4.8-Stars based on 271 Reviews

24/7 Emergency

Recognizing the Signs of a Gas Leak

Detecting a potential gas leak quickly is crucial for safety. Added sulphur compounds give natural gas a distinct rotten egg smell for easy detection. You may also hear a hissing noise from appliances or pipes. Other indicators, like any of these signs such as dead plants and abnormal pet behaviour, could point to leaking gas. If you notice signs of a gas leak, it’s imperative to swiftly turn off your gas where possible and take immediate precautionary steps:

  1. Don’t use phones, turn on/off switches or electronics that could spark.
  2. Open all windows and doors to expel gas from your residence.
  3. Evacuate people and pets from the area, using all available windows and doors to exit safely.
  4. Call emergency services and your local gas company from outside.
  5. Don’t return until it’s confirmed safe after gas exposure.

Understanding the vital steps to take ensures a rapid and secure response, safeguarding your residence from the hazards of gas leaks. When you suspect a gas leak, it’s vital to promptly engage the services of a licenced gas expert.

What Does Gas Smell Like?

The gas lines carry odourless and colourless lp gas and propane in their pure form, which can pose risks if there is an off-gas situation. For top safety measures, in the event gas contamination is suspected, your Australian gas distributor adds a mercaptan-induced rotten eggs sulfur aroma prior to household distribution. This distinct sulphurous rotten eggs smell alerts people to the possibility of an off gas event.

What do gas leak situations require? Knowing this allows you to act rapidly when you detect the odour in your environment. What actions do when I detect there’s a gas leak? Do not use phones, turn electrical devices on or off, or do anything that could cause a spark and ignite the gas; instead, it’s safe to contact your local emergency services immediately.

Ventilate the area by opening doors and windows, which is safe to do and helps to rid the area of gas scent, safeguarding your home business from the risks associated with needing to turn off gas if your sensors detect a leak. Evacuate your family and everyone else from the site of the leak, then call your emergency services and your gas company from outside. Do not re-enter until cleared as safe by professionals who can help ensure your gas system’s integrity.

Physical and Behavioral Symptoms

Exposure to gas, particularly where gas leak is emanating from your appliances, could result in a variety of physical and behavioural symptoms to be on alert for:

  • Dizziness, fatigue, nausea - Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Irregular breathing - Unconsciousness or death possible from prolonged exposure
  • Listlessness in pets - Unusual lethargy or hiding can indicate leaks

Pay attention if you smell gas outside and to subtle body cues or pet mannerisms that seem abnormal. Headaches, vomiting, chest tightness are also common if you smell gas in your environment. Don’t disregard these or unusual pet behaviours - leave the area and do use safe protocols while alerting emergency services if a gas leak is possible.

Immediate Steps When You Smell Gas

What to do when I can smell gas in your home, noticing the telltale rotten egg scent? It is crucial to act promptly and with caution.

  1. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off, or use mobile phones, as these could spark and ignite gas.
  2. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area, turning off all possible ignition sources as gas leaks can increase the risk of ignition.
  3. Evacuate everyone from the site of the leak coming from your appliances and gather outside.
  4. From outside, after executing a shut off gas procedure on your main, call the emergency number 000 for emergency services and immediately contact your local gas company.
  5. Switch off main gas at your meter valve situated outside your residence if it can be done safely.
  6. Do not re-enter the property until emergency crews confirm it is safe and the shutoff valve measures are in place.

Taking decisive measures when you first detect a gas odour coming your way can prevent potential calamities. Choosing to call professional help that’s certified to manage and fix gas leaks ensures the origin is pinpointed and closed off, mitigating the risk of ignition within the dwelling anew.

Evacuate the Area

The most vital action to take when you suspect a gas leak is to evacuate the area without delay. Do not take time to unplug devices, turn off appliances or investigate the source. Prevent ignition by avoiding phones, electronics or switches.

Upon leaving the residence if I suspect gas, I make sure doors and windows are open to assist with ventilation, assuming it’s safe. This action will initiate the dispersion of the gas away from the property, thus diminishing the offensive odour. Exit quickly and gather everyone in your household outside, a safe distance from your house.

From a safe location, ring emergency services without delay. Communicate where gas odours were detected and any resultant symptoms. Let the professionals who can find and handle inspection and repairs before risking going back inside.

Avoid Ignition Sources

A major gas leak can pose extreme danger due to the risk of ignition and explosion. If you smell gas, avoid using any electrical devices whatsoever - including lights, appliances, and phones. Using any electric equipment could generate sparks and can cause disastrous ignition.

Do not turn any switches on or off, especially if you need to turn off the main gas flows. refrain from lighting candles or turning off your gas stoves.

Basically, Do not use electronics or other devices that could trigger flames while gas may be leaking. Open exterior doors and windows carefully to ventilate, but do not place yourself near gas leak area.

Preventing ignition where a gas leak within your home has to be the top priority when escaping. Rely on natural light only and focus on exiting quickly and safely away from the hazardous site to locate the source. Once contacted, professionals are adept at locating the source gas leak and securing it promptly and safely.

Ventilate the Area

When I smell gas inside your home, ventilating the area should only be done if it is safe to do so without risk. As you evacuate, open exterior doors and windows carefully to let fresh air circulate, being mindful not to place yourself near the leak.

Ventilation aids in minimising gas concentration indoors and lessens the chance of ignition; however, your immediate focus is to leave as soon as possible, distancing from the leak vicinity. Do not take time to air out rooms or locate the source. Simply escape first, then call emergency services from outside.

When you suspect a gas leak, remember professionals have the right equipment to safely find and remedy the situation. Let them assess and give the all-clear before risking going back inside a home where you’ve smelled gas.

Contacting Emergency Services

Once safely outside after gas leak in your home, promptly call 000 emergency services and your gas company. Supply details on where the gas leak was detected, how strong the odour was, and any symptoms noticed.

Ensure your home insurance includes provisions for checking the gas supply your home depends on, and your gas supplier with emergency services, as they are equipped to detect and manage any leaks. Let professionals assess the situation rather than risking going back inside. Even if the gas smell seems to have dissipated, there still may be dangerous levels indoors indicating a suspected gas leak.

Do not re-enter your property until emergency responders confirm it is completely safe to do so. Trying to air out rooms or locate leaks yourself risks ignition and exposure to toxic gases.

Calling emergency services promptly allows gas technicians to find and stop the source of leaks, ventilate properly, then give the all-clear that it’s secured against future danger.

Seeking Professional Assistance

If you smell gas in your home, it is critical to contact a licensed gas professional for assistance right away. Calling a professional gas technician when you suspect a leak can ensure your safety and that leaks are properly secured.

We highly recommend contacting a licensed gas fitter from a reputable company like North Mead Plumbing on 1300 349 338. Their experienced team can identify the source of the leak:

  • Come inspect immediately and detect leaks
  • Stop the source and make repairs
  • Ventilate your home correctly
  • Monitor air quality for safe re-entry

Reach out and give us a ring at North Mead Plumbing so our licensed gas professionals can competently address your gas concerns. Never try to locate or repair the source of a leak yourself. For prompt emergency assistance with any gas issue, email North Mead at [email protected] or call 1300 349 338.

Safely Returning Home After a Gas Leak

Before re-entering your home after a gas leak, ensure emergency crews have given the all-clear. Check they have:

  • Fully ventilated all rooms
  • Verified safe gas levels with detection equipment
  • Located and secured the leak source
  • Ensured your gas supply is restored and safe
  • Turned gas supply back on and tested appliances

Technicians will likely air out the property for some time after detecting a gas leak coming from a compromised source such as your gas appliances to ensure fresh air circulation. When you can smell something is off, heed their specific advice on safety precautions.

Generally, look for complete dissipation of gas smells in all areas prior to moving back in. Emergency services also advise waiting awhile once cleared for safety, to monitor pilot lights and appliance operation for proper combustion and ventilation.

Don’t ever ignore the safety tips and expert guidance of gas leak first responders regarding re-occupancy or operation of gas items. Always follow their safety instructions to prevent risk of further issues.

Ensuring Adequate Ventilation

Good ventilation is vital for preventing dangerous gas buildup and leak situations such your home may encounter. Should you do smell gas, consider installing carbon monoxide detectors for an early warning. Make sure vents for appliances like heaters, hot water systems and stoves remain unblocked.

Check all gas range hoods filter grease efficiently. Have dryer, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans maintained to properly vent moisture and gases outside. Keep air vents around your home’s exterior clear of debris and foliage overgrowth.

It’s prudent to engage a professional gas fitter annually to conduct thorough inspections of your gas appliance system and its flues. They’ll ensure adequate ventilation for complete combustion and that exhaust gases safely escape outside. This gas safety check works to ensure your living spaces remain free from harmful carbon monoxide build-up.

Getting Gas Appliances Inspected

Routine inspections by professionals on gas appliances can also serve as vital prevention against dangerous leaks. Services like North Mead Plumbing ensure appliance safety and efficiency with comprehensive gas checks covering:

  • Leak detection
  • Pipe and valve integrity
  • Ventilation testing
  • Flame operation
  • Carbon monoxide screening

Our licenced technicians are equipped to detect any irregularities during annual servicing. We’ll adjust or replace items as needed to stop issues arising. Contact North Mead Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or [email protected] to book your inspection.

News & Information

Eco-Friendly Drain Unblocking
Eco-Friendly Drain Unblocking

Avoid toxic chemicals by using our natural drain cleaning methods to unblock your drains. We use baking soda, vinegar, boiling water and mechanical drain augers to clear blockages safely and affordably. Call today for fast, eco-friendly drain unblocking services.

broken tap emergency?
Is a broken tap an emergency?

A broken tap that causes water wastage qualifies as a plumbing emergency. Get in touch with our emergency plumbers for tap repairs within 30 minutes to avoid water damage to your home from burst pipes or leaks.

Fixing Hot Water System Drain Valve Issues
Fixing Hot Water System Drain Valve Issues

If you’re having problems with the drain valve on your hot water system like it’s stuck closed or leaking when open, it likely needs repair or replacement. We can troubleshoot the issue and help get your drain valve working properly again.

Do you need a North Mead plumber?

Shield

Address

North Mead, NSW

Contact Our Plumbers

We will call back as soon as possible.

Plumber
Footer
Call Now!