How to check for a gas leak in your house

KEY POINTS

Gas leaks can occur due to damaged or corroded pipes, tanks and seals, or when gas appliances are not installed or maintained correctly.
Signs of a gas leak include a rotting egg/cabbage smell, hissing and whistling sounds from pipes or appliances, orange or red flames after an appliance has been lit, and physical symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea and headaches.
If you suspect your home has a gas leak, turn off the source of gas, evacuate the building and contact a plumber, gasfitter or your gas distributor.

Whether it’s for cooking, heating or hot water, gas usage is common in the average Australian household. Unfortunately, for homes that use gas frequently, there comes an increased potential for gas leaks. In this Canstar Blue guide, we outline how to check for a gas leak in the house and reveal some tips and tricks to help you prevent potential leaks.

What is a gas leak?

A gas leak is when there is an unintended leak of either natural gas, LPG or other gaseous products from a pipeline, tank or other containment into an area where gas should not be present. Leaks can occur if a pipe or tank is damaged, worn down, corroded, the joint seal is weak or the appliance is not installed or maintained correctly. It’s important to know how to find a gas leak as they can cause sickness, a fire or an explosion if left undetected.

Slow gas leak symptoms

A gas leak can cause a variety of physical symptoms in both humans and animals, due to the reduction of oxygen in the air and potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Some slow gas leak symptoms may include:

Dizziness
Feeling sick or nauseated
Headaches
Fatigue or drowsiness
Irritation to eyes, throat or skin
Humans and pets getting sick at the same time
Chest pains
Loss of consciousness

An easy way to tell if your symptoms have been caused by a gas leak is to leave the house. If you start to feel better, it might be time to call in the professionals.

How to find a gas leak

If you’re smelling rotten cabbage or rotten eggs, then this might be a sign you have a gas leak. As LPG gas is naturally odorless, ethyl mercaptan is added to its formula to help aid detection of leaks. Because of this, during most gas leaks, your nose will typically be the first thing to alert you to any potential issues. Other ways to detect a gas leak are:

Listen for a hiss or whistling noise: Turn off anything that makes noise (such as the TV or your phone) and listen for any kind of hissing sounds. This could be gas escaping your pipes or appliances.
Check gas appliances: Generally, gas appliances such as stoves give off a blue flame. This is an indicator that there is sufficient oxygen in the air for proper combustion. If the flames are orange or red after it has been lit, this may indicate trouble.
Soapy water test: Make a mixture (one teaspoon of detergent and one cup of water) and apply to wherever you suspect a leak. If bubbles form, this may indicate that gas is escaping.
Detectors: Natural gas leak detectors are the surest way to identify a natural gas leak. Carbon monoxide detectors are also useful. While these detectors are not specifically designed for gas leaks, they do alert you to elevated carbon monoxide levels that could be the result of gas leaks or air quality issues, before you risk exposure.
Higher-than-normal gas bills: While increased prices may not necessarily be a sign of gas leaks, increased usage amounts might be. Get into the habit of comparing your gas consumption to the usage for the same time in the previous year. If there is an unexplained difference then it’s probably a good idea to get your gas connection or appliances checked out.
Check your houseplants: Plants can also be a good indicator of potential gas leaks in the home. If you’re noticing dead houseplants, it may be the result of a potential gas leak.

What to do if you suspect a gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak, you should turn off the source of gas (either the appliance or at the meter of the gas bottle). Appliances to check and turn off include cooking appliances, heater, and gas hot water units. TO switch off the gas meter, locate the metal gas box outdoors, and rotate the valve attached to the pipe to a horizontal OFF position.

Once the gas supply is shut off, open the windows to help ventilate your home and evacuate the building. In the case of a fire, immediately evacuate and call emergency services.

Once in a safe location, call a gasfitter or licensed plumber for assistance (renters may also want to call their landlord or real estate agent). If you have any suspicions, it’s best to leave the premises and not re-enter until it is deemed safe to do so by a professional.

In addition to contacting a gas fitter or plumber, you can notify the gas distributor servicing your area.

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