In this article, we describe how to detect a gas leak by helping you identify the most common signs and telling you what you should do if you detect a leak. We describe how regular maintenance can prevent the risk of any gas leaks for you.
Finally, we’ll make sure you know how to get help from an experienced Adelaide plumber whenever you need it.
Common Signs of a Gas Leak
Gas leaks can happen in homes or businesses, anywhere where natural gas is used for heating, cooking or a hot water system. Recognising the warning signs of a leak can help you react quickly, reducing the risk of a serious incident. Here are some of the common indicators:
Smell: A Distinctive Odour
Natural gas has no scent, but a chemical is added to the gas we use to give it a strong odour, often said to be like rotten eggs. If you smell what you think is gas, often near gas appliances, gas lines or the meter, then you should seek help from an emergency local plumber immediately.
Sound: Hissing or Whistling
Gas escaping from a fitting, a pipe or an appliance often makes an audible sound. This can be easier to hear when it’s quiet, such as at night.
Visual Indicators: Plants, Discoloured Flames, etc.
A gas leak can cause visible changes. Some signs to watch for include dead or dying plants near a gas line. Also, check if the flames on your gas hob are yellow or orange instead of blue. Unusual condensation on windows near gas appliances can be another warning sign.
Physical Symptoms: Health Effects
Exposure to gas can have serious consequences for your health. Obvious symptoms can include headaches, feeling ill, dizziness or shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear worse in enclosed spaces or areas with poor ventilation.
If a number of people show symptoms at the same time, especially indoors, leave the area right away. Seek medical help and call your emergency plumber.
What to Do If You Suspect an Emergency Gas Leak
If you think you have a gas leak, follow these steps right away. This will help keep everyone safe and ensure the right professionals are called to handle the situation.
First reactions
- Leave the building right away. Make sure everyone, including pets, leaves too. Open doors and windows to help ventilate the area.
- Don’t operate any electrical switches or any device that could potentially create a spark. Even turning a light switch on or off can ignite leaking gas
- Don’t use your phone inside the property. Make emergency calls from a safe place outside the building.
- Do not try to find or fix the leak yourself. Professional gas fitters have the equipment and expertise to do this safely.
Who to Contact
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to contact the following:
- You should call emergency services on 000 if you think anybody has been affected by the gas or there is any risk of the gas igniting.
- Let your neighbours know if there’s a risk of the leak affecting their property.
- Call your local plumber or a licensed gas fitter for emergency gas repairs.
Regardless of your situation, always make a point of evacuating the premises and getting professional help. Never take risks if you think you have a gas leak.
Gas Leak Prevention and Maintenance Tips
Follow our gas safety tips for guaranteed gas leak prevention and maintain your system to reduce the chance of a gas leak and the associated risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and other related emergencies:
Regular Maintenance
- Schedule regular inspections of your gas appliances, gas lines and gas meter by your local plumber who should be a licenced gas fitter. they will have the knowledge to identify potential gas hazards before they become urgent.
- If you notice anything unusual, such as signs of wear or corrosion on gas pipes or connections, contact your plumber.
- Ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. Replace the batteries as needed.
- Ensure your heating and hot water systems are working as they should, and look out for leaks.
Professional Installation
- Never conduct DIY repairs, installations or maintenance because unlicensed work increases the risk of a gas leak.
- Always use licensed gas fitters for any upgrades to your gas appliances, gas lines or water systems.
Ventilation Tips
- Try to ensure you have good air flow in areas such as kitchens or laundries where you have gas appliances.
- Do regular checks to make sure exhaust fans and flues are not blocked.
- If you do smell gas indoors, immediately open doors and windows to let fresh air flow through and reduce the concentration of gas.
Protect Your Home with Expert Gas Leak Detection Adelaide
At All Elements Plumbing & Gas, we understand the serious potential outcomes from gas leaks for any home or business. If you ever suspect a natural gas leak, it’s vital to act straight away. Timely leak detection and professional help can make all the difference.
Why Choose Us for Gas Leak Detection, Emergency Repairs, and Maintenance?
We are here for your emergency gas repairs in Adelaide, 24 hours a day, day or night.
Our gas fitters have 15 years of experience and use the latest equipment to detect a gas leak quickly and accurately, keeping you and your premises safe.
Our emergency plumbing service is always ready to help with blocked drains. We also handle urgent repairs for gas appliances and hot water systems.
We know how to prevent gas leaks. Contact All Elements Plumbing and Gas today to arrange ongoing maintenance for your gas appliances. We’re here to help you ensure your property is safe for you and everybody in it.
