Post By Admin
February 28, 2025You’re relaxing at home and suddenly you smell gas — well, that’s clearly not something you want to ignore!
A gas leak is a serious issue that can put your home and health at risk — even if you think it’s only some faint whiff near your gas stove or a strong odour outside your house.
We’ll walk you through the essential steps to take when you detect a gas leak, why immediate action is crucial, and when to call a gas fitting service to handle the problem safely.
What Should You Do When You Smell a Gas Leak?
So, you’ve noticed that unmistakable rotten egg smell—now what? Any gas leak symptoms is not something to take lightly.
Follow these steps to handle the situation properly:
1. Identify the Leak
Take a moment to determine where the gas smell is coming from:
- Check near gas appliances. In many cases, most homeowners most likely detect gas leaks from the stove right away. However, check also other gas appliances like water heaters which can be other common culprits and turn them off immediately.
- Hear a hiss. A small hiss near a gas line or device can be a warning.
- Check yellowed grass or dead plants. If the gas smell extends outside, check for plants that look unexpectedly dead or yellowed.
- Use the soap test. To determine whether a leak is in a particular pipe or joint, try putting a combination of water and soap on the suspected gas leak spot, then look for bubbles — which is a sign that a leak is present.
2. Act Immediately
Once you’ve identified a gas leak, don’t wait. Here’s what to do next:
- Turn off the gas supply. Locate your main gas shut-off valve and turn it off to stop more gas from leaking into your home.
- Ventilate the area. Open doors and windows to allow gas to escape.
- Avoid flames and electrical switches. Don’t light a match, smoke, or even flip a light switch as a single spark can ignite gas in the air.
- Evacuate if necessary. If the smell is strong, leave the property immediately.
3. Call for Help
While turning off the gas and ventilating your home are essential first steps, a professional is still needed to assess the situation, locate the source of the leak, and make the necessary repairs to ensure your home is completely safe.
A licensed gas plumber will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the source of the leak and take appropriate action.
They will use specialised tools to check gas pressure and detect leaks within your home’s gas lines or any gas appliances around the house.
Additionally, gas plumbers will check for carbon monoxide risks and ensure there’s adequate ventilation to prevent dangerous gas buildup.
FAQ about Gas Leak Symptoms
Surely, gas leakages can be frightening, and you are likely to have more questions about their risks as well as about how to deal with them. Below, we’ll answer some of the most common concerns.
Should you be worried if you smell natural gas?
Yes. If you detect a gas smell outside or inside your home, take action immediately.
Gas leaks are hazardous and should always be addressed by professionals. Proper gas stove maintenance and regular inspections on your gas line installation can prevent leakages
Why do you require a licensed and insured gas plumber?
Gas work is a technically demanding field that requires training, registration, and compliance with stringent safety measures..
Gas plumbers must issue a Certificate of Compliance after completing repairs, proving that the work meets all legal and safety requirements.
Plus, if gas work is done by an unlicensed person, your home insurance may not cover damages resulting from faulty installations or repairs.
Is it safe to stay in a house that smells like gas?
No, it’s not safe. Even if the smell seems faint, lingering gas can accumulate and become a fire hazard.
If you suspect a leak, follow safety steps—turn off the gas, ventilate the area, and call a professional.
Can a very small gas leak make you sick?
Yes. Even minor gas leaks can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
If you feel unwell and suspect a gas leak, leave the area and seek fresh air immediately.
How long does it take for a gas leak to harm you?
This is a question of level of exposure. A slow leak over time can cause illness, whereas a high concentration in a confined space can be fatal in a matter of minutes.
Is it normal to smell gas outside your house?
Not always. While brief gas smells near appliances may be normal, a persistent gas smell outside the house can indicate a leak in an underground line. If you smell gas outside, call your local gas provider or emergency services.
Conclusion
Never ignore a gas leak smell — the moment you notice that you are having gas leak symptoms, take the necessary action—turn off the gas, ventilate, and have a professional out as soon as you can.
For expert assistance, Melbourne residents can always count on Neighbourhood Plumbing!
Our team provides reliable gas fitting service and inspections to keep your home safe. Contact us today!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
