Common gas fitting problems include leaks, damaged or obstructed pipes, faulty connections, defective valves or regulators, restricted supply, low pressure, and unsafe appliance installation or operation. Combustion, flue and ventilation faults can also allow carbon monoxide to accumulate. Similar warning signs can have different causes, so diagnosis and repairs require an appropriately licensed gas fitter.
Common faults and warning signs
- Gas leaks: Damaged pipes, deteriorated seals, loose connections, valves, regulators or appliance fittings can leak. A gas smell or unexplained hissing is an emergency warning. Do not search for the source.
- Damaged or obstructed pipes: Corrosion, impact damage, crushed pipework or internal restrictions can reduce flow or release gas. Do not touch or disturb damaged pipework.
- Faulty connections, valves or regulators: Connections may leak, valves may fail to shut off correctly, and regulator faults may cause unstable or unsuitable pressure.
- Low pressure or restricted supply: Weak burners, slow heating or appliances cutting out may indicate a problem with the regulator, installation pipework, appliance or gas supply. Testing is needed to identify the cause.
- Unsafe appliance installation: Incorrect connections, clearances, flueing, ventilation or commissioning can make an appliance unsafe. Check the NSW gas installation standards and rules that apply to regulated work.
- Combustion or ventilation faults: Flame changes, soot, staining or repeated shutdowns may indicate a burner, air-supply or flue problem. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, so no gas smell does not mean an appliance is safe.
What to do if you suspect a gas problem
If you smell gas, hear unexplained hissing or suspect unsafe combustion, stop using the equipment and leave the area. Do not attempt to diagnose or repair the fault.
- Do not smoke, light a flame, operate electrical switches, or plug in or unplug equipment. Do not use a phone inside the affected area.
- Leave immediately, keep others away and call from a safe location. Call Triple Zero (000) if there is fire, injury or immediate danger; otherwise contact your gas distributor or LPG supplier’s emergency service.
- Only turn off the gas supply if emergency personnel or your supplier advises that it is safe and you can reach the isolation point without entering the affected area.
- If anyone has a headache, dizziness, nausea or collapses where combustion gases may be present, move to fresh air if safe and call Triple Zero (000).
You may note odours, sounds, visible damage or unusual appliance behaviour from a safe position. Do not test for leaks, dismantle fittings, pressure-test pipework or adjust a regulator. Review which gas appliance and fitting tasks require a licensed professional.
For a non-emergency concern, stop using the affected appliance and contact our licensed Sydney gas leak detection and repair service. A qualified gas fitter can test the installation and identify the fault safely.