Have you ever noticed an unusual smell or hissing sound in your kitchen or around your hot water system? While it might be easy to dismiss, these can be early warning signs of a gas leak. Gas leaks can pose serious safety risks, including fire, explosion, and health concerns. Recognising the early symptoms and understanding what to do next is vital for protecting your property and everyone in it.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common signs of a gas leak, the dangers of ignoring them, and why
professional help is necessary to safely handle any suspected issue.
Unusual Smell Around Appliances
One of the most recognisable signs of a gas leak is the smell. While natural gas is odourless, suppliers add a chemical called mercaptan, which gives it a sulphuric or rotten egg smell. If you notice this scent near your stove, gas heater, or hot water system, it may indicate a leak in the gas line or appliance connection.
Do not try to locate the source on your own. Instead, switch off the appliance if safe to do so, ventilate the area, and seek professional assistance.
Hissing or Whistling Noises
Another sign of a potential gas leak is an audible hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or fitting. This sound usually indicates that gas is escaping at high pressure, particularly from a damaged pipe, valve, or connection point. These leaks can be more severe than silent ones and should be treated with urgency.
Turn off the gas supply at the main valve if it can be done safely, and contact a qualified gas fitter immediately.
Dying or Discoloured Plants
Gas leaks can sometimes affect plant life, particularly if the leak is underground or near garden areas. If you notice patches of dead or discoloured vegetation for no obvious reason, this could suggest a leak from an underground pipe.
While this sign can be easy to miss, it’s worth monitoring any unusual plant damage, especially if other signs are present.
Physical Symptoms in Occupants
Mild to moderate exposure to leaking gas can cause a range of health symptoms. These may include:
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty breathing.
Symptoms may worsen indoors or in areas close to gas appliances and improve once outside. If multiple people in the home begin experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to investigate further.
Higher Gas Bills Without Increased Use
A sudden spike in your gas bill may suggest a leak, especially if your usage habits haven’t changed. Gas leaks can cause slow, continuous losses that add up over time. Monitoring your gas bill can be a simple way to detect issues early, especially in the absence of more obvious signs.
Bubbling in Wet or Damp Areas
If you notice bubbling in puddles, soil, or around drains outside your home, it could be a sign that gas is escaping from an underground pipe. This is particularly relevant in areas where gas infrastructure is installed beneath the ground. A licensed gas fitter should be contacted to investigate the source.
Pilot Light Frequently Going Out
A pilot light that frequently extinguishes may be due to a faulty connection, air in the gas line, or an underlying leak. While it could be a minor issue with the appliance, it’s also a sign worth checking if other symptoms are present. Gas appliances should operate consistently — sudden changes in performance could suggest deeper problems.
Burners with Yellow or Orange Flames
Gas stove burners should display a steady blue flame. If the flame appears yellow or orange, it may indicate incomplete combustion caused by a leak or ventilation problem. This can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide, which is a harmful by-product of inefficient gas burning. Appliances showing discoloured flames should be inspected by a licensed gas fitter.
Faulty Connections or Corrosion
Visible wear, corrosion, or rust on gas pipes and fittings should not be ignored. Even small cracks or damaged seals can lead to leaks over time. If you see signs of degradation around valves, joints, or regulators, it’s worth having them inspected and maintained to reduce the risk of leaks.
Gas Detector Alarms
In some homes and commercial properties, gas detectors may be installed to automatically alert occupants to a leak. If an alarm sounds, it’s important to take it seriously — ventilate the area, avoid open flames or electrical switches, and seek immediate help from a licensed gas fitter in Forster.
What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you notice any of the above signs, it's important to act calmly but quickly:
- Turn off the gas at the main shutoff valve if it is safe to do so.
- Do not use any electrical appliances, switches, or mobile phones near the leak.
- Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Evacuate the building if the smell is strong or symptoms are present.
- Contact a licensed gas fitter immediately to inspect and repair the issue.
Never attempt to fix gas leaks on your own. Handling gas requires proper licensing, tools, and training to avoid serious risks.
Why Professional Help Matters
Gas systems are regulated for good reason — mishandling a leak or making an incorrect repair can result in fire, injury, or long-term property damage. A licensed gas fitter can conduct safe testing, locate the leak accurately, and carry out repairs that meet safety standards.
In areas like Forster, where both residential and commercial gas use is common, engaging professional services also helps maintain compliance with state regulations and insurance requirements.
Prevention Through Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the simplest ways to avoid unexpected gas issues. Periodic inspections of your appliances and pipework can detect small leaks before they become serious. This includes checking seals, joints, pressure levels, and gas-burning performance.
Scheduling routine checks helps reduce safety risks and improve the efficiency of your appliances and reduce your gas usage over time.
Book a Gas Safety Check with a Licensed Gas Fitter in Forster
Recognising the early warning signs of a gas leak can help protect your property, prevent health risks, and avoid costly repairs. Whether it’s a strange smell, an unusual flame colour, or symptoms of gas exposure, taking action early is always safer than ignoring the problem.
At Foreshore Plumbers, our licensed gas fitters in Forster support residential and commercial property owners with prompt inspections, testing, and repairs.
Contact us today to arrange a professional gas safety check or get urgent help with a suspected gas leak.
