Do not try to fix a leaking gas fitting yourself. Evacuate, avoid anything that could ignite the gas and call from outside. An appropriately licensed or authorised gasfitter must repair and test the installation before it is used again.
What to do immediately
- Move everyone outside. Do not remain inside to find the leak.
- Do not smoke, use flames, operate electrical switches or appliances, or use a mobile phone in the affected area.
- Turn off the gas supply only if the shut-off valve is safely accessible and you already know how to operate it. Do not approach it if gas is strongly smelled or audibly escaping.
- Do not re-enter to open doors or windows.
- From a safe location, call Triple Zero (000) if there is fire, illness, structural damage, an overwhelming gas smell or any immediate danger to life or property.
- Otherwise, contact the gas distributor or an appropriately licensed gasfitter. Distributor details are generally shown on the gas bill or meter information; check them only when safe.
Never use a flame to check for gas leaks. Do not tighten, dismantle or patch the fitting with tape, sealant, glue or rubber.
How the fitting is repaired
The gasfitter will identify the faulty connection, complete the appropriate repair and perform required leak and safety checks before restoring service. Different fittings use different sealing methods, so tightening or applying sealant without identifying the connection can worsen the leak.
A fading smell does not confirm that the leak has stopped. Keep the affected appliance or installation off until it has been tested and declared safe.
Who may repair it in NSW?
Gasfitting is specialist work in NSW. It must be performed by someone holding the appropriate NSW authority for that work, in accordance with NSW Fair Trading requirements.
For a fitting on an appliance or within the property installation, contact our Sydney plumbing team from outside the affected area to arrange an appropriately authorised gasfitter. For a suspected meter or distribution-network leak, contact the relevant gas distributor.