A gas leak is one of those problems you hope you never face, but knowing the warning signs could protect your home and your family. Natural gas and LPG are safe when everything is working as it should, yet a leak can lead to fire, explosion or health problems if it goes unnoticed. The good news is that gas leaks almost always give you clues. Here is what to look, listen and smell for, what to do the moment you suspect a leak, and who to call in Adelaide.
Important: gas work is never a DIY job. Only a licensed gasfitter can safely repair a gas leak.
What Does a Gas Leak Actually Smell Like?
Natural gas is naturally odourless, so gas suppliers add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinctive smell. Most people describe it as rotten eggs or sulphur. If you walk into a room and notice that sharp, rotten egg smell, treat it as a gas leak until proven otherwise. LPG carries a similar added odour. Trust your nose: that smell is a deliberate safety feature, and it is there so you act quickly.
8 Warning Signs You Have a Gas Leak at Home
A leak does not always announce itself with a strong smell. Watch for these signs, on their own or together.
- A rotten egg or sulphur smell, indoors or near the meter.
- A hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance, pipe or meter.
- A pilot light that keeps blowing out, or burns orange or yellow instead of a crisp blue.
- Black, sooty marks or scorching around a gas appliance.
- Dead or discoloured patches of grass or plants near an underground gas line.
- Higher than usual gas bills with no change in how much you use.
- Excess condensation on windows, or a stuffy, unusual smell in a closed room.
- Physical symptoms in people or pets at home, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, tiredness or breathlessness that ease once you leave the house.
If you notice any of these, do not wait for more proof. Move straight to the next section.
What to Do Immediately if You Suspect a Gas Leak in Adelaide
Acting quickly and calmly matters more than anything. If you smell or suspect gas:
- Do not touch any electrical switches, including light switches, and do not use your mobile phone inside. A single spark can ignite gas.
- Do not light a match, candle, lighter or cigarette.
- Open doors and windows to let the gas disperse, if it is safe to do so.
- Turn off the gas at the meter if you can reach it safely. The shut-off valve is usually a lever near the meter; a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe shuts off the supply.
- Get everyone, including pets, out of the house and away from the area.
- Once you are safely outside, call for help.
For a gas leak in South Australia, call the gas emergency line on 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532), which operates 24 hours a day. If there is any risk of fire or explosion, or if anyone is unwell, call 000 first. You can find more on reporting leaks through Australian Gas Networks. The emergency operator can make the network side safe, but they do not repair your appliances or internal pipework. For that, you will need a licensed gasfitter like Triton.
Which Appliances Are Most Likely to Leak Gas?
Most household gas leaks start at an appliance or its connection rather than inside a wall. The usual suspects are gas hot water systems, gas heaters and ducted heating, gas cooktops and ovens, and the flexible hoses and fittings that connect them. Older appliances, poorly installed ones, and connections that have not been checked in years are the most likely to develop a fault. Regular servicing by a licensed gasfitter is the simplest way to catch a problem before it becomes a leak. Triton offers gas heater services and full appliance checks across Adelaide.
Gas Leak vs Gas Smell: What’s the Difference?
Not every whiff of gas means an active leak. A brief gas smell when you light a cooktop, or just after a burner goes out, can be normal and clears in seconds. The difference is persistence and strength. A smell that lingers, gets stronger, fills a room, or comes with any of the warning signs above should be treated as a leak. When in doubt, treat it as a leak and call a professional. It is always better to have a gasfitter check and find nothing than to ignore the real thing.
When to Call an Emergency Gasfitter vs the Gas Company
It helps to know who does what. The gas distributor’s emergency line, 1800 GAS LEAK, handles leaks in the street, at the meter, and across the network up to your meter, and they will make that side safe. Anything beyond the meter, including your appliances, internal gas lines and fittings, is the job of a licensed gasfitter. So if the leak is at your hot water unit, heater or cooktop, you need an emergency gasfitter in Adelaide to find and repair it, and to issue a compliance certificate confirming the work is safe. Triton’s licensed gasfitters cover gas fitting and emergency gas repairs around the clock.
FAQs
Can I Smell a Gas Leak in the Roof?
You might. Natural gas is lighter than air, so it rises and can collect in roof spaces, upper rooms or enclosed ceilings, especially where a pipe or fitting runs through there. LPG is heavier than air and tends to pool low, in floors, cavities and drains. If you notice a gas smell upstairs or near the ceiling, treat it seriously and call a licensed gasfitter to investigate.
Is a Small Gas Leak Dangerous?
Yes, it can be. Even a slow leak builds up over time in a closed space, and it only takes a small spark to ignite. A minor leak can also cause headaches, tiredness and nausea before you ever notice a smell. There is no safe level of a gas leak to live with, so it always warrants a professional check.
What Does the Adelaide Gas Company Do When You Call?
When you call 1800 GAS LEAK, the operator gives you safety advice over the phone and, if needed, arranges for an emergency technician to attend, often within an hour or two, to make the network safe. They will isolate the supply if required. What they will not do is repair your appliances or internal pipework, so you will still need a licensed gasfitter to fix the source and restore your gas safely.
Suspect a Gas Leak? Call Triton's Licensed Gasfitters Now
If you smell gas or notice any of the warning signs, do not take chances. Get everyone out, call 1800 GAS LEAK for an emergency, then call Triton Plumbing & Gas for fast, licensed repairs. Our gasfitters provide 24/7 emergency response across Adelaide and the northern suburbs, with upfront pricing and compliance certification for total peace of mind. Triton is licensed under BLD 177858 and is a member of Master Plumbers Australia. If you have noticed a lingering gas smell at home, read our guide on what to do about a gas smell in Adelaide, or call our team now.