What to do if you smell gas in your house

If you detect a gas smell in your home, it’s vital to act immediately for your safety.

Detecting a rotten egg or sulphur-like odour is a significant indicator of a gas leak and requires swift action. You need to act quickly and decisively to protect yourself, your family and your home from leaking gas. This guide outlines the essential steps to take immediately upon detecting a gas leak inside your home.

By following our emergency advice, you can avoid potential disaster and make sure the issue is properly handled by qualified professionals. With years of experience dealing with gas systems, leaks and fitting, we have the knowledge to advise you on the safest course of action in this dangerous scenario.

Continue reading for a step-by-step guide on what to do if you suspect a gas leak in your residence.

Signs of a Gas Leak

Several telltale signs may indicate a gas leak in your residence:

- A distinctive rotten egg odour: Mercaptans, added to natural gas for easy detection of leaks, emit this smell, which could suggest a gas leak.

- Hissing or whistling sounds from gas appliances or pipes, suggesting a possible gas leak from a damaged gas line.

- Dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area, possibly due to a gas leak.

- Flames burning yellow or orange instead of blue, hinting at incomplete combustion often caused by a leak.

- An unusually high gas bill, potentially indicating a leak due to increased gas usage.

- Dirt or debris being expelled from a pipe, indicating a significant leak risk.

- Bubbles in standing water, which can signify gas escaping through water.

If you notice any of these indications, take immediate action. Do not attempt to identify the source if you can smell gas. Evacuate the area immediately if you do smell gas in your home and contact emergency services without delay.

Physical Symptoms of Gas Exposure

Exposure to leaked gas can lead to alarming physical symptoms that should not be overlooked. Here are common symptoms associated with gas exposure:

• Dizziness, fatigue or feeling lightheaded
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches, confusion and impaired judgement
• Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations or chest pain
• Eye and throat irritation
• Loss of muscular coordination

These symptoms resemble those of carbon monoxide poisoning. Anyone experiencing them, accompanied by the smell of gas, should promptly be moved to fresh air and emergency services contacted immediately. Delaying medical attention can result in rapidly worsening effects from gas inhalation.

Exposure over an extended period, even to low concentrations of gas, can also cause long-term health effects. Always ask 'What safe do I when I encounter these signs?' and consider even minor symptoms significant. Ensure a safe environment by taking action if you or family members display physical signs of gas exposure along with the gas odour.

As experts in gas issue resolution, Beecroft Plumbing is equipped to offer vital safety advice and professional leak repairs swiftly to prevent harm.

What to Do Immediately if You Smell Gas

Here are the most vital steps to what do when i detect the unexpected:

• Immediately open doors and windows to disperse the gas and lessen concentration levels.
• Shut off the main gas supply at the meter. Ensure you know its location in advance.
• Do not handle any electrical appliances in the home, as they could produce a spark ignite gas.
• Extinguish any naked flames such as those from your gas stove pilots.
• Evacuate the home immediately and, once outside, call emergency services from a safe location. Inhaling the odour, which could be smell natural gas, can quickly cause disorientation and confusion.
• Call 000 from outside the home to request gas emergency service. Do not use mobile phones inside.
• Do not re-enter your home or attempt to find the leak yourself — wait until emergency services have declared it safe. For immediate assistance, call 0800 111 as natural gas can pose severe risks when leaked.

At Beecroft Plumbing, our licensed gas fitter professionals have the expertise to find and repair any leak, ensuring the safe restoration of gas supply to your home. Call your local Beecroft Plumbing’s 24/7 emergency hotline on 1300 349 338 immediately if you ever smell gas.

Evacuating Your Home

If you ever smell gas inside your home, safety should be your top priority. Quick and calm evacuation is crucial if a gas smell is detected.

Follow these steps to safely evacuate when you detect a gas leak:

• Gather all occupants and head for the nearest exit away from where gas leak may be originating. Move swiftly but do not run.
• Evacuate to an upwind area at a safe distance from the home where the gas smell is no longer present, such as a neighbour’s yard or across the street.
• Once at a safe distance, call 000 for emergency services. Provide details on the incident and your address when you gas call for help.
• Also call your local gas company’s 24 hour emergency line to shut off supply.
• Do not re-enter the home or allow anyone else to enter until emergency crews have resolved the issue and declared it safe.

If you ever need urgent assistance with a gas leak, call our emergency hotline on 1300 349 338.

Turning Off the Gas

To safely turn off your gas supply, consider the following guidance:

• Locate your gas metre outside your home. It is typically beside or near your home on the exterior wall, or on the sidewalk or easement. Look for a pipe coming up from the ground with a shut-off valve.
• Ensure you can safely access the meter to shut off the valve, avoiding risk if gas concentration is high.
• To stop the gas leak, use a wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn until the lever is perpendicular to the pipe. This will close the valve and stop the flow of gas.
• Mark the meter with a tag stating "Gas Off" to indicate the main valve is closed.

Only attempt to turn off your gas if you can safely access the metre. If reaching the meter exposes you to gas, evacuate immediately and contact emergency services and your gas company’s emergency line.

Call our 24-hour hotline on 1300 349 338 if you suspect gas leak, allowing us to despatch a technician urgently.

Calling the Gas Company

After evacuating to a safe area outside your home following a gas incident, an essential next step is to alert the gas experts responsible for your property’s safety. This alerts them to shut off gas supply to your property as quickly as possible.

In an emergency, contact the Australian gas emergency service at 1800 808 526. Be prepared to give your name, address, and details of the issue for rapid dispatch of a gas technician.

If you suspect a gas leak, call our emergency hotline immediately on 1300 349 338 and an experienced gas fitter will be sent out right away.

Never attempt to locate or fix a gas leak yourself. Calling the professionals promptly is vital for safely resolving a gas emergency.

• Use a gas detector to identify any persisting signs of a leak. Repeat checks over the next few days.
• Replace any triggered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have your gas system regularly serviced to help find out and avoid future leaks. Annual inspections are recommended.

Take time to process the emotional impact of this emergency. Ensure everyone affected gets the rest and support they need. Discuss potential stress or anxiety with your doctor.

Never hesitate to call the professionals at Beecroft Plumbing on 1300 349 338 if you have any concerns about your gas system following a leak. We can provide leak detection, repairs, fitting and give you complete peace of mind.

Preventing Future Gas Leaks

To prevent gas leaks in the future, proactive maintenance and safety measures are essential.

• Have your gas lines and appliances serviced annually by the qualified technicians at Beecroft Plumbing. Regular maintenance helps detect issues before they become leaks.
• Install gas detectors near gas appliances and at the meter. These alarms will warn of any potential leaks near your gas appliance.
• Replace old or damaged gas appliances, connectors and pipes. Faulty components increase the risk of leaks.
• Store flammable materials away from areas such your gas systems for safety. Keep the area clear.
• Learn how to properly use and maintain any gas-powered equipment, and be mindful of other source of problems. Improper use can damage components.
• Be vigilant for signs gas leakage like dying vegetation and act immediately upon detection. Never ignore potential warning signs.
• Consider installing an excess flow valve on large pipes. This device automatically shuts off flow in the event of a major gas leak.

Investing in regular gas servicing and Following safety tips is key to responsible use natural gas in your home.

Emergency Contacts

Having the right emergency numbers on hand is crucial if you ever smell gas in your home. Keep these contacts handy in case you need to act quickly:

• 000 - Call Australia’s emergency service number to request fire and rescue assistance with any gas leak.
• 1800 808 526 - The National Gas Emergency Line operates 24/7 to get gas crews dispatched urgently.
• 1300 349 338 - Beecroft Plumbing’s emergency hotline. Call anytime to have one of our licenced gas technicians respond rapidly to any gas leak or issue.

Our team of experienced professionals is prepared to assist you around the clock.