Recognise a possible gas leak by an unusual added-gas odour, hissing near gas equipment, a damaged appliance or pipe, or physical symptoms that improve after leaving the area. Do not try to test a suspected leak yourself. Smell alone cannot identify the source or rule out danger.
If gas could be present, leave immediately. Do not operate switches, appliances or phones inside, use a flame, start a nearby vehicle or try to isolate the supply. Call Triple Zero (000) from a safe place if there is fire, injury or immediate danger. Otherwise, contact the gas distributor’s emergency service.
What non-gas sources can smell similar?
Natural gas and LPG are normally odourless, so suppliers add a strong warning odour. It can resemble hydrogen sulphide and other sulphurous compounds associated with stagnant water, bacteria and decomposing organic matter.
- Drains: A localised smell near a sink, shower, bath or floor waste may involve a dry trap or drainage fault. After any gas danger has been excluded, see how to recognise possible sewer gas safely.
- Hot water: A smell that occurs only when hot water runs may come from the water or storage system. The guide to water-heater smells and gas risk explains the essential distinction.
- Appliance fault: Repeated clicking, failed ignition, soot, scorching or abnormal flame behaviour requires the appliance to be turned off only if that can be done without approaching a suspected leak. A gas stove that keeps clicking still needs safe professional assessment if the cause is not obvious.
These clues are only useful after emergency services, the distributor or a licensed gasfitter has excluded an immediate fuel-gas hazard.
How is a gas leak tested?
An appropriately licensed gasfitter tests the installation with approved instruments and pressure-testing procedures. They isolate and assess the relevant section, locate the fault, repair it and verify the installation before it is returned to service.
Do not use soapy water, a flame, an electronic detector or appliance controls to investigate a suspected leak. Do not re-enter until the emergency service, distributor or gasfitter advises that it is safe.
Once immediate danger has been addressed, contact Fixed Today for licensed gas leak detection and repair. Our gasfitters can test the private installation and explain whether the fault is in the pipework, connection or appliance.