside your home and suspect an issue with your gas lines or gas appliance, you must move away from the gas leak source. Keep windows and doors open to provide fresh air inside your home and sufficient ventilation.

What to do if you can smell gas outside your home?

You need to contact your gas distributor or gas retailer and organise an emergency appointment if you can notice an emergency gas leak coming from the gas meter or main gas line. Keep safe by staying away from the exposed gas.

Remember: Do not look for a gas leak with a naked flame or another ignition source. Do not operate electrical equipment close to a gas leak. Don’t turn on or light switches off any lights, use a telephone, or use a flashlight, at the risk of causing a spark that could start a gas fire. Don’t smoke, light matches, or use a cigarette lighter inside or while on the property.

Contact a Licensed Gasfitter.

You need to call a plumbing service that specialises in gas works for all gas leak emergencies.

A licensed gas fitter can help and provide emergency services in all major gas leaks and install appliances. They can install and disconnect all gas appliances and pipes and assist you with your gas meter needs whilst keeping your family and home safe.

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