What to do if you smell gas in your house

When you walk into your kitchen or laundry and catch a whiff of something that smells like rotten eggs, your heart might skip a beat. Natural gas is actually odorless, but utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan to it. They do this specifically so you can detect a leak before it becomes a disaster.

If you want to know what to do if you smell gas in your house, the most important rule is to remain calm but move quickly. This is not the time to finish the dishes or look for the source of the leak yourself. In Australia, gas safety is a serious matter, and our homes often rely on gas for cooking, heating, and hot water.

Here is a guide on how to handle this situation safely and effectively.

Immediate Actions to Take

The moment you suspect a gas leak, you must stop what you are doing. Do not try to find the leak with your nose. Do not try to tighten any pipes. Your priority is the safety of the people inside the building.

• Extinguish all open flames: Put out cigarettes, candles, or incense immediately.
• Do not touch electrical switches: This is a vital rule. Do not turn lights on or off. Do not use your doorbell. Even a tiny spark from a light switch can ignite gas in the air.
• Open windows and doors: If you are near a door or window, push it open to let fresh air circulate. Do not spend time doing this if the smell is very strong.
• Leave the premises: Get everyone out of the house, including pets.

Turn Off the Gas Supply

If you know where your gas meter is and you can reach it safely, turn off the main valve. In most Australian homes, the meter sits at the front of the property or in a utility cupboard for apartments.

To shut off the gas, turn the handle so it sits at a right angle to the pipe. This stops the flow of gas into your home. If you have LPG cylinders instead of mains gas, turn the valve on top of the bottle clockwise until it stays tight. If the meter is in a confined space where the gas smell is thick, skip this step and just get away from the area.

Get to a Safe Distance

Once you are outside, move a good distance away from the house. Do not sit on the porch or stand in the driveway. Walk to the footpath or a neighbor’s house. Only when you are at a safe distance should you use your mobile phone. Using a phone inside a house with a gas leak carries a small risk of creating a spark.

Once you are safe, call the relevant authorities. In Australia, you should contact your gas distributor. This is the company that owns the pipes in your street, not necessarily the company that sends you the bill. Their emergency number usually appears on the top of your gas bill. If you cannot find that number or if there is a fire, call 000 immediately.

Why You Should Never Ignore the Smell

Sometimes the smell of gas is faint. You might think it is just a pilot light that went out or a burner you left on slightly. However, gas builds up quickly in enclosed spaces.

Natural gas and LPG are highly flammable. When the concentration of gas in the air reaches a certain level, any small spark can cause an explosion. This includes the spark from a fridge motor kicking in or the static electricity from your clothes. Beyond the fire risk, inhaling gas can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or oxygen deprivation.

Signs that you might be experiencing a gas leak include:

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded while inside.
• Experiencing sudden headaches or nausea.
• Noticing dead or dying plants inside the house.
• Hearing a whistling or hissing sound near gas appliances.

Professional Inspection and Repairs

Never try to fix a gas leak yourself. In Australia, it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed gas fitter to work on gas pipes or appliances. Gas plumbing requires specific training and tools to ensure the system is pressure tight.

When the gas technician arrives, they will use a device called a manometer or a combustible gas detector to find the leak. They might also use a simple soapy water test on joints to see where bubbles form.

Common areas where leaks occur include:

• Old bayonet fittings used for portable heaters.
• Corroded copper piping under the house.
• Perished rubber hoses on barbeques or cooktops.
• Faulty seals on hot water systems or central heating units.

Preventive Maintenance

The best way to handle a gas leak is to prevent one from happening in the first place. Most leaks occur because of old equipment or poor installation.

• Service your appliances: Have a licensed gas fitter check your heaters and stove every two years.
• Check for soot: If you see yellow flames or soot marks on your gas heater, it is not burning correctly.
• Install a detector: Consider buying a combustible gas alarm. These devices plug into a wall socket and sound a loud siren if they detect gas.
• Know your meter: Ensure every adult in the house knows where the gas shut off valve is located.

After the Leak is Fixed

Once the gas fitter repairs the leak, they must perform a pressure test to ensure the whole system is sound. They will then “purge” the air from the lines and relight your pilot lights for you. Do not try to turn the gas back on yourself until a professional gives you the all clear.

If you rent your home, the landlord is responsible for the safety of gas installations. If you smell gas, follow the evacuation steps first, then notify the property manager. Emergency gas repairs fall under the category of “urgent repairs” in Australian tenancy laws.

Summary of Safety

Knowing what to do if you smell gas in your house can save your life. It is a situation where you should always prioritize caution over convenience. If you smell gas, don’t wait to see if it goes away. Leave the house, turn off the supply if safe, and call for professional help from a safe distance.

Australian gas networks are generally very safe, but hardware can fail and accidents can happen. By staying alert and acting quickly, you keep your household safe from the risks of fire and carbon monoxide.